According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the human papillomavirus (HPV), is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States[1]. In fact, estimates suggest that there were about 43 million HPV infections in 2018 in the U.S. alone. With these numbers in mind, it might be easy to assume that we’re all clued in on the virus and HPV infections. Still, there a number of important things to know about HPV that many of us might not remember from our high school sex-ed class.

From the different types of HPV to the symptoms and risk factors associated with this common infection, this is what you need to know.

See also: How do you get HPV?

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How common is HPV?

As one of the most common STIs in the world, most sexually active adults will carry the HPV virus at some point in their lives. That’s right, even if you have had the HPV vaccine from a young age, it’s possible to contract some form of HPV as the vaccine doesn’t protect you from every HPV type (and there are over 100 of them!). Of course, this is why it’s so important to attend screenings and check in on your sexual health regularly.

The virus itself is sexually transmitted so that means it can be passed on by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus which is why it’s considered an STI. In general, the body’s immune system gets rid of the HPV infection naturally within a couple of years.

See also: What Are The Most Common STDs?

What are the symptoms of HPV?

There are many STIs that are known to show little to no symptoms such as chlamydia, and HPV isn’t an exception. In fact. most people with HPV don’t know they’re infected and many never develop any symptoms [2].

The types of HPV that cause genital warts are not the same as the HPV types that cause cancer and naturally, the symptoms differ. The types are commonly classified as ‘low-risk’, or wart-causing, and ‘high risk’, or cancer-causing[3].

If low risk strains do cause symptoms, the most common in women include:

  • Warts on the vagina, cervix or anus
  • Warts on the back of the throat
  • Abnormal skin changes on the vagina, cervix or anus

The most common symptoms in men can include:

  • Itching or a burning sensation inside the penis
  • Itching or burning sensation during urination
  • Unusual drip or discharge from the penis

What are the symptoms of high-risk HPV?

High-risk strains of HPV can cause cells to become abnormal - this can sometimes develop into cancer over time. It’s important to note that cancer takes many years to develop after a person gets the HPV infection. Each type will have a different set of symptoms and therefore should be investigated independently through a medical professional.

See also: Why Is It Important To Check For HPV?

Can high-risk HPV go away?

An HPV test is what’s used to check for high-risk strains of the HPV infection. If your results return positive, your doctor will decide what the next best steps are for your specific situation. According to John Hopkins Medicine, only a small percentage of women who have an HPV strain that could cause cervical cancer actually develops cancer.

Can you lower the risk of getting HPV?

The only way to completely prevent HPV infection is to avoid any sexual contact with another person, that includes vaginal, oral, and anal sex, and any other genital contact. However, this isn’t a realistic solution for many people.

Other ways to lower your risk of getting HPV include:

  • Using condoms and/or dental dams every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex
  • Limit your number of sexual partners
  • Get the HPV vaccine

See also: Can You Have Sex With HPV?

If you don't know your recent HPV status and you want to get checked to know for sure, you can do so by taking a trip to your doctors office or from the comfort of your own home with an at-home lab test.

LetsGetChecked’s at-home HPV Test for women detects high risk strains for cervical cancer. Online results will be available within 5 days and our dedicated medical team will be available every step of the way to answer any questions you may have.

You should take the test if*:

  • You have had skin to skin contact with someone who is carrying the HPV virus

  • You have had unprotected sex

  • You have not received an HPV vaccine

  • It is important to discuss this test with your doctor if you are outside the recommended age for HPV screening programs. This test is not a replacement for regular cervical (pap) smear tests.

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Buy an At-Home Sexual Health Test

Test and treat your sexual health from home with our range of at-home STD tests.

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Genital HPV Infection - Fact Sheet. Online: CDC.org, 2019
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Basic Information about HPV and Cancer. Online: CDC.org. 2018
  3. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Genital HPV Infection - Fact Sheet. Online: CDC.org, 2019
  4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Genital HPV Infection - Fact Sheet. Online: CDC.org, 2019
  5. American Cancer Society, HPV and Cancer.Online: Cancer.org, 2017
  6. L. E. Markowitz, E. F. Dunne, M. Saraiya Et. al. Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014