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    HPV: Human Papillomavirus

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    Fenway Health
    Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who are sexually active will contract HPV in their lifetime. This brochure is an introduction to risk, symptoms, and screening.

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    HPV: Human Papillomavirus

    Uploaded by

    Fenway Health
    521 views8 pages
    Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who are sexually active will contract HPV in their lifetime. This brochure is an introduction to risk, symptoms, and screening.

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    Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who are sexually active will contract HPV in their lifetime. This brochure is an introduction to risk, symptoms, and screening.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    521 views8 pages

    HPV: Human Papillomavirus

    Uploaded by

    Fenway Health
    Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most people who are sexually active will contract HPV in their lifetime. This brochure is an introduction to risk, symptoms, and screening.

    Copyright:

    Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
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    HPV

    Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Most people who are sexually active will contract HPV in their lifetime.

    WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT HPV?


    LOW ASYMPTOMATIC BENIGN GENITAL WARTS PRE-CANCEROUS LESIONS HIGH CANCER

    HPV infections fall on a spectrum from low-risk to high-risk:

    The majority of HPV infections resolve on their own, without causing any symptoms or severe health problems.

    Low-risk strains of HPV can cause genital warts, which are usually painless. Without treatment, warts may continue to spread, or they may go away on their own. High-risk strains can cause changes to the tissues of the cervix, anus, or throat. If left untreated, these infections can lead to cancer.

    HOW CAN YOU GET HPV?


    Anybody who has ever had intimate contact with another person can have HPV. HPV is transmitted through skinto-skin sexual contactincluding vaginal, anal and oral sex. Everyone is at risk, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

    DO YOU NEED TO BE SCREENED FOR HPV?


    Anyone with a cervix should get regular Pap tests to check for changes to the cervix. Changes that are caught early on can be treated before they lead to cancer. If cervical Pap test results are abnormal or unclear, your healthcare provider might also give you an HPV test. This will help determine what treatment is right for you. Specific HPV testing is only recommended with a cervical Pap for people over 30. There are no official guidelines for anal HPV testing. If you think you might be at risk, talk to your health care provider. Anyone with genital warts should see a clinician.

    WHAT CAN I DO?


    z Is recommended for all people ages 1126 z Protects against new HPV infections z Requires three shots over the course of six months z Is covered by most major insurers

    Get the HPV shot. The HPV vaccine:

    PRACTICE SAFER SEX.


    z Use condoms during penetrative (vaginal and anal) sex to reduce risk of transmission. Condoms and dental dams can be used during oral sex. However, these will not fully protect against HPV because the virus can infect areas that are not covered by condoms or other barriers. z Limit the number of partners you have. The fewer you have, the less likely you will be to get HPV. z Clean sex toys and prosthetic devices to prevent transmission of STIs. Its important to keep the instructions for cleaning and follow them closely.

    RESOURCES
    Fenway Health
    fenwayhealth.org cdc.gov

    Center for Disease Control

    ANSIN BUILDING 1340 Boylston Street Boston MA 02215 TEL 617.267.0900 WEB fenwayhealth.org
    COM.12.198

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