What is an HPV Infection?

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a silent but deadly virus and the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. Early detection through regular screenings can significantly improve prevention and treatment outcomes. Unfortunately, many individuals avoid routine health checkups, allowing the virus to progress and potentially cause cancer, which can be fatal if left untreated.

HPV is a group of over 100 different viruses, most commonly found in the genital area. It infects the epithelial tissue, affecting areas like the cervix, vagina, penis, anus, and throat. Some HPV infection strains can lead to warts, while others may cause more serious diseases like cancer, especially in the genital and oral regions.

Types of HPV

There are two main groups of HPV:

• Cancer-causing types: High-risk strains like HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.
• Non-cancer-causing types: Strains like types 6 and 11 cause conditions such as genital warts but are not linked to cancer.

Risk Factors for HPV Infections

Several factors can increase the risk of contracting an HPV infection, including:

• Multiple sexual partners: The more partners, the higher the risk.
• Early sexual activity: Adolescents have more delicate epithelial tissue and weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible. Vaccination against HPV is recommended for children to reduce this risk.
• Multiple childbirths: Cervical cells change during pregnancy, increasing susceptibility to infection.
• History of sexually transmitted infections (STIs): This weakens the immune system, making the body more prone to an HPV infection.
• HIV or weakened immune system: This makes it harder for the body to fight infections.
• Unprotected sex: Not using condoms increases the risk of infection.
• Smoking: Both direct and secondhand, increases the risk of cervical cancer by weakening the immune system, making it harder to clear HPV infections—the primary cause of the disease. Carcinogens in tobacco also damage cervical cell DNA, leading to abnormal growth and greater susceptibility to persistent HPV infections.

Common Early Symptoms For HPV

Most HPV infections are asymptomatic, so many women are unaware they’ve been infected. However, some may experience the following symptoms:

• Burning, itching, or irritation at the infection site
• Foul-smelling or abnormal discharge
• Unusual bleeding, especially after sex
• Development of genital warts or HPV pimples in the genital area
• Lower abdominal pain, particularly in severe infections

It can take more than 10 years for HPV to develop into cancer, with the virus lying dormant in the body. Regular cancer screenings are critical for early detection and more effective treatment. 

It’s important to note that HPV infection doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll develop cancer, but it significantly increases the risk.

Diseases Linked to HPV Infections

HPV infections can cause several serious conditions in both men and women, making vaccination before sexual activity begins the most effective way to prevent infection. Some of the diseases linked to HPV include:

• Cervical cancer: HPV infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women, the most common HPV-related cancer.
• Penile cancer: HPV can also infect men, and if the body cannot clear the virus, it may eventually lead to cancer.
• Anal cancer: Found in both men and women but more common in men, particularly those engaging in anal sex.
• Oral and throat cancer: This occurs in individuals who engage in oral sex.
• Genital warts: Caused by HPV strains 6 and 11.

Cervical Cancer Screening

In Thailand, there are three primary methods for cervical cancer screening:

• HPV testing: Identifies specific strains or general presence of the virus.
• Cervical cytology (Pap smear): Traditional pap smears and the newer liquid-based cytology (Thin Prep Pap Test) detect abnormal cells in the cervix. 
• VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid): Involves applying acetic acid to the cervix, observing for white patches, and possibly treating them with cryotherapy.

Cervical Cancer Screening Recommendations

HPV Infection Treatment

Treatment depends on the symptoms, virus strain, and disease progression. Options include:

• For warts: Topical medication, cryotherapy, or surgical removal. 
• For cervical cell abnormalities (non-cancerous): LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) or cryotherapy to remove abnormal cells.
• For cancer: Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, depending on the stage of the cancer.