About Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
For genital HPV to spread, there must be skin-to-skin contact during intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex. If your genitals (vulva, vagina, cervix, penis and scrotum, rectum, and anus) come into contact with the same parts of an infected partner you could get infected. Also, hand-to-genital contact may cause the virus to spread.
What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Among these, more than 40 types can infect the genital areas of men and women, including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix, and rectum.
Most people who become infected with HPV do not even know they have it. Usually, the body’s immune system gets rid of the HPV infection naturally within two years. This is true of both high-risk and low-risk types. However, some types can cause health problems including genital warts and cancers. However some vaccines can stop these health problems from happening.
HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives. This is true even for people who only have sex with one person in their lifetime. HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. You can develop symptoms years after you have sex with someone who is infected. This makes it hard to know when you first became infected.
In most cases, HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems. But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer. 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 the genital area.
HPV can cause cervical and other cancers including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (called oropharyngeal cancer). Cancer often takes years, even decades, to develop after a person gets HPV. The types of HPV that can cause genital warts are not the same as the types of HPV that can cause cancers.
How is HPV related to cervical cancer?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant risk factor for cervical cancer, one of the most common types of cancer in women worldwide. The relationship between HPV and cervical cancer is well-established and is a key factor in the prevention and early detection of this disease.
HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, more than 40 of which can infect the genital areas of men and women. Certain types of HPV, known as high-risk types, can cause changes in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Over time, these changes can develop into precancerous lesions. If these lesions are not detected and treated, they can progress to cervical cancer.
It’s important to note that while HPV infection is common, not everyone who has HPV will develop cervical cancer. Most HPV infections go away on their own without causing any health problems. However, in some people, the virus does not go away and can cause changes in the cells of the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer over time.
The link between HPV and cervical cancer has led to significant advancements in preventive measures. Vaccines are now available that can protect against the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer. Regular screening for cervical cancer, through Pap tests and HPV tests, can also help detect precancerous changes in the cervix early, before they develop into cancer.
Diagnosing HPV
Who does HPV affect?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect both men and women. It’s so common that nearly all sexually active people will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives.
HPV can affect anyone sexually active, regardless of their gender or age. However, it’s most commonly diagnosed in people in their late teens and early 20s, as this is when people are often most sexually active. Both men and women can contract and transmit the virus, even if they don’t show any symptoms.
Women are particularly at risk of the health problems associated with HPV, as certain types of the virus can lead to cervical cancer. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts in both men and women. In addition, certain types of the virus can cause other types of cancer, including anal cancer, penile cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer (cancer in the back of the throat), in both men and women.
It’s important to note that not everyone who gets HPV will develop health problems. Most people with HPV never develop symptoms or health problems, and most HPV infections go away by themselves within two years. However, if an HPV infection does not go away, it can cause genital warts or certain types of cancer.
HPV can affect individuals of all races and ethnicities. However, disparities exist in the rates of HPV-related diseases among different racial and ethnic groups, often due to differences in access to screening and vaccination services.
HPV signs in Women & Men
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can affect both men and women. However, in many cases, HPV does not cause any symptoms, and individuals may not know they are infected. When symptoms do occur, they can vary depending on the type of HPV virus involved.
In women, certain types of HPV, known as high-risk types, can lead to changes in the cells of the cervix, which can be detected through regular cervical screening tests, such as Pap smears or HPV tests. These changes do not cause any physical symptoms, but if left untreated, they can develop into cervical cancer over time. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts, which appear as small, flat, or raised bumps on the skin in the genital area. These warts may cause discomfort, itching, or pain.
In men, HPV can also cause genital warts, which can appear on the penis, scrotum, anus, or groin. Like in women, these warts may cause discomfort, itching, or pain. Men are also at risk of developing cancer from HPV, including cancers of the penis, anus, and throat. However, these cancers are less common than cervical cancer in women and often do not cause symptoms until they are at an advanced stage.
It’s important to note that the presence of genital warts does not mean that an individual will develop cancer. The types of HPV that cause genital warts are usually different from the types that cause cancer. However, because HPV can be asymptomatic, regular check-ups and screenings are crucial, particularly for women.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that often does not cause any symptoms, which means many people who have the virus may not know they are infected. However, when symptoms do occur, they can vary depending on the type of HPV virus involved.
One of the most common symptoms of HPV is the appearance of genital warts. These can occur in both men and women and are caused by specific types of HPV. Genital warts usually appear as small, flat, or raised bumps on the skin in the genital or anal area. They can be single or multiple, small or large, and sometimes they cluster together giving a cauliflower-like appearance. While these warts can cause discomfort, they are not dangerous.
However, certain types of HPV, known as high-risk types, can lead to more serious health problems, including various forms of cancer. These types of HPV can cause changes in the cells of the cervix in women, which can eventually lead to cervical cancer. Other types of cancer that can be caused by HPV include vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, mouth, and throat cancers. These types of HPV infections often do not cause any symptoms until the cancer has progressed, which is why regular screenings for HPV and HPV-related cancers are so important.
It’s important to note that having HPV does not mean you will get cancer. Most people with HPV do not develop cancer, and in most cases, the body’s immune system can clear the HPV infection naturally within two years.
How do you get HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection, meaning it is primarily spread through sexual activity. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and it can be passed on even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms of the virus. It’s important to note that HPV can be contracted from someone who has had the virus for many years, even if they have remained symptom-free.
HPV can also be spread through close skin-to-skin contact, which means that it can be transmitted during sexual activities that do not involve intercourse. Furthermore, certain types of HPV can be passed on through non-sexual means. For example, some types of HPV that cause warts on the hands or feet can be spread through casual skin contact or from surfaces in places like public swimming pools or showers.
It’s also worth noting that while using condoms and dental dams can reduce the risk of contracting HPV, they do not eliminate the risk entirely. This is because HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom or dental dam.
HPV is extremely common; most sexually active people will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives. In most cases, the body’s immune system clears the HPV infection naturally within two years. However, some types of HPV can persist and lead to health problems like genital warts and various types of cancer.
Vaccination is a highly effective way to prevent HPV infection. The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most commonly cause genital warts and cervical cancer, as well as some other types of cancer. The vaccine is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 but can be given starting at age 9 and through age 26 if not vaccinated earlier.
Diagnostic tests for HPV
Diagnosing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) often involves a combination of physical examination and laboratory tests. If genital warts are visible, a healthcare provider might be able to diagnose HPV infection by looking at the warts. In cases where genital warts aren’t visible, one or more of the following tests may be required:
Vinegar (acetic acid) solution test: A vinegar solution applied to HPV-infected genital areas turns them white. This may help in identifying difficult-to-see flat lesions.
Pap test: This test involves collecting a sample of cells from the cervix or vagina for laboratory analysis. Pap tests can reveal abnormalities that can lead to cancer.
DNA test: This test, conducted on cells from the cervix, can recognize the DNA of the high-risk varieties of HPV that have been linked to genital cancers. It’s recommended for women 30 and older in addition to the Pap test.
It’s important to note that a Pap test cannot detect HPV, but it can find cell changes or abnormal cells in the cervix. When testing is done only for HPV, this is called a primary HPV test.
If an abnormal HPV or Pap test is detected, a procedure called a colposcopy is performed. Using an instrument that provides a magnified view of the cervix (colposcope), the doctor will look closely at the cervix and take samples (biopsy) of any areas that look abnormal.
Conditions linked to human papillomavirus (HPV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly prevalent virus with over 100 different strains, each associated with various health conditions. While many HPV infections are asymptomatic and resolve on their own, certain strains can lead to significant health issues. The most common conditions linked to HPV include warts and cancers. Warts are one of the most recognizable manifestations of HPV. These can appear in different forms:
Genital warts: These are sexually transmitted and appear as small, cauliflower-like bumps on the genital and anal areas. They can cause discomfort, itching, and emotional distress.
Common warts: Typically found on the hands and fingers, these warts are rough, raised bumps that can be painful or prone to bleeding.
Plantar warts: These hard, grainy growths appear on the soles of the feet and can cause significant discomfort when walking.
Flat warts: These are smoother and smaller than other warts, often appearing on the face, legs, or beard area in men.
Beyond warts, HPV is a major cause of several types of cancers. Cervical cancer is the most well-known and is almost exclusively caused by high-risk HPV strains, particularly types 16 and 18. Regular screening through Pap smears and HPV tests can detect precancerous changes in the cervix, allowing for early intervention. HPV is also linked to other anogenital cancers, including:
Anal cancer: Both men and women can develop anal cancer from HPV, with the virus responsible for about 91% of cases.
Penile cancer: Though rare, HPV can cause penile cancer, particularly in men who are not circumcised.
Vulvar and vaginal cancers: These cancers are less common but can also result from HPV infection.
Additionally, HPV is associated with oropharyngeal cancers, which affect the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils. These cancers are increasingly being linked to HPV, particularly in younger populations.
Treatment options for Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection with various strains, some of which can cause health issues like genital warts and cancers. While there is no cure for the virus itself, several treatment options are available to manage its symptoms and associated conditions.
Medications are often the first line of treatment for HPV-related warts. Over-the-counter treatments containing salicylic acid can help remove common warts by gradually peeling away the infected skin. Prescription medications like imiquimod and podofilox are also used to boost the immune system's response to the virus and destroy wart tissue, respectively. Trichloroacetic acid is another chemical treatment that burns off warts, commonly used for genital warts.
When medications are ineffective, surgical and procedural options may be considered. Cryotherapy, which involves freezing warts with liquid nitrogen, is a common method. Electrocautery uses an electrical current to burn off warts, while laser surgery employs focused light to remove them. In some cases, surgical removal may be necessary, especially for larger or more persistent warts.
For women with HPV affecting the cervix, regular screening through Pap tests and HPV DNA tests is crucial. If abnormal cells are detected, a procedure called colposcopy is performed to closely examine the cervix and take biopsies of any suspicious areas. Treatment for precancerous lesions may include cryotherapy, laser therapy, loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), or cold knife conization, which involves removing a cone-shaped piece of the cervix.
In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle and preventive measures play a significant role in managing HPV. Vaccination is highly effective in preventing infection with the most harmful strains of HPV. The HPV vaccine is recommended for preteens, but it can also be given to older individuals who have not been vaccinated. Safe sexual practices, including the use of condoms, can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, although they do not eliminate it entirely.
It's important to note that while treatments can manage the symptoms and complications of HPV, they do not eradicate the virus from the body. Therefore, regular follow-ups and monitoring are essential to detect and address any recurring issues promptly.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) diagnosis in Iran
Equipped hospitals, and advanced specialized centers with experienced doctors and specialists are available in all medical treatment areas in Iran. Also, good hotels and entertainment centers have made Iran an appropriate choice for patients who are dealing with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and need treatment.
Diagnosis of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) cost in Iran
Diagnosing human papillomavirus (HPV) in Iran involves several steps, each with associated costs. The primary methods for diagnosing HPV include Pap smears and HPV DNA tests. The cost of a Pap smear in Iran is approximately 50 USD per test. This test involves collecting cells from the cervix to detect any abnormalities that might indicate the presence of HPV or precancerous changes.
The HPV DNA test, which is more specific and sensitive than the Pap smear, costs around 200 USD per test. This test identifies the presence of high-risk HPV strains that are most likely to cause cervical cancer. Given the higher cost, HPV DNA testing is often used in conjunction with or as a follow-up to Pap smears, especially in cases where the Pap smear results are inconclusive or indicate abnormalities.
In addition to these direct costs, there are other expenses associated with the diagnostic process. These include consultation fees with healthcare providers, which can vary depending on the clinic or hospital. If abnormalities are detected, further diagnostic procedures such as colposcopy (a detailed examination of the cervix) may be required, adding to the overall cost. A colposcopy procedure can cost between 50-100 USD, depending on the healthcare facility.
For individuals without health insurance, these costs can add up quickly, making HPV diagnosis a significant financial burden. However, public health initiatives and government programs may provide subsidized or free screening services to reduce the financial impact on patients. Additionally, some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international health agencies may offer support and funding for HPV screening programs, particularly in underserved areas.
It's also important to consider the indirect costs associated with HPV diagnosis. These can include transportation to and from healthcare facilities, time off work, and potential psychological stress related to the diagnosis and follow-up procedures. These factors can further contribute to the overall economic burden of HPV diagnosis in Iran.
