Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women. It can cause a range of health problems, from no symptoms at all to the development of genital warts or cancer. Understanding the most common outcomes and prognosis of HPV can help people take steps to prevent or manage this infection.
The most common outcome of HPV is that it causes no symptoms or health problems and goes away on its own without treatment. In fact, many people who contract HPV will never know that they have it, as the virus can be present in the body for years without causing any symptoms. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, up to 80% of sexually active adults will contract HPV at some point in their lives, and most of these infections will clear up on their own within two years.
However, some people with HPV may develop visible warts on the genitals or around the anus. These warts can be uncomfortable or even painful, but they are not usually serious and can be treated with topical medications, cryotherapy (freezing) or other procedures to remove them. It is important to note that while genital warts can be treated, the virus itself may remain in the body and can still be spread to others.
While most HPV infections do not cause serious health problems, certain strains of the virus can lead to the development of cancer. HPV-related cancers can affect both men and women, and can occur in several areas of the body, including the cervix, anus, penis, vagina and oropharynx (the back of the throat).
HPV is responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer, accounting tens of thousands of new cancer cases each year. Cervical cancer is often slow-growing and can be detected early through regular Pap tests, which can identify abnormal cells in the cervix that may be precancerous or cancerous. When caught early, cervical cancer is highly treatable, with a 5-year survival rate around 92%.
HPV is a major risk factor for anal cancer, which is more common in men than women. People who engage in anal sex or have a weakened immune system may be at higher risk for developing this type of cancer. Symptoms of anal cancer may include rectal bleeding, pain or discomfort, and changes in bowel habits. Treatment for anal cancer may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of these approaches. The prognosis for anal cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer and the person’s overall health. The 5-year survival rate for localized anal cancer is around 70%, while the survival rate for advanced anal cancer is lower.
HPV can also increase the risk of developing cancer of the penis or vagina. These types of cancer are relatively rare but may be more common in people with a history of genital warts or other HPV-related infections. Symptoms of penile or vaginal cancer may include changes in the appearance or texture of the skin, discharge or pain. Treatment for these types of cancer may involve surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. The prognosis for penile or vaginal cancer depends on several factors, including the stage of the cancer and the person’s overall health.
HPV can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils. This type of cancer is becoming more common, particularly in men, and is often associated with oral sex.
In addition to genital warts and cancer, HPV can also cause other health problems.
This rare condition occurs when HPV infects the airway and causes the growth of warts on the vocal cords and other parts of the respiratory system. Symptoms may include hoarseness, difficulty breathing and recurrent infections. Treatment may involve surgery to remove the warts, but the condition can be difficult to manage and may require ongoing monitoring and treatment.
Dysplasia refers to the abnormal growth of cells in the genital or anal area, which may be caused by HPV infection. These abnormal cells may be precancerous or cancerous and may require treatment to prevent the development of cancer.
In rare cases, HPV infection may lead to fertility problems in both men and women. For example, HPV-related cervical dysplasia may require treatment that can affect the ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term. In men, HPV infection may cause the development of genital warts or other symptoms that affect fertility.
While many people with HPV will never develop any health problems, certain factors can increase the risk of complications:
While it’s not always possible to prevent HPV infection, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of contracting the virus and developing complications:
It is important to note that while these factors may increase the risk of complications, many people with HPV will never develop any health problems, and regular screenings can help detect and treat any potential issues early. The best way to reduce the risk of HPV-related complications is to practice safe sex, get vaccinated, and undergo regular screenings as recommended by a healthcare provider.