HPV Vaccine – Questions & Answers

What is HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)?

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a group of over 150 related viruses. Each virus in this group has been assigned a number, which is referred as its HPV type. Certain types of HPV cause warts while there are others that can potentially cause cancer, particularly cervical cancer.

How does one get HPV infection?

Human Papilloma Virus infection can be transmitted through sexual contact. In most cases, this virus is transmitted through anal or vaginal sex. This virus is so common that a majority of sexually active women contract to it at least once in their entire lifetime. You can experience symptoms of HPV even after many years of having sexual contact with an individual infected from this virus.  This is one of the reasons why it is extremely difficult to know when you were infected with this virus.

What are the health problems caused by HPV?

Anal & Genital Warts:

Many individuals have warts on their arms, hands, legs, and beneath their feet. In low risk HPV types, people have to deal with anal and genital warts. In case of women, genital warts appear on the anus, cervix, thighs, urethra, or vulva.  In men, warts appear on the anus, scrotum, penis, or thighs. They appear as hideous cauliflower-like structure. Usually, they are painless, but can lead to burning sensation or continued itching.

Cancer:

High risk of HPV types can potentially cause cervical cancer. These Human Papilloma Virus types can be correlated to anal and penile cancers. In women, these high risk types can infect cervix and vaginal cells, where they can’t be easily seen. They can be detected by performing a Pap (Papanicolaou) test.

What are its common symptoms?

The Human Papilloma Virus dwells in mucous membranes (genital regions). If you notice genital warts, then it is a clear indication of this virus’s infection. Here, it is interesting to note that genital warts can take different types of appearances. In certain cases, they are raised and flesh-colored, while in other instances they can be flat and pink colored.

The thing with genital warts is that they can either appear within a few weeks of sexual contact with an infested individual or take a few months to appear. The individual infected by this virus might not know that he/she is infected and is primarily responsible for the transmission of this virus. Certain types of genital HPV infection are correlated to cancer in anus, cervix, penis, or vulva.

Does HPV affect partner’s health?

This virus can affect any individual who is in sexual contact with an already infected person. For instance, if your husband is infested with this virus, then sexual contact (anal or vaginal) with him can affect you too.

HPV- Vaccine & Treatment

Although there is no treatment for HPV, but you can get treatments for different problems caused by this virus. Here are some of these treatments:

The size of Genital warts may remain same, increase in size, or vanish completely over a period of time. They can be removed by constant medications. Contacting a health care practitioner is also a great option for getting rid of genital warts. Some people are against the treatment of these warts while others believe in their eradication the very moment they appear.

Abnormal cervical cells won’t give you sleepless nights. But, if you completely avoid them, then they can gradually transform into cancer. It is essential to continuously test these abnormal cervical cells and get them treated after doctor’s advice.

Cervical cancer: It is most likely to be treated in early stages. Depending upon the severity of situation, this problem can be dealt accordingly. If this form of cancer is diagnosed early, then it can be treated effectively. 

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP) is an extremely rare condition in which warts develop in the throat of an individual. This can be treated through medicines or surgery. In rare cases, an individual has to undergo multiple treatment or surgeries for treating this problem.

Below mentioned are some common treatments for HPV symptoms:·
    

Cryosurgery: This procedure involves freezing off the genital warts using liquid nitrogen.

·    Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP): This treatment involves usage of a special wire loop for the removal of abnormal cells.

·    Electrocautery: This procedure involves burning the warts using an electrical current.

·    Laser Therapy: In this treatment, intense light is used for destroying the abnormal cells and warts.

HPV vaccines:

HPV vaccines are administered for a period of over 6 months. During this span, approximately three shots of this vaccine are given for protecting against this infection and symptoms related to this problem. Cervarix, Gardasil and Gardasil 9 are three primary types of HPV vaccines. HPV symptoms in women include signs of cervical cancer. You should immediately get HPV vaccines once you notice even the minutest sign of this virus.

Gardasil and Gardasil 9 fight against anal cancer and genital warts in both men and women. Males can take one of these vaccines to prevent possibility of genital warts and anal cancer. Females can get one of these vaccines for preventing cervical cancer, anal cancer, genital warts, and vaginal cancer. HPV vaccines act as a great prevention mechanism for both men and women who develop strong immune response before becoming sexually active. This is one of the reasons why HPV vaccination must be administered to preteen boys and girls aged 11-12 years.

HPV can cause serious health problems. Sadly, any sexually active individual can be affected by this virus. So, in order to avoid the trouble, you must consider getting your kids HPV vaccines in order to avoid future complications. As mentioned earlier, there’s no definite treatment for HPV, but there are medicines and treatments for the problems caused by this virus.