HPV is the sexually transmitted Human Papillovirus. It has been linked to many diseases including cervical, vaginal, anal, penile, and oral cancers as well as genital warts.

Are there other ways I can contract HPV?

It has been proven that the most likely and common way to contract HPV is through sexual activity. However, scientists are debating whether or not HPV can be transmitted via shared underwear, bathing suits, or tanning beds. HPV is contagious.

How common is HPV?

Approximately, 8 out of every 10 sexually active (or at one time sexually active) people have HPV.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

According to the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people who have HPV will not have any symptoms. However, certain types of HPV strands can cause genital warts in men and women, and other types can cause cervical cancer and other cancers that are less common, such as vulva, vagina, anus, penis, and oral cancer. Cervical cancer does not have any symptoms, that is why it is important for women to have routine paps.

Women will feel symptoms of cervical cancer when it is in an advance stage.

What is high risk HPV?

High-risk HPV are the strands of HPV that can cause cancer. Strands that can cause genital warts are considered to be low-risk.

Can my partner be tested for HPV?

Currently, women can be tested for HPV through routine paps. HPV causes abnormal changes in cells. Paps look for these changes. If you have dysplasia, abnormal changes in cells, your doctor will want to monitor you every six months and treat you if your pap remains abnormal. 

Are there treatments for HPV?

While there is no treatment for the virus, there are treatments for the changes it can cause. Visible genital warts can be removed. With routine paps, cervical cancer can be prevented. For other cancers that can develop, there are other medical treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.

The best way to fight HPV is to have a healthy lifestyle.

How should I change my lifestyle to fight HPV?

To fight HPV, avoid multiple partners. Avoid cigarette smoke. Avoid drinking alcoholic beverages heavily. Take vitamins. Exercise often. Eat your greens!

Doctors have recommended the following vitamins* to help improve immune system:

• Beta Carotene- 50,000 IU

• Folic Acid- 400 mcg or more

• Yeast free B Complex- 50-100 mcg

• Vitamin C

*amounts maybe high. Consult your physician.

If HPV goes away, can I get it again?

It is possible for signs of HPV to go away. Scientists are in debate whether or not the virus goes away or becomes dormant.

Can HPV be passed on to my children?

HPV is not hereditary. Studies have shown though that the strands of HPV that cause genital warts can effect babies delivered vaginally in the form of trachea problems (RRP- Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis). RRP is very rare; the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that less than 2,000 babies will be effected in 2008.

At this time, no studies have been conducted whether or not cancer causing HPV strands can be passed through the birth canal in vaginal deliveries.