Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus. Knowing about HPV can help you to make informed decisions about vaccination, screening, and your cervical health.
Our immune system clears naturally most HPV infections. However, some high-risk types of HPV can persist and cause changes in cervical cells that may eventually develop into cervical cancer.
HPV stands for human papillomavirus, and it is a group of more than 200 related viruses that can infect the skin and certain areas of the body.
Most sexually active people will be exposed to HPV at some point in their lives, often without knowing it.
There are different types of HPV. Some can cause genital warts, while others, called high-risk HPV types, can cause changes in cells that may eventually lead to cancer.
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.
Most HPV infections do not cause symptoms, so a person may have HPV without knowing it.
In most people, the immune system controls HPV infection naturally. About 90% of HPV infections are controlled by the immune system within two years.
HPV can spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact.
It can be transmitted during:
You can get HPV even if you have had only one sexual partner.
A person can also pass HPV without having symptoms or knowing that they have it.
HPV is common, and an HPV infection may have been acquired months or years before it is detected.
Some HPV types are considered low-risk because they are not usually associated with cancer. Certain low-risk types can cause genital warts.
Some HPV types are called high-risk because a persistent infection with these types can cause changes in cells that may eventually lead to cancer.
It means that high-risk HPV was detected and that appropriate follow-up may be needed based on your result, age, health history, and applicable screening guidelines.
HPV does not usually cause cancer immediately.
A person becomes infected with HPV.
In some people, a high-risk HPV infection remains for a long time.
Persistent high-risk HPV infections can cause changes in cervical cells.
Over time, untreated precancerous changes can develop into cervical cancer.
That is why cervical cancer prevention works. Screening can help to identify people who may need further assessments before cervical cancer develops.
Cervical cancer is largely preventable through HPV vaccination, appropriate screening, and timely follow-up and treatments.
HPV vaccination helps to protect against HPV types that can cause cancer and other HPV-related health problems.
HPV and/or abnormal cervical cell changes can be identified before they develop into cancer.
If a screening result indicates a potential concern, appropriate follow-up can help identify and treat precancerous changes.
The HPV vaccine is an important tool for preventing HPV infection and HPV-related cancers.
Vaccination works best when given before exposure to HPV, which is why vaccination is routinely recommended at younger ages.
However, vaccination does not protect against every HPV type that can cause cancer.
HPV vaccination does not eliminate the need for cervical cancer screening. Follow the screening recommendations that apply to you, even if you have received the HPV vaccine.
Vaccination helps to prevent HPV infection, whereas screening helps to detect high-risk HPV and cervical changes.
Both are important parts of cervical cancer prevention.
Ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine for you and your child.
Protect your cervical health.
Learn about HPV, cervical cancer, vaccinations, and screening.
Find out whether HPV self-sampling is appropriate for you.
If eligible, obtain your HPV self-sampling kit, collect your sample according to the included instructions, and return it to SLS.
Receive your results and complete any recommended follow-up.
Cervical cancer prevention is an important part of protecting Women’s Health in Sint Maarten.
Local public health authorities encourage women to learn about HPV, HPV vaccination, and cervical cancer screening.
They also encourage women to seek appropriate follow-up when screening identifies a concern.
