Table of Contents
Is HPV a big deal?
HPV is the most common STD, but most of the time it isn’t a big deal. It usually goes away on its own, and most people don’t even know that they ever had HPV. Remember that most people who have sex get HPV at some point in their lives.
How common is high risk HPV?
About 1 in 5 U.S. adults under age 60 is infected with a “high-risk” strain of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) that increases the risk of cancer, according to a new report.
Should I be worried if I have HPV 16?
HPV 16 and 18 are high-risk types known to significantly increase the risk of cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer in women, as well as penile cancer in men. The strains can also cause anal cancer and throat cancers in men and women.
Can you live a long life with high-risk HPV?
Most people infected with HPV do not develop any symptoms or health problems from the virus because the body’s immune system is able to fight off the infection. “For the overwhelming majority of people, having an HPV infection has no impact on their lives,” Dr. Cullins says.
What are the dangers of HPV?
One of the biggest — but lesser-known — dangers of HPV involves the risk of head and neck cancer, with HPV spreading to the throat via oral sex. “The rate of cancers in the back of the throat is skyrocketing,” Trimble says. “Experts are using the word epidemic to describe it.
Should I be worried about being diagnosed with human papillomavirus?
Being diagnosed with human papillomavirus (HPV) can be a nerve-wracking experience. You don’t need to panic, but you do need to be informed.
What should I do if I’ve been diagnosed with HPV infection?
If you’ve been diagnosed with HPV infection, the first thing you need to do is take a deep breath. Odds are, you’re going to be fine. It’s not surprising that you’re scared.
Does a positive HPV test mean I will get cervical cancer?
However, a one-time positive HPV test does not necessarily mean you will develop cervical cancer. For many, the body will fight off high-risk HPV within one to two years.