Human papillomavirus (HPV), you might have heard of it, but do you really know what it is and how it can impact your health? It’s more common than you might think. In fact, most people who are sexually active will contract HPV at some point in their lives. But the good news is understanding HPV and taking the right steps significantly reduces your risk of any health problems.

What is HPV?

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It’s a common group of viruses that infects the skin and moist surfaces of the body, including the:

• Vagina
• Vulva
• Penis
• Anus
• Mouth
• Throat

There are more than 200 types of this kind of virus. It usually shows no symptoms and, in most cases, our immune system can get rid of the virus for you within a year or two. But it can indicate serious illness. Some types are considered “low-risk”, and others “high-risk”. Low-risk types of HPV (example, HPV 6 and 11) don’t lead to cancer, only warts, while some high-risk types (like HPV 16 and 18) can cause cancer.

How is it transmitted, and how to prevent it?

HPV is commonly spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact. This includes:

1. Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
2. Genital touching
3. Deep kissing, and
4. Sharing sex toys

A person with HPV usually doesn’t have any signs or symptoms. Condoms reduce the risk of transmission, but they don’t completely prevent it. The only way to prevent HPV is to get the HPV vaccine before having sex for the first time.

What are some misconceptions about HPV?

The HPV has earned its fair share of attention in the media. Much of the information is accurate, but there is still some data that is far from the truth. Let’s discuss them one by one.

HPV is only for women.

It is a common infection that can affect both sexes.

Only promiscuous women get HPV.

HPV is more common than you think, and most sexually active people will contract it at some point in their lives, regardless of the number of partners they’ve had. Remember, that it is not necessarily by intercourse that you can contract it.

If you have HPV, you will get cervical cancer.

Some high-risk HPV types can cause cervical cancer, but take note that most infections clear up on their own without any problems. You must undergo regular cervical screening like Pap smears and HPV virus screening to detect early and prevent as soon as possible.

Women with HPV will experience symptoms.

This is already answered above. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic, meaning they don’t cause any noticeable symptoms. This is why you should have regular screenings even if you feel fine.

HPV only affects women’s fertility.

HPV, in general, does not affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant, though it may cause cervical changes that might slightly increase the risk of pregnancy complications. Not only women, but men can also suffer from genital warts and cancers of the penis, anus, and throat, caused by HPV.

HPV vaccination is only for young females.

To answer the question, “HPV vaccine, who should get it?” It is recommended for both boys and girls, ideally before they become sexually active. You will be protected against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers and other HPV-related cancers. It is most effective when given at a younger age, but it’s still beneficial for adults up to the age of 45.

If you’ve already had HPV, the vaccine no longer serves its purpose.

Even if you have had one type of HPV, the vaccine can protect you against other types you haven’t been exposed to.

Condoms offer complete protection against HPV.

This is also another misconception that’s already been cleared earlier. The virus can be spread through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by a condom.

HPV and Women’s Health

It was mentioned that HPV can lead to the development of cancers and genital warts, depending on the type of virus you were exposed to.

Cervical Cancer

Changes in cervical cells happen when an infection with high-risk types of HPV persists. A precancerous lesion may appear and cervical cancer would develop. High-risk HPVs are commonly transmitted through sexual contact. The cost of HPV vaccination in Singapore ranges from S$215 (for residents, Gardasil) to S$900 (for local residents, a package of 3 doses). Some clinics may also offer package prices.

Other Cancers

Aside from cervical cancer, the following are types of cancer associated with HPV.

• Anal cancer
• Oropharyngeal cancer
• Penile cancer
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer

Thus, HPV virus screening and vaccination go a long way in terms of preventive health measures.

Genital Warts

Genital warts are the most common STI and it is HPV that causes them, specifically strains 6 and 11 (low-risk types). They can grow on the vulva, cervix, vulva, and the walls of the vagina, or in the mouth/throat of an individual who’s had oral sex with an infected person. By undergoing regular screening or getting vaccinated, you have an added protection against the risk of developing genital warts.

Protecting Yourself from HPV

There are several tips that we can advise you if you want to protect yourself from this virus and the diseases it can cause.

HPV Vaccination

The vaccine contains virus-like particles (or VLPs) that are similar to the natural HPV virus. The difference is, they are not infectious. The VLPs trigger the body’s immune system to create antibodies that bind to the virus and prevent it from infecting cells. The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing cervical infections and reducing the risk of HPV-related cancers. It can prevent more than 90% of the cancers that are linked to HPV.

Regular HPV Virus Screening

The Ministry of Health recommends that women who are sexually active and 30 years of age or older get an HPV test every five years. If you have ever been sexually active, you should get a Pap smear every three years. If you are still menstruating, schedule your HPV test two weeks after the start of your period and up to a week before your next period. If you have reached menopause, you can schedule your test at any time.

Safe Sex Practices

It’s better to err on the side of caution, because prevention is always better than cure. If you can prevent it, there’ll be no illness to cure. Safer sex lowers your chances of getting HPV. Still use condoms and/or dental dams every time you have oral, vaginal, or anal sex. If possible, refrain from genital contact with another person.

Limiting Sexual Partners

Want to further lower your risk of contracting genital HPV infections? Limit your sexual partners, and avoid having sex with people with multiple partners.

Your first test is positive, what’s next?

If you test positive for the virus and your Pap smear test is normal, your doctor will likely recommend repeating the Pap and HPV screening tests in a year. If the second HPV test result is negative, continue getting regular Pap smears and HPV tests. But if your second test result comes back positive, your doctor may suggest a colposcopy to examine your cervix for precancerous conditions and cervical cancer.

Build your immune system.

A strong immune system helps you fight off the infection. If you are immune-competent, you can clear HPV without even knowing it. Start with a healthy diet, or you may take vitamins like folic acid and vitamin B12. There is no cure for HPV, but you can help your body fight the infection.

Should you be worried?

You don’t have to panic. A positive HPV test does not mean you’ll develop cervical cancer. It means that your doctor may suggest more frequent screenings for a longer time than usual. The infection usually becomes inactive (dormant), or clears on their own without lasting changes to your cervix.

How to reduce the stigma

To close partners, you should be honest with current and potential sexual partners. Explain to them what HPV is, that you have it, and the potential risks even if low. To friends and family, you can decide how much you want to share. If you do, share the facts and how common it is. You can also tell them that it usually clears up on its own. To casual acquaintances, you are not obligated to disclose your HPV status to people you are not intimate with.

Other People’s Possible Concerns

“Does this mean you’ve cheated?”

Explain to them that HPV can be dormant for years, so it is impossible to know when or how you got it.

“Am I at risk?”

Be honest about how this virus can be transmitted. And tell them to ask their doctor about HPV vaccination and/or getting screened.

“I am uncomfortable with this.”

Acknowledge their feelings and reiterate the facts. Respect their decisions if they want to draw the line between yourselves.

Conclusion

HPV is something you should know, since it significantly concerns women’s health. As common as these infections are, you should still protect yourself from this virus. Ask your doctor about it, and proceed with the screening if suggested so. There is no surer way than getting tested for the virus. Reach out to us, or any recommended women’s clinic in Singapore, if you plan to set an appointment or have inquiries regarding HPV. We are more than happy to answer them!