What is HPV? The Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world today. Nearly all sexually active people will probably get it in their life at some point HPV is highly contagious and can spread by skin-to-skin contact in the genital area (penetration is not required) or during genital, anal or oral sex. Both men and women can be infected with HPV. In women, HPV has been linked to cancer of the cervix, vulva, and vagina and in men, to cancer of the penis.

VIRUS, BACTERIA OR PARASITE STI can be viral, or bacterial/parasitic Viral: If a virus causes a disease, it is possible for it to remain “asymptomatic” for periods of time (meaning there are no symptoms) It is possible to have the virus and not know it, and it is possible to pass it to another person without either person knowing it. HPV is a virus Bacterial/Parasitic: If bacteria or a parasite causes a disease, it needs to be treated with antibiotic or antimicrobial medication.

How is HPV transmitted? You can get HPV by having oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person. You also can develop symptoms years after you have sex with someone who is infected making it hard to know when you first became infected.

Long term effects In most cases, HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems. When HPV does not go away, it could lead to cancer. HPV can cause cervical and other cancers including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (called oropharyngeal cancer). HPV can also cause genital warts

SIGNS/SYMPTOMS Most people with HPV do not know they are infected because there are usually NO SIGNS or SYMPTOMS Many people my never develop any health problems from it Sometimes genital warts can appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area. They can be small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like a cauliflower.

DETECTION There is no test to find out a person’s “HPV status.” Also, there is no approved HPV test to find HPV in the mouth or throat. Women may find out they have HPV when they get an abnormal Pap test result (during cervical cancer screening).

TREATMENT There is no treatment for the virus itself. However, there are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause: Genital warts can be treated by your healthcare provider or with prescription medication.  A health-care professional can also remove genital warts by using chemicals, laser surgery or freezing with liquid nitrogen, or by using a cream that boosts the immune system to develop resistance against the HPV virus. If the results of a Pap test show signs of abnormal cells, the health-care professional will suggest a colposcopy be done to examine your cervix further.  Should a treatment be required, your doctor may suggest cryosurgery, laser surgery or a LEEP procedure to remove the affected cells. Cryosurgery freezes cells off, laser surgery burns or vaporizes the cells off,

PREVENTION You can do several things to lower your chances of getting HPV. Get vaccinated The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. It can protect males and females against diseases (including cancers) caused by HPV when given in the recommended age groups Get screened for cervical cancer Routine screening for women aged 21 to 65 years old can prevent cervical cancer. Use a condom

Stats/Facts Approximately 75% of sexually active Canadians will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime There are more than 100 known types of HPV with at least 40 that cause genital warts and cancer. An estimated 1,500 Canadian women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2016. An estimated 400 will die from it.

Sources https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm http://www.cancer.ca/en/prevention-and-screening/be-aware/viruses-and- bacteria/human-papillomavirus-hpv/?region=on http://www.sexandu.ca/stis/

Create a pamphlet on a STI of your choice You will share your information in small groups in class on Tuesday May 2nd You will have Thursday (after test to work on) & Friday