Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of over 200 related viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes of humans. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives. Most people with HPV do not develop any symptoms and the infection goes away on its own. However, in some cases, HPV can lead to serious health issues such as genital warts and various types of cancer, including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancer.

HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be spread by non-penetrative sexual activities such as genital-to-genital contact or sharing sex toys. In addition to sexual contact, HPV can also be spread through childbirth from mother to baby. It’s important to note that HPV can be transmitted even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. This makes it difficult to determine when the virus was first contracted and by whom. It’s also possible to get more than one type of HPV.

How is HPV transmitted?

HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. The virus can be passed on even if the infected person has no signs or symptoms. This means that a person can unknowingly transmit the virus to their sexual partner. In addition to sexual contact, HPV can also be spread through childbirth from mother to baby. The virus can be passed on during vaginal delivery if the mother is infected with HPV. It’s important to note that using condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, but it does not eliminate the risk entirely as the virus can still be present on areas not covered by the condom.

Non-sexual transmission of HPV is also possible, although less common. For example, the virus can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, such as during genital-to-genital contact or sharing sex toys. It’s also possible to get HPV from touching surfaces or objects that have been in contact with an infected person’s skin, although this is less common. Overall, sexual contact remains the primary mode of HPV transmission.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

In most cases, HPV does not cause any symptoms and the infection goes away on its own without causing any health problems. However, when symptoms do occur, they can vary depending on the type of HPV infection. The most common symptom of HPV is the development of genital warts. These warts can appear on the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, scrotum, or anus. They can be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large, and sometimes cauliflower-shaped. Genital warts are usually painless but can cause itching, discomfort, and bleeding during sex.

In some cases, certain types of HPV can lead to changes in the cells of the cervix, which can eventually develop into cervical cancer if left untreated. Other types of HPV can cause cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and oropharynx. These cancers often do not cause any symptoms until they are advanced and more difficult to treat. It’s important to note that most people with HPV do not develop cancer, and the majority of HPV infections go away on their own without causing any health problems.

How is HPV diagnosed?

HPV infection is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests. If you have symptoms such as genital warts or abnormal changes in cervical cells, your healthcare provider may perform a physical examination to check for any visible signs of infection. For women, a Pap test (Pap smear) may be performed to check for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. During a Pap test, cells from the cervix are collected and examined under a microscope for any signs of abnormality.

In addition to physical examination and Pap tests, laboratory tests can also be used to diagnose HPV infection. One common test is the HPV DNA test, which looks for genetic material (DNA) from high-risk types of HPV in cervical cells. This test is often used as a follow-up to an abnormal Pap test result. Another test is the HPV RNA test, which looks for genetic material (RNA) from high-risk types of HPV in cervical cells. These tests can help determine if you have an HPV infection and if it is a high-risk type that may lead to cervical cancer.

Treatment options for HPV

There is no cure for HPV, but there are treatment options available for the symptoms and health problems it may cause. For example, genital warts caused by HPV can be treated with topical medications or procedures to remove the warts. These treatments aim to remove visible warts and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. It’s important to note that even after treatment, the virus may still be present in the body and genital warts may come back in some cases.

In cases where HPV has caused abnormal changes in cervical cells or other tissues that may lead to cancer, further treatment may be necessary. This can include procedures to remove or destroy abnormal cells, such as cryotherapy, laser therapy, or loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). In more advanced cases of cancer caused by HPV, treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy may be necessary. It’s important to discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Prevention of HPV

The most effective way to prevent HPV infection is through vaccination. The HPV vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls starting at age 11 or 12, although it can be given as early as age 9. The vaccine is given in a series of shots over six months and provides protection against several types of HPV that can cause cancer or genital warts. It’s important to note that the vaccine is most effective when given before a person becomes sexually active and exposed to the virus.

In addition to vaccination, practicing safe sex can help reduce the risk of HPV transmission. This includes using condoms consistently and correctly during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. However, it’s important to note that condoms do not provide complete protection against HPV as they do not cover all areas that may be infected with the virus. Limiting your number of sexual partners and choosing partners who have had few or no prior sexual partners can also reduce the risk of HPV transmission.

Where to get tested for HPV in Kuala Lumpur: Best STD Clinic

If you are concerned about HPV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there are several clinics in Kuala Lumpur where you can get tested and receive appropriate care. One option is the Kuala Lumpur Sexual Health Centre located at Hospital Kuala Lumpur. This clinic provides comprehensive services for the diagnosis and treatment of STIs, including HPV testing and counseling. The clinic is staffed by experienced healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about sexual health issues and provide confidential and non-judgmental care.

Another option is the Seksyen 6 Clinic located in Petaling Jaya. This clinic offers STI testing and treatment services for both men and women, including HPV testing and vaccination. The clinic provides a comfortable and private environment for patients to discuss their sexual health concerns with healthcare providers who are trained in STI care. In addition to testing and treatment services, the clinic also provides education and counseling on sexual health and prevention of STIs.

In conclusion, HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to serious health issues such as genital warts and various types of cancer. It is primarily transmitted through sexual contact but can also be spread through childbirth and non-sexual skin-to-skin contact. Most people with HPV do not develop any symptoms and the infection goes away on its own without causing any health problems. However, when symptoms do occur, they can vary depending on the type of HPV infection. Diagnosis of HPV involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests such as Pap tests and DNA tests. Treatment options for HPV include medications and procedures to remove genital warts as well as procedures to remove or destroy abnormal cells that may lead to cancer. Prevention of HPV includes vaccination and practicing safe sex through consistent condom use and limiting sexual partners. In Kuala Lumpur, there are several clinics where you can get tested for HPV and receive appropriate care from experienced healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about sexual health issues.