Human Papilloma Virus

Never heard of it?
Doesn't mean you don’t have it.

A THREAT LARGERTHAN IT APPEARS

A THREATLARGER THANIT APPEARS

Estimations indicate 660 million annual incidences of HPV worldwide, which in turn can be responsible for causing cases of cervical, anal, vulvar and vaginal cancer.

HPV is the cause of almost all cases of cervical cancer in India.

India contributes to 1/5th of the global cervical cancer burden.

More than 95% of cervical cancer cases worldwide are attributed to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

In most cases, the HPV infection clears up by itself. But sometimes, the infection lasts longer.

HPV, AN OPEN CONVERSATION

It’s a wonder that HPV is never talked about, considering it’s one of the most prominent viruses when it comes to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF HPV

Although most HPV infections resolve on their own, there are about a 100 different strains of HPV out there.

The more notorious strains, such as HPV 16 and 18, have been shown to be the main drivers behind cervical cancer cases in women.

Low-risk HPV

The low-risk strains of HPV (e.g. 6 and 11) manifest in the form of painless genital warts and cause about 90% of genital warts in females and males.

High-risk HPV

The high-risk strains of HPV (e.g., 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58) can lead to cervical, vaginal, vulvar and anal cancers in women.

We Don’t Mean to Dull Your Climax, But-

Sexual contact

  • Vaginal sex
  • Anal sex
  • Oral sex

NON-Sexual contact

  • Self-inoculation
  • From mother to child, during birth

So how does a Sexually Transmitted Infection, transmit Non- sexually?

So how does a Sexually Transmitted Infection, transmit Non- sexually?

The infection has the potential to spread through skin-to-genital or non-genital skin-to-skin contact. Transmission can occur if a person has been in contact with infected skin, genitals or objects, unknowingly.

It is possible to contract the infection from contaminated objects, thus, unsanitary or unhygienic places also pose a risk.

Cases of transmission have been observed where there is prolonged contact with infected skin, the germs can then travel from the individual’s hands to their genitals.

HPV can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to the child during birth, but the risk is very low.

The transmission rates of HPV can be controlled by engaging in safe sex practices such as using condoms and dental dams.

However, this is not a fool-proof method as a condom does not cover all potentially infected areas.

Talk to your doctor about further preventive measures you can explore to ensure that the looming threat of the virus does not affect the quality of your sex life.

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HPV can be diagnosed by a doctor after inspection of genital warts. In cases where genital warts are not present, your doctor may recommend further testing to ascertain the presence of the virus.

Regular screenings for women as part of good sexual hygiene are recommended to help detect the virus in its early stages.

Frequently Asked Questions

HPV can be transmitted through self-inoculation when an individual comes into contact with a contaminated surface. Self-inoculation is when you unwittingly transfer an infection from one part of your body to the other. However, such cases are uncommon.
Yes, HPV can spread from the mother to the child during pregnancy. Potential transmission can be through the amniotic fluid, through the placenta or due to contact with maternal genital mucosa during natural birth.
There is no documented link between HPV and infertility in women.
While you may have heard that HPV only affects women, this is entirely untrue. Both men and women can catch the infection, it is not limited to any one sex. The infection can also be contracted by children through contact with infected skin or contaminated objects, or through vertical transmission from mother to child.
Yes, multiple research studies suggest that HPV may lead to cervical cancer in women. Predominantly, HPV 16 and 18 are the serotypes to look out for. They are responsible for more than 95% of cervical cancer cases globally.
There is no direct, documented link between HPV and HIV. They are two distinct infections with varying symptoms and treatments. However, studies suggest that individuals infected with HIV may be at increased risk of contracting HPV.
The spread of HPV can be controlled by engaging in safe sex practices such as using condoms or dental dams to reduce the chances of HPV transmission. Talk to your doctor for advice on further preventive measures.

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Disclaimer:

The information contained herein is meant purely for awareness, it does not substitute for a doctor’s advice. Please speak to your doctor for more information.
Images for representation purposes only.

HPV – Human Papillomavirus
STI - Sexually Transmitted Infection