What is HPV? The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common virus. Over 100 different types of HPV have been identified and each is known by a number. Each type affects certain parts of the body, for example HPV types 1,2 and 4 are associated with the common warts that can arise on the hands and feet. Types 6 and 11 can cause genital warts. Some HPV types, most commonly types 16 and 18, can lead to abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb or uterus). Not all women with HPV develop warts or go on to develop changes in the cells of the cervix. This factsheet is about how HPV can affect the cervix. HPV types which cause genital warts do not cause cancerous cervical changes. Why is HPV important? When certain types of HPV affect the cervix they can lead to cell changes called cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN). This is not a cancer, but in some women can develop into cancer over a number of years if it is left untreated. Treatment for CIN is very effective, and the risk of CIN recurring after treatment is low. For many people HPV infection is temporary and most people affected will not experience any lasting cell changes. How is it spread? HPV in the genital area is spread through skin contact, mainly through sexual contact. The virus can affect both men and women. Many people do not experience any symptoms and are unaware that they have HPV. For some people visible warts do occur. The virus may be inactive for weeks, months and, for some people, possibly even years after infection. Often, exactly how a person gets the virus is uncertain; and it is not always possible to find a sexual explanation. Some people believe that there may be other ways of spreading the virus that have not yet been identified. How is it diagnosed? A woman may be told that she has HPV when she receives her cervical smear result. If a HPV infection is present, changes in the appearance of the cells can sometimes be seen when they are looked at under a microscope. Some women may notice visible warts, which appear as flat smooth small bumps, or larger 'cauliflower' like lumps. Warts are not cancerous and may appear on their own or in groups. They may itch, but are usually painless. HPV only produces visible warts in around 30% of cases, leaving 70% of people with HPV who have an invisible infection. How are visible warts treated? For most people HPV disappears on its own, however visible warts may need to be treated. Treatment is usually given at a local genitourinary medicine clinic. Warts can be removed by: · Various forms of surgery · Freezing · Chemicals or drugs applied directly to the warts. The treatment used will depend on the extent of infection, and the position of the warts. Although external warts are sometimes clearly visible, sometimes it is only possible to see them properly by looking at the cervix through a special device like a small microscope (colposcope). Only obvious visible warts can be treated. Unfortunately there is no definite cure for HPV. Warts may return after initial treatment, meaning that the treatments may need to be repeated. After treatment After any treatment, the area should be kept clean and dry. It is advisable to wear cotton underwear and loose clothing. Sexual intercourse should be avoided until the area has healed, which usually takes 2-4 weeks. HPV is more easily transmitted when there are visible warts present. For this reason, whilst warts are present and for at least 3 months after treatment, it is advisable to use condoms to avoid re-infection. What can I do if I have HPV but no visible warts? At the moment no treatment is given if you have HPV without warts, however there are several things that you can do to encourage a healthy immune system to fight the virus. If you have HPV: · Try to stop smoking. · If you have more than one sexual partner use condoms during sex. Condoms can contribute to preventing the spread of HPV although using them is not guaranteed protection. · Have regular cervical smears. Having HPV does not automatically mean that changes will occur in the surface cells of your cervix (CIN). This is because not all HPV types lead to these changes and HPV infection alone does not cause CIN. Other factors can encourage cell changes such as cigarette smoking, or a lowered immune system. From CancerBACUP This factsheet has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including the Oxford Textbook of Oncology, Souhami and Tobias and The Textbook of Uncommon Cancers. |
Intimate Health Care For Women |
What is HPV? The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a common virus. Over 100 different types of HPV have been identified and each is known by a number. Each type affects certain parts of the body, for example HPV types 1,2 and 4 are associated with the common warts that can arise on the hands and feet. Types 6 and 11 can cause genital warts. Some HPV types, most commonly types 16 and 18, can lead to abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix (neck of the womb or uterus). Not all women with HPV develop warts or go on to develop changes in the cells of the cervix. This factsheet is about how HPV can affect the cervix. HPV types which cause genital warts do not cause cancerous cervical changes. Why is HPV important? When certain types of HPV affect the cervix they can lead to cell changes called cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN). This is not a cancer, but in some women can develop into cancer over a number of years if it is left untreated. Treatment for CIN is very effective, and the risk of CIN recurring after treatment is low. For many people HPV infection is temporary and most people affected will not experience any lasting cell changes. How is it spread? HPV in the genital area is spread through skin contact, mainly through sexual contact. The virus can affect both men and women. Many people do not experience any symptoms and are unaware that they have HPV. For some people visible warts do occur. The virus may be inactive for weeks, months and, for some people, possibly even years after infection. Often, exactly how a person gets the virus is uncertain; and it is not always possible to find a sexual explanation. Some people believe that there may be other ways of spreading the virus that have not yet been identified. How is it diagnosed? A woman may be told that she has HPV when she receives her cervical smear result. If a HPV infection is present, changes in the appearance of the cells can sometimes be seen when they are looked at under a microscope. Some women may notice visible warts, which appear as flat smooth small bumps, or larger 'cauliflower' like lumps. Warts are not cancerous and may appear on their own or in groups. They may itch, but are usually painless. HPV only produces visible warts in around 30% of cases, leaving 70% of people with HPV who have an invisible infection. How are visible warts treated? For most people HPV disappears on its own, however visible warts may need to be treated. Treatment is usually given at a local genitourinary medicine clinic. Warts can be removed by: · Various forms of surgery · Freezing · Chemicals or drugs applied directly to the warts. The treatment used will depend on the extent of infection, and the position of the warts. Although external warts are sometimes clearly visible, sometimes it is only possible to see them properly by looking at the cervix through a special device like a small microscope (colposcope). Only obvious visible warts can be treated. Unfortunately there is no definite cure for HPV. Warts may return after initial treatment, meaning that the treatments may need to be repeated. After treatment After any treatment, the area should be kept clean and dry. It is advisable to wear cotton underwear and loose clothing. Sexual intercourse should be avoided until the area has healed, which usually takes 2-4 weeks. HPV is more easily transmitted when there are visible warts present. For this reason, whilst warts are present and for at least 3 months after treatment, it is advisable to use condoms to avoid re-infection. What can I do if I have HPV but no visible warts? At the moment no treatment is given if you have HPV without warts, however there are several things that you can do to encourage a healthy immune system to fight the virus. If you have HPV: · Try to stop smoking. · If you have more than one sexual partner use condoms during sex. Condoms can contribute to preventing the spread of HPV although using them is not guaranteed protection. · Have regular cervical smears. Having HPV does not automatically mean that changes will occur in the surface cells of your cervix (CIN). This is because not all HPV types lead to these changes and HPV infection alone does not cause CIN. Other factors can encourage cell changes such as cigarette smoking, or a lowered immune system. From CancerBACUP This factsheet has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including the Oxford Textbook of Oncology, Souhami and Tobias and The Textbook of Uncommon Cancers. |
Fast Facts: HPV |
