I had heard about HPV (Human Papillomavirus) and knew about it a little, but it was a routine check-up visit to my gynaecologist that made me more curious to know about it in detail.
When I visit my gynaecologist, I usually have open and interactive conversations with her. I consider this important since there are various biological and health related aspects of a female reproductive system that one should know about. During my recent visit, she asked me to get a test done to check if I had any sexually transmitted infections (STIs). At first, I was taken aback as to why I needed to get checked for an STI. I always had a notion that STIs are caused when having unprotected sex. But my gynaecologist explained that’s not the case. Many sexually transmitted infections, such as HPV can also be caused due to a lot of other transmission methods.
It was during this conversation that we talked about HPV at length. I feel that all women must have this information because awareness is the first step to staying protected.
WHAT IS HPV?
My gynaecologist explained that HPV is a most common STI. Nearly all sexually active people can get infected with HPV within months to a few years of becoming sexually active. Around half of these infections are with a high-risk HPV type which may lead to cervical cancer.
Who is at risk of getting HPV?
One can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person. One can develop symptoms years after you have sex with someone who is infected. This makes it hard to know when you first became infected.
Other factors that put a person at risk are age, a weak immune system, cut or injured skin and coming in contact with infected surfaces.
How does HPV spread?
- Skin-to-skin contact
It’s spread mainly by intimate skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral, or anal sexual activity.
- Oral Sex or Deep Kissing
It can spread through any kind of sexual activity such as oral sex or deep kissing.
- Other ways of spreading
The virus can also be spread by genital contact without sex, but this is not common.
Why should you and I care about HPV?
Though the body’s immune system clears out the virus on its own, if it remains, it may lead to health problems. Additionally, HPV has no signs or symptoms. Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV! It’s more common than you and I think.
Here are more facts that would surprise you.
There are over 100 types of HPV. Out of these, typically, HPV can be categorised as high-risk HPV, i.e., the virus that is cancer causing or low-risk HPV i.e., non-cancer causing. At least 14 of the 100 types are high-risk types.
80% sexually active Men & women get infected with HPV at some point in their lifetime!
How can we stay safe from HPV?
My gynaecologist told me that there is no treatment for the virus itself. However, there are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause like genital warts, cervical precancer, and other HPV-related cancers.
Furthermore, there are preventive measures that can be followed to avoid getting HPV. The preventive measures include safe sex, using condoms and dental dams, regular screening and getting a vaccination to safeguard your health.
It is best to consult your doctor about the recommended age to take the HPV vaccine.
There, I have shared most of the facts that my gynaecologist discussed with me around HPV. Many of us may feel shy talking about HPV, thinking only those who have unsafe sex need to be concerned. Others think that the chances of them getting infected are low. Many others don’t know whom to ask, especially because you need the facts and not some hearsay or half-baked knowledge about HPV.
That’s the reason I feel that the next time you visit your gynaecologist, is the best time to ask her/him about HPV, the risk factors, the way it is spread, and how you can be protected.
As today’s women, we are the epitome of strength, love, sacrifice, and courage who are always striving to be self-sufficient, well aware, and financially independent. Knowing about HPV is a very important aspect of our journey toward empowering ourselves. I will strongly recommend every woman to open up and discuss about HPV with their gynaecologists. Let’s take this step together and bring a change.
You can know more about HPV here and talk to the expert about prevention.
Issued in public interest by MSD India.
This information is for awareness only. Please consult your doctor for more information on HPV.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR : NISTHA SARAF
MBA is my qualification and Fashion is my passion. I embarked on this beautiful blogging journey to share my fashion space with everyone out there. Follow me on INSTAGRAM, TWITTER and FACEBOOK
I am Nistha from Pune, India. An MBA by qualification, I have embarked on this fascinating journey of a fashion blogger to share my fashion space with everyone. I strongly believe that Brand or no brand...if you do it right, you will rock it. All you have to do is 'Be Comfortable'. So hey! Lets get fashionable!! 
I was not aware of many things mentioned in the article
I am glad i could help
Doctors can always guide us better.
Best person to go to
Everyone needs to be careful of STIs.
Very insightful article
Thank you
YES, its important
Very insightful article
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing such geniune information. It was really helpful
Happy to help
This HPV infection is really a tricky one.
I know, right? One needs to be aware about it.
Yes, I think I have to pay a visit to my gynac soon.
You must
Its high time people discuss about these isuues.
Yes its only for the better
I am sure that discussing HPV with your gynae is a safe measure towards your health.
No one can guide us better that gynae
Instead of taking online knowledge alone, it’s better to consult your gynae for credible information
True that
Yes, you should never feel shy to visit your gynae and discuss all about HPV
Not at all, being aware is more important today.
I agree that your gynae is the best person to tell you everything in detail
Always seeking her advice
Your doctor is really the best guide to know all about staying safe from HPV.
It’s good to talk to your doctor to get the right information on infections and prevention.
True that, precaution is better than cure.
True that, no one else can guide us better.
I used to be very reluctant to visit my gynaecologist thinking I should go only if there is a health problem. Your post is very helpful.
Happy to help. I felt the same but we need to be pro-active
Half knowledge about any infection can result in serious issues, that’s why consulting a doctor can help us clear our doubts
Cant agree more
Doctors can help about recommending the right age to take the vaccine
That would be really helpful
This article will help raise awareness for all women
The more women get to know about HPV, the better it is
A routine check up for HPV is very important
Cant agree more
This was quite a helpful guide, thanks.
Sure, you’re welcome
HPV awareness is much needed. This post clears many doubts about HPV and it’s vaccination
I am glad you found it helpful.
Happy yo help