HPV is considered to be the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world today. It’s a virus, but it is a different kind of virus than others that are sexually transmitted, such as herpes or HIV. It is so common, in fact, that almost every sexually active person will experience an HPV infection at some point in their lives. It doesn’t even require an active infection to spread. HPV can be transmitted even when someone isn’t showing signs or symptoms of the disease. Knowing these important facts about this virus can help to keep you safer.
1. HPV is spread through any sexual contact.
The two most common forms of sexual contact that spread HP is through vaginal or anal intercourse. It can also be spread during oral sex, although the transmission is less common in this instance. As long as someone is sexually active, there is a change to get HPV. Even if you’ve only ever had sex with one person, the virus can be transmitted to you. Symptoms can develop years after an infection, so it is impossible to really know when someone has been affected.
2. The immune system can often eliminate HPV.
Although HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, it isn’t usually a serious issue. The human immune system can typically eliminate the virus without it causing any healthy problems. People who have weakened immune systems, certain physical health issues, or are more advanced in age may find that HPV is able to stay within their body, even with the immune system fighting it off. That’s when health problems can begin.
3. HPV can cause cancer.
The primary reason why the HPV vaccine was administered was because this virus is known to be a contributing factor to certain types of cervical cancer. It can also contribute to other cancers and is known to cause pelvic inflammation and a host of other painful symptoms when the virus is exposed to certain parts of the body. It is not uncommon for HPV to cause other issues, such as genital warts, if the virus is able to stay active.
4. It’s a slow moving virus.
Even the virus isn’t eliminate by the immune system, HPV tends to move slow. Very, very slow, in fact. It can take several years, if not several decades, for HPV-initiated cancer to begin. The same is true for genital warts. Having genital warts and HPV is actually not a bad thing in some ways because this form of the virus is known not to cause cancers. The only problem is that until someone actually sees signs and symptoms of HPV, it is impossible to know what type of virus is had.
5. Using contraception methods can reduce the chances of having HPV.
The two best proactive preventions for sexually active people is to remain in a monogamous relationship and use latex condoms as instructed every time you have sex. HPV will still infect areas that are not covered by the condom, so it may not provide full protection to someone if there is a known infection. Vaccinations are also available to adults 26 or younger who belong to certain lifestyle demographics.
HPV is a scary virus, but it doesn’t have to be. With proactive preventions, getting the vaccine, and careful relationship management, this virus doesn’t have to cause problems for you. Protect yourself and you can beat HPV.