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Women's Health
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Human papilloma virus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. It also causes cervical cancer. Those are serious implications, yet many women know little about this health threat. HPV actually encompasses a group of viruses. Some types of HPV cause warts on the hands, feet and genital area. These types are called “low-risk HPV,” indicating that they have a low risk of developing into cancer. Other types, such as those that infect the cervix, vagina and anal areas, are known as “high-risk HPV.” These high-risk types of HPV can develop into cervical cancer. HPV is found in 99.8% of cervical cancers. Yet, cervical cancer is a 100% preventable cancer. Pap smears can detect precancerous cells. Early treatment of these precancerous lesions can prevent cervical cancer. Myth: Like herpes, HPV causes a lifelong infection. Truth: HPV is more like a cold virus. You can get rid of it. However, the longer the HPV infection persists, the more difficult it becomes to clear it up. Myth: Most people don’t have to worry about HPV. Truth: It is estimated that at least 75% of sexually active American men and women become infected with HPV at some time in their lives. Myth: HPV is easy to prevent. Truth: Prevention of HPV transmission is difficult, if not impossible, even with the use of condoms, which are not 100% protective. The single biggest risk factor for contracting HPV is having sexual relations. Other risk factors include having a large number of sexual partners; having sex with people who have had multiple sexual partners; becoming sexually active at 16 or younger; having other sexually transmitted diseases; and smoking. Myth: A woman will know when she is infected with HPV by the development of warts or other symptoms. Truth: After a woman is exposed to the virus, it may take weeks or years before HPV is expressed on the cervix. Most women have no symptoms and are unaware that they are infected with HPV until their Pap smear comes back as abnormal. In the case of genital HPV, there can be soft, wart-like lesions on the genital area. The prevalence of HPV underscores the importance of women’s annual Pap smear to aid in the detection of precancerous lesions on the cervix. The first Pap smear should be performed two to three years after a woman becomes sexually active or at the age of 21, whichever comes first. Depending on the specific results of an abnormal Pap smear, the physician will follow up with appropriate further testing and procedures. Any time a woman has an abnormal Pap smear, a repeat Pap must be performed six months later, and then another again after six more months. If both of those tests are normal, then she can return to a yearly Pap smear. There are some myths about HPV. Let’s set the record straight. Myth: There is no treatment for HPV. Truth: If a woman tests positive for HPV, there are several ways to treat the infection. For visible genital warts, a cream can be used to treat these external lesions. For treatment of HPV lesions on the cervix, a physician will remove them with either a laser or electrosurgery. Vaccines are currently being tested and look promising in the treatment of HPV infection and the prevention of cervical cancer. HPV, unfortunately, is so prevalent today that every sexually active woman needs to know about it. While prevention may be difficult, there are precautions that can help. Avoid contact with visible lesions. Always use condoms, even though they are not 100% effective, because they can help prevent the transmission of other sexually transmitted diseases. Avoid sexual relations with multiple partners. And continue getting annual Pap smears and pelvic exams by a qualified physician. Dr. Rachel Reitan is an OB/Gyn with UCI Medical Center, Orange County’s only university hospital, which has been named one of the nation’s best hospitals for gynecology by U.S. News & World Report. Information: www.ucihealth.com or call toll-free 714.456.2911. For information about the HPV vaccine, call toll-free 888.456.7067. |
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