Human papilloma virus (HPV), the genital wart virus, is the most common yet the least understood sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. (and at Colby). The latest estimates of HPV prevalence among sexually active women without symptoms range from 20 percent to nearly 50 percent, and rates are probably similar among men. One study shows that 73 percent of the male sexual partners of HPV-infected women also had HPV infections. The great majority of HPV infections produce no overt symptoms so that literally millions of people infected with this virus suffer no obvious ill effects from it.
Some strains of the HPV virus have been identified as the main factor in cervical cancer. (Smoking has been found to be the second most prevalent risk factor in the development of abnormal Pap smears and cancer of the cervix.) Other risk factors for HPV infection include: multiple sexual partners, the presence of other STDs, and the suppression of the immune system. Visible venereal warts are among the less common manifestation of HPV but are certainly a reason people seek medical attention. Four to six weeks often is the average amount of time it takes to manifest signs of a genital HPV infection but it takes 9 months or longer for approximately two thirds of partners of people with warts to show symptoms.
Thirty to 40 percent of warts will go away on their own without treatment, although most people choose to see a practitioner and have external genital warts removed. In the case of an abnormal Pap, report recommendations may be to repeat the Pap smear at more frequent intervals, to undergo colposcopy (a microscopic view of the cervix), to have a biopsy of cervical cells and/or a freezing treatment (cryosurgery) of any abnormal tissue, or to have surgical excision of part of the cervix for extensive lesions. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment or counseling on modification of sex practices for both partners is important in controlling HPV. Getting regular Pap smears is the best way to monitor HPV for women.
Genital self-exam and examination by a physician are important for men. HPV prevention strategies include maintaining integrity of the skin, maintaining a healthy lifestyle (proper nutrition and exercise to keep the immune system strong), smoking cessation, and the consistent use of condoms.
No therapy has been shown to permanently eradicate HPV. Research for a vaccine is underway, but for now prevention is the key. For more information about HPV you can contact Lydia Bolduc-Marden, N.P. at the Health Center (ext. 3394) or write to: HPV news, P.O. Box 13827, RTP, NC 27709.
