Florence Uwaeme
HPV infection is a viral infection that commonly causes skin or mucous membrane growths (warts). There are more than 100 varieties of human papillomavirus (HPV). Some types of HPV infection cause warts and some can cause different types of cancer.
Most HPV infections don’t lead to cancer. But some types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina (cervix).
- Oropharyngeal Cancer: Cancer of the mouth and Pharynx
2: Cervical Cancer: Affecting women and all individuals with a cervix
- Penile Cancer: Cancer of the penis
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Anal Cancer: Cancer of the Anus
HPV- Human Papilloma Virus.
This virus is transmitted not just from sexual intercourse, but from sexual ‘outercourse’ (Oral Sex).
Condoms reduce your risk of HPV, but not totally protective against it. However, having HIV and other STIs increase your risk of having HPV.
So use a condom either way.
Other things to do for prevention purposes
1) Get screened for HPV (Women)
2) Get vaccinated from age 9 -45
3) Screen for Cervical cancer every 3 years
4) Avoid multiple sexual partners
5) Be sure of your partners STI status
6) Use condoms
7) Quit smoking
8) Early treatment
Note that vaccination is very effective when taken before initiation of sexual contact, which is why we advocate for young boys and girls to be vaccinated before 18, at most 26. Immunity is stronger at these ages too.
