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Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners
How do I prevent HPV and if I have it how will I know? Prevention and symptoms of HPV?
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Women's Health Queensland Wide provides free health information for Queensland women. View Profile
The human papillomavirus is a common virus that infects the body's skin and mucous membranes. There are over 100 types of the HPV and some of these are sexually transmitted and infect the genital area. There are low-risk types and high-risk types. The low-risk types include types 6 and 11 which are associated with genital warts. The high-risk types are those associated with cancer, with the most common being types 16, 18, 31, and 45. A person can be infected with more than one type at a time.Genital HPV is transmitted through direct skin to skin contact of the genitals. It is not transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids or blood. Transmission usually occurs during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Genital HPV is transmitted very easily. Anyone who is sexually active can get genital HPV. While having more sexual partners (or having a partner who has had multiple sexual partners) will increase the risk, those with one-lifetime sexual partner can still get genital HPV (if their partner is infected with the virus). The use of condoms does not provide complete protection from genital HPV as transmission can still occur if infected areas of skin are not covered. HPV infection most commonly occurs during the first few years of sexual activity and so it is very common in young women. Many people infected with genital HPV will experience no symptoms. Most people's immune system will get id of the virus on its own. A small number of people infected with types 6 and 11 will develop genital warts. Warts occur, on average three months following exposure to genital HPV. Warts can be found on the vulva, clitoris, cervix, penis, scrotum inside the vagina or urethra, and in or oround the anus. There is a number of treatments for genital warts, depending on site and location and your GP or sexual health practitioner will advise on the best method for you. Genital warts can recur following treatment. Maintaining a healthy immune system and not smoking can minimise the risk of recurrence. Genital HPV can cause changes the cells of the skin and mucous membranes. If these cell changes persist they can develop into cancer. High risk types of genital HPV are associated with a range of cancers, in particular cervical cancer. Abnormal cell changes of the cervix due to HPV can be detected by a pap smear. For many women this is the first time they are aware they have the virus. All women between 18 and 70 years (including those who have had cerbvical cancer vaccine) who have ever been sexually active, should have a pap smear every two years.
Vivienne
Women’s Health Educator
Health Information Line, Women’s Health Queensland Wide
Women living in Queensland can also call our Health Information Line - a free information and referral service for Queensland women - on 3839 9988 or 1800 017 676 (toll free outside Brisbane).
Please note that all health information provided by Women’s Health Queensland Wide is subject to this disclaimer
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