Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. While the body's immune system clears most cases, certain strains lead to serious health issues. Take control of your reproductive health by learning the risks and prevention methods.
Here’s what our experts at Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven want you to know.
HPV is so common that nearly every sexually active person will contract it at some point if they aren't vaccinated. About 13 million Americans, including teenagers, become infected each year. There are more than 42 million Americans currently living with types of HPV known to cause disease.
Most HPV infections don't cause symptoms, and many people never know they have it. However, high-risk strains are the primary cause of cervical cancer. Almost all cervical cancer cases are caused by HPV.
The impact isn't small. HPV causes about 39,300 cases of cancer in the U.S. every year. For women, this includes about 11,100 cases of cervical cancer annually. High-risk HPV can also lead to cancers of the vulva, vagina, and back of the throat.
The HPV vaccine can prevent over 90 percent of cancers caused by the virus. While it's best to get the vaccine at age 11 or 12, it's approved for adults up to age 45.
For women, regular screenings are vital:
We recommend that women aged 30-65 have an HPV test every 5 years, or a co-test (Pap and HPV) every 5 years. If you're between 21 and 29, a Pap test every three years is typically recommended.
Receiving a positive HPV result doesn't mean you have cancer. Most HPV infections are transient and cleared by the immune system within two years. If your test is positive, our team will determine the next steps based on your specific results and health history.
If your Pap test was standard but the HPV test was positive, we might recommend watchful waiting. This means repeating the test in one year to see if the infection has cleared.
If both tests show abnormalities, we may perform a colposcopy. During this 10 to 20-minute procedure, a specialist uses a magnifying lens to examine the cervix closely. If suspicious areas are found, a small tissue sample, or biopsy, is taken for further testing.
To book your HVP screening or vaccine, contact Internal Medicine of Greater New Haven online or by phone.
