Human Papillomavirus infect nearly everyone, especially those sexually active people, at some point in their lives. The sexually transmitted strains of high-risk types of HPV can cause serious health problems, including anal, penile, throat and cervical cancer. In 2019, HPV caused an estimated 620,000 cancer cases in women and 70,000 in men globally.
With its prevalence, it is important to know how HPV is transmitted and what measures can be taken to protect yourself from it.
What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that most sexually active people might experience at some point in their lives. It is a common sexually transmitted infection with over 100 related viruses, with more than 40 types of HPV affecting the genital area and spread through sexual contact.
Most HPV infections usually go away by themselves within two years without causing any health problems. This can be cleared by your own immune system. However, some HPV infections can persist and lead to cancers, such as cervical cancer, anal cancer, vulvar cancer and other cancers. Other types can cause genital warts.
Higher-risk HPV types like 16 and 18 are responsible for the majority of cervical cancer cases worldwide. Other high-risk types include 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. High-risk HPV strains can cause cervical abnormalities. Low-risk HPV types like 6 and 11 can cause genital warts but do not lead to cancer.
Most HPV infections usually do not cause any symptoms and clear up on their own. The body’s natural d efences are typically sufficient to eliminate the HPV virus without the need for medical intervention.
How is HPV Transmitted?
Contrary to some misconceptions, HPV is not easily spread through casual contact like sharing towels, clothing, or bathroom surfaces. Human papillomavirus is primarily transmitted through sexual and non-sexual skin-to-skin contact.
Sexual skin-to-skin contact
Sexual contact is the most common way to transmit human papillomavirus, whether vaginal, anal sex or oral sex. This is most relevant to genital HPV infections. It is contagious that it can spread even without ejaculation or the presence of warts. It also does not require penetrative sexual activity and can be passed through genital-to-genital external contact. All sexually active individuals will be at risk of HPV infection.
Non-sexual skin-to-skin contact
Though uncommon, HPV can also be spread through non-sexual skin-to-skin contact, such as hand-to-genital contact. However, non-sexual transmission is much less likely compared to sexual contact. Non-sexual contact is more applicable to the HPV strains that cause the common warts on the hands and feet.
Risk Factors for HPV Transmission
There are factors that can increase the likelihood of HPV transmission, including:
Number of sexual partners
A higher number of sexual partners might increase the risk of HPV transmission, as each new partner exposes you to potential new HPV strains.
Strength of the Immune System
People with weaker immune systems or undergoing immunosuppressive treatments have a harder time fighting off HPV infections, making them more susceptible to transmission and infection. Pregnant women with weaker immune systems may also be infected with HPV more easily.
HPV Strain
Different strains of HPV have varying levels of transmissibility. Certain high-risk strains like HPV 16 and 18 are more easily transmitted than lower-risk strains.
Duration of Infection
Longer-lasting HPV infections generally pose a higher transmission risk. HPV Infections that persist for years increase the window of time the virus can be passed to partners.
Lack of HPV Vaccination
Not being vaccinated against HPV increases the risk of contracting and transmitting the virus. The HPV vaccine can protect you from the high-risk HPV strains.
Protecting Yourself from HPV Transmission
If you are worried about HPV transmission, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and reduce your risk of contracting the virus:
HPV Vaccination
Vaccination is a step in preventing HPV infection, especially for young people. HPV vaccines particularly Gardasil 9 are recommended for individuals aged 9-45 and have been shown to be highly effective in preventing the strains of HPV that most commonly cause cancer.
It also offers long-lasting immunity, with studies showing protection for at least ten years. However, the vaccine is most effective when administered at a young age, before exposure to the virus.
Safe Sex Practices
In addition to vaccination, practising safe sex can help reduce the risk of HPV transmission. Key safe sex practices include:
Consistent condom use: Using condoms during sexual intercourse can significantly reduce the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
Open communication with partners: Discussing sexual health history and HPV status with partners can help make informed decisions about protection and prevention.
Limiting the number of sexual partners: Reducing your sexual partners can lower the exposure to HPV and other STIs.
Regular Screenings
Even with vaccination and safe sex practices, regular screenings are still important for the early detection and management of HPV-related health issues to reduce the risk of more serious complications. Key screenings include:
Pap tests: Pap tests, which screen for cervical cell changes, are recommended for all women aged 21-65, regardless of HPV vaccination status.
HPV testing: HPV testing, which can detect the presence of the virus, is often used in conjunction with Pap tests to provide a more comprehensive assessment of cervical health. This is recommended for all women 30 years old and above in Singapore.
Symptoms of HPV Infection
Most people with HPV do not show any symptoms. However, some may experience genital warts and abnormal Pap smears (a screening tool used to detect cervical cancers).
If untreated, HPV may lead to cervical cancer and other genital cancers, such as vaginal, vulvar, penile, and anal cancer.
What Happens After HPV Transmission?
While there is no medication for HPV, the body’s immune system is often able to clear the virus on its own over time. Most HPV infections clear on their own within two years without causing any health problems. However, some HPV infections can persist and lead to precancerous changes or cancer if not detected and treated early.
Even after potential HPV exposure, it is crucial to get Pap smears and HPV tests regularly. These screenings can detect precancerous changes caused by high-risk HPV strains before they progress to cancer.
Conclusion
HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual skin-to-skin contact, but it can also spread through non-sexual contact, such as dirty surfaces. Key risk factors for transmission include multiple sexual partners, a weakened immune system, high-risk HPV strains, prolonged infection, and lack of vaccination. Preventing HPV effectively involves vaccination, safe sex practices such as consistent condom use and open partner communication, regular Pap tests and HPV tests, and cervical cancer screening.
Vaccination is particularly vital, offering strong protection against cancer-causing HPV strains and contributing to long-term immunity. Safe sex practices further reduce the chance of transmission, while regular health screenings enable early detection and treatment of HPV-related health issues, preventing progression to cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can HPV be transmitted through kissing?
HPV virus can be present in the mouth and throat. However, the risk is lower compared to transmission through oral sex or other intimate sexual contact.
How long is someone contagious after HPV infection?
Most HPV infections clear on their own within two years and do not cause any health problems. However, certain high-risk HPV types can lead to oropharyngeal cancers if the infection persists.
What should I do if I think I have been exposed to HPV?
If you think you have been exposed to HPV, you should see your healthcare provider. They can examine you for any signs of infection or precancerous changes and discuss prevention options like the HPV vaccine.
Can HPV be transmitted through casual contact(sharing towels, etc)?
HPV is not transmitted through casual contact, such as when sharing towels. The virus is primarily spread through direct sexual contact.
Is HPV only a concern for women?
HPV can infect both men and women and is a concern for everyone's sexual health.
Can HPV be prevented after exposure?
While HPV exposure cannot be completely prevented, the HPV vaccine can help prevent cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers if given before exposure. Safe sex and limiting sexual partners can also reduce transmission risk.
