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What is HPV?
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus,
is the name of a group of viruses
that has more than 100 different strains.
HPV is sometimes called the wart virus
because some types of HPV cause warts
on the hands, feet or genitals. Some
types can turn into cancer over many,
many years. ASHA recommends getting the HPV vaccine, pap and
HPV testing when appropriate.
How do I get HPV?
HPV and genital
warts are spread when you have sex with
someone who already has the virus. You
can get HPV as long as you are having
sex. You may not know if you
have HPV.
Why haven't I heard of HPV?
HPV is very
common. HPV
is the most common STI in the United States,
but
- Many people
don't know they have it.
- Many people give it to their partners
without meaning to.
Some people will know they have HPV when:
- They see warts
or bumps in their genitals or their
sex partner's genitals.
- Their doctor or nurse sees warts that
are inside the vagina or in the anus found during an exam
of their body.
- They find something wrong in their
Pap test. When something is wrong
in the Pap test it could mean that
they have HPV.
Is there a cure for HPV?
No.
HPV is a virus and there is no direct
treatment for the virus. Most people never
have a problem with HPV because their body's
immune system keeps the virus from ever
becoming a problem. HPV can be treated
and controlled if you do show the signs
of having the virus.
You should go to the doctor or clinic if:
- You notice any weird
growths, bumps or skin changes on or
near the penis, vagina, vulva, anus,
scrotum or groin.
- If you see a bump
that wasn't there before or your skin
just doesn't look the way it usually
does.
- Your sex partner(s) tells you that he or
she has HPV.
What
are genital warts?
When it
comes to genital HPV, only 2
of the 30+ types actually cause
genital warts. The genital warts
(that you can see) are small, hard
reddish bumps in the genital area.
They are harmless and often go
away on their own in a few months.
They may be:
- Flat (smooth
on the skin)
- Raised (like a bump or skin growth)
- Single (only one wart)
- Multiple (more than one in the same
area or many areas)
- Small or large
Genital warts can show up:
- Penis
- Scrotum
- Vulva (entire outer femal genital area)
- In or around the vagina
- In or around the anus (butt
hole)
- Groin (where the genital area meets
the inner thigh)
Can genital
warts be treated?
If genital
warts are itching, burning or bleeding,
or you just want to do whatever you
can to get rid of them go see your healthcare
provider since they have several
treatment options.
Some things to think about before getting
any treatment for genital warts:
- If you are
pregnant or think you might be, tell
your doctor or nurse so a treatment
can be chosen that won't hurt you
or the baby.
- Ask your doctor or nurse to tell
you about the treatment, including how much it costs and
the good things about it.
- Be sure you know what to do after
you have the treatment done, like
what to do about any itching, burning or pain, and when to
come back to the office or clinic.
- Be patient, most people have to be
treated more than once or your doctor
or nurse may have to try more than
one treatment.
- Some doctors or nurses may tell you
not to have sex while having treatment.
This is to protect the treated areas
of skin and help it heal.
- It's OK to ask the doctor or nurse
questions. They are there to help
you and explain what is happening
if you have any questions.
When
should I get a Pap test?
According to
the American Cancer Society, a girl
should get her first Pap test by age
21, or within three years of having
sex - which ever happens first.
Should I be afraid of getting cancer?
HPV is a very common virus, and most
girls with HPV do not get cervical
cancer. Cervical cancer is slow-growing
and usually takes years to come along.
This is why getting a Pap test each
year is important.
I heard about
a vaccine, what is it?
One HPV vaccine,
Gardasil®, has been licensed by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
(FDA). It is available for girls
and women between 9-26 years old.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization
Practices (ACIP) to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention recommends
vaccination
for girls 11-12 years of age and
women
ages 13-26 years who have not previously
received it.
Here are some facts:
- Gardasil® works
to prevent the most common causes
of cancer and genital warts between
95-100% of the time.
- There are three shots. Once you get
the first shot, you need a second
shot two months later. You need to
get a third shot six months after you get the first shot.
- It will not cure or treat HPV if
you already have HPV, but it may help you to not get any
other type.
- It is best to get the shot before
you start having sex.
Where can I learn more about HPV?
To learn more about HPV and other STIs call:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
800-232-4636
Hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week.
Information is available in Spanish as
well
For Information for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing call
1-888-232-6348
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