HPV-Human Papilloma Virus
By: Lauren G.
What is HPV?
- The #1 most common STD in college students according to the CDC, and is actually also the most common STD of all
- And STD is a sexually transmitted disease
- There is no true way to completely avoid HPV, there are many different kinds, but not all can lead to cancer
- 14 million people get HPV every year
- More than 11,000 women get cervical cancer every year
- You CAN lower your risk and likelihood of contracting this STD by following the following steps
Signs and Symptoms
- Genital Warts
- Lesions on the tongue, tonsils, soft palate, larynx, and nose
- Many people are asymptomatic
Treatments
- There is no actual treatment or cure, but it can go away on its own.
- Warts can be treated with medication, but may go away on their own.
- Cervical pre-cancer can be monitored and treated by getting regular Pap tests to catch it before it advances too far
- Getting regular tests and scans can also prevent and treat other cancers caused by HPV
Prevention and Protection
- Abstinence (vaginal, anal, or oral sex)
- Use a condom
- Limit your number of sexual partners
- Get vaccinated--protects against types 16 and 18 which are high risk cancer types
- Recommended vaccination is during the ages 11 and 12, but it can be given to men through age 21 and women through age 26
- Get screened for cancers
- Avoiding sexual activity at an early age
- Get an HPV test, although there is no official or approved test, the American Cancer Society recommends getting them if they are available by your health care provider
- Protect yourself from HIV/AIDS
Complications
- Genital warts
- Cancer---cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, mouth, throat, oropharyngeal