What is HPV?

The humanpapilloma virus (HPV) causes cervical cancer. HPV is a very common infection that can be spread from person to person. Some types of HPV are spread through sexual contact.

HPV treatment options
HPV itself is never treated, but symptoms and signs of the virus are. Minor Pap test abnormalities do not need treatment because most will go away on their own. Other abnormalities may be treated with freezing, burning, or cutting away the abnormal tissue. Self administered cream may be used for genital warts.

When did I get HPV?
Although HPV is a sexually transmitted infection, it is usually impossible to know when – or from whom – you acquired it because most people have no symptoms and don’t even know they have it.

Will I always have HPV?
It is difficult to predict when HPV is no longer contagious. Scientists are unsure whether the virus is ever completely eliminated from the body or if it is just reduced to undetectable levels.

Can partners reinfect each other?
Reinfection with the same type of HPV is unlikely. However, no studies have been done on reinfection. Partners are likely to share the same type of HPV. Exposure to the same type of HPV does not appear to cause a person to experience more symptoms.

Prevention
Most sexually active people will get HPV. Mutual monogamy and abstinence are the best ways to prevent it. Condoms may help, but HPV transmission is still possible with condoms.

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