HPV: What women should know

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is gaining attention in the media.  With the commercials for vaccines very prominent on tv, there are many questions around HPV and the vaccine.  What is HPV?  Who is susceptible? How can it be prevented?

What is it?

According to Dr. Sarah Baldassaro, OB/GYN with Town Plaza Women’s Health – a part of HCA Midwest Health, “HPV is the most common type of sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is transmitted through direct skin-to-skin contact as well as fluid exchange during any type of sexual activity.” 

She says it’s a viral infection which can lead to HPV-related diseases from genital warts to cervical, oral and anal cancer. There are multiple strains of the virus, similar to the different strains of other viruses.  

“Not all HPV exposure leads to infection or cancer, but it’s best to protect your children prior to exposure as it is difficult to predict the people in which the virus may become more dangerous,” Dr. Baldassaro says.

Who is susceptible?

Dr. Baldassaro says anyone is actually able to get HPV, but the most common group being affected are those under 30-years-old.  

“Having the conversation about HPV, as well as other STDs, is very important to have with your children around the same time they are learning about puberty,” Dr. Baldassaro says. “A good way to approach it that this is a virus you will likely be exposed to at some point in your life.  When that exposure occurs, it’s unknown.”  

She says HPV is also more likely to express itself in people who are immunocompromised or have gone through a stressful health situation.  “In this way it can act similarly to the herpes virus.  While people under 30 are the most likely to get HPV, it doesn’t mean getting it at an older age is out of the question,” Dr. Baldassaro says.  

How can it be prevented?

“The best prevention is the HPV vaccine,” Baldassaro says.  

The HPV vaccine is considered a prophylactic vaccine which means it is designed to ideally prevent initial HPV infection after HPV exposure.  It’s currently recommended the vaccination is started in boys and girls around 11-years-old, but can be given as early as 9-years-old.  

“The idea is you want it to be given prior to any kind of exposure to sexual activity. If you didn’t get the vaccine when you were younger, it’s still recommended that you consider receiving it.” Dr. Baldassaro says. “The FDA has expanded approval for the vaccine to age 45.  Have the conversation with your physician about if this is recommended for you.”

So, let’s break it down.

• HPV is a virus that most people will come into contact with at some point in their lives. 
• While it usually clears on its own, there are situations where HPV can lead to cancer such as cervical, oral or anal cancer. 
• There is a way to prevent infection. That is with the HPV vaccine, which can be given as early as 9 years old.

As with any medical issue discuss this with your doctor. Ask questions and encourage your children to ask questions, too. 

“It’s much better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your health,” Dr. Baldassaro says.

HCA Midwest Health offers comprehensive women’s care delivered by experienced, board-certified obstetricians and gynecologists in locations across the Kansas City metro area. Find a gynecologist at MyMidwestPhysician.