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Public Health Solutions
District Health Department
995 East Hwy 33, Ste 1
Crete, NE 68333-2562
888.310.0565
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HPV - Human Papillomavirus
What is it?
Genital HPV infection is an infection caused by the virus of the same name. There are 100 different strains or types, and more than 30 are sexually transmitted. There are "high-risk" types, which can lead to cancer in men and women (including but not limited to cervical cancer), and "low-risk" types that may cause genital warts.
What are the symptoms?
Most people infected with HPV do not exhibit symptoms. Some people develop visible genital warts, or have pre-cancerous changes in the cervix, vulva, anus, or penis. Warts appear as soft, moist, pink or flesh-colored swellings, usually in the genital area (can also develop on the thigh). They can be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large. After sexual contact with an infected person, warts may appear within weeks or months, or not at all. Diagnosis of genital warts is by visual examination. Most women who do not develop warts are diagnosed with HPV on the basis of abnormal Pap test results. No HPV tests are available for men.
How is it treated?
Warts may be removed using patient-applied medications or physician-performed treatments. Treatment may be postponed to wait and see if the warts will disappear on their own. Antibiotics are not useful in treating a viral infection.
How is it prevented?
Refrain from genital contact with other people. For those who choose to be sexually active, a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner is also effective. Other prevention strategies that are useful but less effective are reducing the number of sexual partners, and choosing a partner who is less likely to be infected (someone who has had few or no other sexual partners). Condoms have not been proven effective in preventing the spread of HPV.
There is a newly developed vaccine for women that protects against four types of HPV, including those responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases. The vaccine is licensed for girls/women ages 9 to 26, and in administered in a 3-shot series over 6 months. Call PHS at 888-310-0565 for more details about obtaining the vaccine.
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