Is HPV an STI?

When discussing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), people often think of conditions like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, or HIV. However, the most common STI is human papillomavirus (HPV), which many people overlook or know little about. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to HPV, including how it is transmitted, the health problems it may cause, and steps you can take to protect yourself.

Key Takeaways

• HPV is an STI: It is transmitted through vaginal, oral, and anal sex.

• Most infections resolve naturally, but some can cause genital warts or cancer.

• Prevention is key: Use condoms, get vaccinated, and attend routine cervical screenings.

• Consult a healthcare professional: If you suspect you have HPV or have questions about vaccines or treatments, seek expert guidance.

What is HPV?

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most common STI globally. It is transmitted through vaginal, oral, and anal sex. There are numerous types of HPV, some of which are harmless, while others can cause genital warts or lead to cancer.

Why is HPV so prevalent?

One reason for the widespread nature of HPV is that it often presents no visible symptoms. Many people who have HPV may not even know they are infected, allowing the virus to spread unknowingly. Additionally:

• Asymptomatic transmission: HPV can be passed on even if the infected person has no symptoms.

• No routine HPV testing: HPV status is not typically checked during a standard sexual health screening.

Does HPV cause health problems?

In most cases, HPV infections resolve on their own without causing any health issues. However, some types of HPV can lead to genital warts or cancer.

Genital warts

• Caused by specific types of HPV, genital warts often appear as fleshy lumps or bumps in the genital area. These may resemble cauliflower-like growths.

• Diagnosis is typically made by a healthcare professional through visual inspection.

Cancer

HPV is linked to several types of cancer, including:

• Cervical cancer

• Vaginal and vulvar cancers

• Penile cancer

• Anal cancer

• Oropharyngeal cancer (affecting the tonsils, tongue, and back of the throat)

Key Point: Not all HPV infections cause cancer, and the types of HPV that cause genital warts are different from those that can lead to cancer.

How can I prevent HPV?

While HPV is highly common, there are effective steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting the virus.

Use condoms

Although condoms can’t provide complete protection (as HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom), they significantly lower the risk of transmission. Condoms also help protect against other STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and HIV.

Get the HPV vaccine

The HPV vaccine is a highly effective way to reduce the risk of HPV-related diseases and cancers. Key details include:

• The vaccine is typically administered to girls and boys around the age of 12–13 as part of routine immunisation in the UK.

• Adults who missed the vaccine during adolescence can still receive it. Speak to your GP for advice.

Attend routine smear tests

Women in the UK are invited to attend cervical screening (smear tests) from the age of 25. These tests detect abnormal cells caused by HPV before they develop into cancer, making early detection a vital tool in preventing cervical cancer.

Can I still get HPV if I use protection?

Yes, it is possible to contract HPV even if you use condoms during sexual activity. This is because HPV can infect areas not covered by condoms. However, condoms remain one of the best methods to reduce the risk of HPV and other STIs.

What treatments are available for HPV?

Although there is no cure for HPV itself, there are treatments available for conditions caused by HPV, such as:

• Genital warts: Medications like Catephen Ointment can be used to treat warts.

• Abnormal cells detected via smear test: Early intervention can help prevent the progression of cancer-causing HPV infections.

For any concerns, consult your GP or sexual health clinic for personalised advice.

Understanding and taking proactive steps to prevent HPV can protect your health and help reduce the spread of this common infection.