Information About HPV

Types of HPV

There are over 100 types of HPV but only about 30 of those are transferred through sexual or skin to skin contact of the genitals and anus. Some of these 30 HPV types are considered low risk and can cause genital warts. The others in this group of 30 may cause dysplasia and abnormal cell changes. These are the high-risk types of HPV.

HPV Appearance of Symptoms

It can take weeks, months, or even years before symptoms appear. This is why a diagnosis of HPV does not necessarily mean anyone has been unfaithful, even in a long-term relationship.

Risks of HPV

Health risks of genital HPV do exist and should not to be overlooked, but it is important to note that for most people, HPV is a harmless infection and does not result in visible symptoms or health problems.

Few cases of high-risk HPV will lead to cervical cancer because the immune system is usually able to hold off the virus before cancer develops. In some cases, HPV may cause cell changes that persist for years, and the cells can eventually become cancerous if not detected in time. However, regular screening (such as Pap tests) can almost always find abnormalities so they can be treated before cancer occurs.

Some other cancers associated with high-risk HPV include those of the anus, penis, vagina, and vulva. These cancers are not common.

Immune System and HPV

Most sexually active couples share HPV until the immune system fights off the infection. Monogamous partners, those who are sexually intimate only with each other, are not likely to pass the same HPV type back and forth. When an HPV infection goes away the immune system remembers that HPV type and will keep a new infection of the same HPV type from occurring again. However, because there are many different types of HPV, becoming immune to one HPV type may not protect you from getting another type of HPV.