For Teens: Understanding HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus. Some types (strains) of the virus cause warts, while others can cause changes in cells that may lead to cancer. HPV is passed from person to person through contact with infected skin and through sexual contact. It can be hard to find because not all HPV infections cause visible warts. Many people never even know they have it.

Many types of HPV don't cause problems. Some types may cause warts on the skin of the hands, legs, feet, or other parts of the body. Other types infect the genital area, causing warts or increasing the risk of cancer. The types that cause cancer tend to be invisible, so you won't know if you're infected. Of these, a few types can lead to certain cancers:

• Cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva
• Cancers of the penis
• Cancers of the anus
• Cancers of the back of the throat

HPV infections are so common that almost all adults will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their life. A vaccine can prevent HPV and protect against certain types of cancer caused by it. HPV infections can't be cured. But there are treatments to remove warts and precancerous or cancerous areas caused by HPV. It's important to treat genital forms of HPV to prevent serious health problems in the future.

Not all types of HPV cause warts. You can also have more than one type of HPV at a time. You can look for painless lumps or bumps. Warts may be bumpy, cauliflower-shaped, or flat. They can appear in or around the genitals or anus.

If you have symptoms or concerns, report them to your doctor. The doctor can tell you what exams or treatments are needed.

HPV lives inside skin and mucous membranes, such as the mouth and vagina. The virus can make skin cells reproduce more often than they should. These extra skin cells build up into warts.

1. HPV invades the skin.
2. DNA from the virus enters skin cells.
3. HPV causes infected skin cells to multiply and form warts.
4. The virus sheds, allowing it to be passed to others.

You can do several things to lower your chances of getting HPV.

• Get vaccinated. An HPV vaccine helps protect people from the types of HPV that are most likely to lead to cancer. The vaccine also greatly reduces the chance of developing warts. Most children should get the HPV vaccine around age 11 or 12. It can be given as early as age 9. Talk to your doctor about whether the HPV vaccine could benefit you.
• Practice safer sex. The only sure way to prevent genital warts is not having any kind of sex (abstinence). But if you do decide to have sex, take steps to protect yourself:
  
  • If you have sex, always use a latex condom. But remember that HPV can infect areas not covered by condoms. This means condoms may not always protect against HPV.
  • Have sex only with one person who has sex only with you. This is called being mutually monogamous.
  • Talk to your partner about testing.
• Find out more. If you're concerned about HPV, talk with your doctor, school nurse, campus clinic, or local health department about testing.

Warts can be treated with medicine that you apply yourself. Or they can be removed by a doctor. But the virus stays in the body. People can pass on HPV even when warts aren't visible. Regular checkups can help make sure the area remains healthy and free of cancer.

Many HPV infections go away on their own. But some types of HPV can cause cell changes that increase the chance of getting cancer.

Regular cervical cancer screening is recommended based on age and risk. People at average risk for cervical cancer usually start screening in their 20s. Some people at increased risk for anal cancer may also benefit from anal cancer screening. Talk with your doctor about which screenings are right for you.