Human Papillomavirus
 | Human papillomavirus infection, also called HPV is a common virus effecting both males and females. Up to 80% of people will be infected with at least one type of genital HPV at some time. Anyone who has any kind of sexual activity involving genital contact could get genital HPV. |
These include:
- Cervical cancer in females
- Vaginal and vulva cancers in females
- Anal cancer in females and males
- Throat cancer in females and males, and
- Penile cancer in males
In most people, HPV is harmless and has no symptoms, but in some people the virus may persist and lead to diseases of the genital area, including cervical cancer and some cancers of the vulva, vagina and anus, and genital warts.
- Spreads by sexual contact
- Some types preventable by vaccine
- Treatment can help, but this condition cannot be cured
- Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
- Requires a medical diagnosis
- Lab tests or imaging often required
How it spreads
- By mother to baby by pregnancy, labour, or nursing
- By having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex
Symptoms
Many people with HPV don’t develop any symptoms but can still infect others through sexual contact. Symptoms may include warts on the genitals or surrounding skin.
- Common symptoms: itching or warts
Treatment
Treatment depends on stage. There is no cure for the virus and warts may go away on their own. Treatment focuses on removing the warts. A vaccine that prevents the HPV strains most likely to cause genital warts and cervical cancer is recommended for boys and girls.
- Medical procedure:
- Loop electrosurgical excision procedure: Using a wire loop heated by electric current to remove abnormal cells and tissue from the cervix and vagina
- Freezing and cervical conisation: Using extreme cold during surgery or medical treatment
- Cervical conisation: Surgical removal of a cone-shaped tissue sample from the cervix. Also known as cone biopsy
- Medications:
- Topical anti-tumour medication: Kills cancer cells on
HPV Vaccine
HPV Vaccine (PDF file, 135.8 KB) is approved by FDA and is recommended by CDC for both males and females. It is routinely given at age 11 or 12, but it may be given beginning at age 9 years through age 26 years. People who start HPV vaccination at 15 years of age and older should get the vaccine as a three-dose series with the second dose given 1-2 months after the first dose and the third given 6 months after the first dose.
Gardasil 9 is now available. Find information about Gardasil 9 (Human Papillomavirus 90valent Vaccine, Recombinant).
Please let us know if you have any severe allergic reaction to a dose of HPV vaccine or to any component of HPV vaccine. Please tell the Doctor if you have any severe allergies that you know of, including a severe allergy to yeast. HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant women. If you are moderately or severely ill, vaccine should be postponed or reconsidered.
Dosage and Administration
The dose of HPV vaccines is 0.5mL, to be given by intramuscular injection.
What do you have to do?
Book in to consult one of our Doctors today if you have any symptoms or if you would like the vaccine.