Condoms Don't Prevent HPV Transmission

There's far too much ignorance about HPV, especially given its prevalence (as many as 80% of people may have one strain or another), frequent lack of symptoms, and the ability of several strains to promote cervical cancer in women. Known as Genital Warts which are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). HPV is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 60 different types. An estimated 40 million Americans are infected with HPV, with 1 million new cases each year.

Condoms do not necessarily prevent HPV (Genital Wart) transmission because it is passed by contact to the skin, and many who suffer from HPV exhibit no symptoms to let you know they have it. This virus is so prevalent because it is does not just exist on the genitals, but it also can be found in the pubic hair area and other parts of the body... not just through the genitals or bodily fluids. Thus, condoms will not prevent it.

Symptoms-

Most HPV infections are subclinical- that means that there are no visible signs. Subclinical HPV infections can cause abnormal cell growth (dysplasia) on the female cervix. Visible signs of the disease include condylomata, which range from soft, pink, cauliflower-like warts to hard, smooth, yellow-gray warts. In women, they may develop inside the vagina, where they are hard to detect. They may also appear on the lips of the vagina or around the anus.

In men, they usually appear on the penis, but are sometimes found on the scrotum (the sac that holds the testicles) or around the anus. If there are visible signs, you will notice them within 3 weeks to 6 months after having sex with someone who is infected. This time period makes it difficult to track the infection as it is passed from partner to partner.

Testing-

Your healthcare provider can check closely to detect warts or other abnormal tissue. For women, the Pap smear is designed to detect precancerous changes in the cervix and may show changes caused by HPV infection. Generally, asymptomatic men with HPV are hard to diagnose and usually aren't treated.

Treatment-

There are several ways to remove visible genital warts, but the underlying HPV infection can't be cured.

The virus that causes genital warts stays in your body and can cause warts to appear in the future. A doctor can get rid of smaller warts by freezing them (cryotherapy) or by burning them off with an acidic chemical such as podophyllin. In severe cases, wart treatment may require laser surgery. All three procedures can typically be done in a doctor's office with local anesthetic.

Prevention-

Genital warts are transmitted when the HPV virus is passed from one person to another during sex. You get genital warts by having sex with someone who is infected. People who have many sexual partners put themselves at higher risk for genital warts. Latex condoms, used properly, provide some protection if they cover the area of infection. Women: be sure to have regular Pap smears.

Where can I get more information?

DSTDP
Division of STD Prevention:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

ASHA
National HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention Resource Center

Personal health inquiries and information about STDs:

CDC National STD and AIDS Hotlines
(800) 227-8922 or (800) 342-2437
(800) 344-7432 En Espanol
(800) 243-7889 TTY for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

National HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention Hotline
(919) 361-4848

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