Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD): HPV
What are Sexually Transmitted Diseases/Infections?
More than 30 different bacteria, viruses and parasites are known to be transmitted through sexual contact. Eight of
these pathogens are linked to the greatest incidence of sexually transmitted disease. Out of these 8 infections, 4 are
currently curable: syphilis, gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomoniasis. The other 4 are viral infections and are
incurable: hepatitis B, herpes simplex virus (HSV or herpes), HIV, and human papillomavirus (HPV).1
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are spread predominantly by sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and
oral sex. Some STIs can also be spread through non-sexual means such as via blood or blood products.1 Many
STIs—including chlamydia, gonorrhoea, primarily hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis—can also be transmitted from
mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth. Common symptoms of STIs include vaginal discharge, urethral
discharge or burning in men, genital ulcers, and abdominal pain.
What is HPV?2
HPV, Human Papillomavirus, is the most common
sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV is a viral
infection that can be spread from one person to
another person through anal, vaginal, oral sex, or
through other close skin-to-skin touching during
sexual activity.2 HPV can be spread even when an
infected person has no visible signs or symptoms. If
you are sexually active you can get HPV, and
sexually active people get infected with HPV at
some point in their lives.
Lasting HPV infection can cause genital warts or
certain kinds of cancer.2 Genital warts usually
appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the
genital area. They can be small or large, raised or
flat, or shaped like a cauliflower. A healthcare
provider can usually diagnose warts by looking at
them. HPV infection isn’t cancer but can cause
changes in the body that lead to cancer. These
include cervical cancer in women, penile cancer in
men, and anal cancer in both women and men. HPV
can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, the
base of the tongue and tonsils (oropharyngeal
cancer).2
You can do several things to lower your chances of getting HPV:2
• Get screen. Routine screening for women aged 21-65 years old can prevent cervical cancer.
• Get vaccine. HPV vaccine is safe and effective. It can protect males and females against diseases (including
cancers) caused by HPV when given in the recommended age.
CDC recommends 11 to 12 year olds get two doses of HPV vaccine to protect against cancers caused by HPV.2
It is also recommended for men and women with compromised immune systems (including people living with
HIV/AIDS) through age 26, if they did not get fully vaccinated when they were younger.
The HPV vaccines prevent infection by the HPV types responsible for most cervical cancers. There are three available
forms of the HPV vaccine:3
• Cervarix: Prevents infection by HPV-16, HPV-18. It's approved for females aged 10-25 to help prevent cervical
cancer.
• Gardasil: Prevents infection by HPV-16, HPV-18, and also HPV-6 and HPV-11, the two HPV types that cause 90%
of genital warts. It is approved by the FDA for use by females aged 9-26 to prevent cancers of the cervix, vulva,
vagina; genital warts and anal cancer. It's also approved for males aged 9-26 to help prevent genital warts and anal
cancer.
• Gardasil 9: Prevents infection by the same HPV types as Gardasil, plus HPV-31, HPV-33, HPV-45, HPV-52, and
HPV-58. Collectively, these types are implicated in 90% of cervical cancers.
HPV vaccines are extremely effective at preventing infection by the HPV types they cover. Getting the HPV vaccine
reduces a woman’s risk of cervical cancer and precancerous growths substantially. Men cannot develop cervical
cancer, but the HPV vaccine may prevent genital warts, anal cancer, and the spread of HPV to sexual partners.
Gardasil and Gardasil 9 are approved for males ages 9 through 26. However, the HPV vaccines do not treat or cure
an HPV infection in women or men who are already infected by one of these HPV types.3
References:
1) WHO (World Health Organization). Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) [Updated: August, 2016] Available from:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs110/en/
2) CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs). [Updated: November 4,
2016] Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/std/general/default.htm
3) WebMD Medical Jennifer Robinson, MD. HPV Vaccine for Adults [Updated: January 02, 2017] Available from:
http://www.webmd.com/vaccines/adult-hpv-vaccine-guidelines