Everything You Need To Know About HPV Types, Testing & Associated Risks

Types of HPV

Key highlights or summary

  • Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly prevalent sexually transmitted infection, affecting up to 70% of men and women at some point in their lives.
  • It often causes no symptoms and is usually cleared by the immune system within two years. However, in some cases, it persists and leads to diseases.
  • HPV is unique in that it spreads through sexual and skin-to-skin contact, but not through bodily fluids. People with multiple sexual partners have a higher risk of HPV infection.
  • There are over 40 types of HPV. Low-risk types, like HPV 6 and 11, cause 90% of genital warts but don't progress to cancer.
  • High-risk types, particularly HPV 16 and 18, are responsible for various cancers, including cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and throat cancers.
  • HPV testing is crucial for detecting high-risk types of the virus, especially in women 30 years and above or those with abnormal pap smear results. However, the test carries risks of false positives or negatives.
  • Genotyping helps in identifying specific HPV types, aiding healthcare providers in tailoring patient care. This includes regular pap tests and HPV vaccination.

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