Human Problemo Virus.

Our Veterinarian explains why HPV is that much scarier than you think.

Courtesy of IHeartit

From my experience testing for STI’s in young adults, I’ve noticed that most don’t realize they’re not being tested for the most common one: HPV. Women can be screened for HPV effects by getting a PAP smear done, however, the damage caused by the virus to the cervical cells can occur years later. Most people are now aware that cervical cancer is an STI caused by the HPV virus, but few are aware of the prevalence of that virus.

A recent study at McGill published in January 2010 found that more than half (56%) of young adults in a new sexual relationship were infected with HPV. Of those, 44% were infected with an HPV type that can cause cancer. Other studies have shown that 75% of sexually active Canadians will have at least one HPV infection during their lifetime with the highest prevalence being in women age 20-24.

Sobering, right? Have you ever had sex without a condom? How many partners have you had? Are you one of these statistics?

HPV Virus Courtesy of Medicine World

The health ramifications are enormous, and thus the Government of Ontario has decided to provide the vaccination to prevent HPV infection in Grade 6 students prior to sexual contact (along with the Hepatitis B shots). This is a series of 3 shots costing about $175 per shot. It gives protection against 4 strains (6,11,16,18) of the virus that have been strongly implicated in cervical cancer. However, it should also be said that there is also vulval cancer, and less frequently, anal and penile cancer that can be prevented. What is interesting are the new studies that implicate HPV in a large number of head and neck cancers; although the present vaccine has not been proven to be effective in this area yet.

Besides the cancer risk, nobody wants to deal with genital warts (men or women). The treatments with liquid nitrogen or creams can be uncomfortable, requiring numerous doctor’s visits – and that’s excluding the difficult conversations with partners where blame is thrust back and forth resulting in a considerable psychological toll.

The vaccine, Gardasil, (or the new one called Cervarix which covers 2 viral strains) can be given up to age 26. University health plans often give some coverage for the costs, but otherwise, you may have to pay for it yourself. It’s your call.

– The Veterinarian.