We’re all familiar with the acronyms “HPV” and “STD,” but how many of us really know what they mean and where they come from? And what should we do if we get one?
This article covers everything you need to know about HPV and other common sexually transmitted infections, clearing up common misconceptions. We’ve also included some resources for HPV and STD testing in Australia at the end!
Am I the only one feeling nervous?
If you’re feeling a bit stressed at this point, take a deep breath. Trust us, we’re right there with you. We found some interesting (but common) questions about HPV that might seem funny, but we’d probably ask them too:
Should I tell my ex I have HPV?
In one word: “Don’t.” Just kidding, it’s entirely a personal choice with no standard answer. It depends on what you want to do and your current relationship with your ex.
However, if you want to be a good person, letting them know so they can get checked and protect future partners isn’t a bad idea.
Can I still have sex if I have HPV? HPV can spread through skin contact during intimate activities, and condoms might not completely prevent HPV transmission.
The only foolproof method is to avoid intimate contact, but we all know that’s not very realistic. So, you’ll need to weigh your options.
What should I do if my partner has HPV?
The easiest solution? Find a new one! But getting HPV isn’t the end of the world, and there are solutions.
First, appreciate your partner’s honesty. Telling a sexual partner about an STD isn’t easy, but the good news is there’s an HPV vaccine, and you can both get it together. It’s not a bad date idea!
What is HPV? How is it different from STDs? Am I doomed?
Relax. Don’t panic.
Sexually transmitted infections are one of the most common global health issues: it’s estimated that over 1 million STI cases occur worldwide every day. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common STI. While HPV is usually harmless and clears up on its own, some types can lead to cancer or genital warts.
What exactly is the HPV virus?
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is a DNA virus that’s a type of sexually transmitted disease, usually spread through sexual contact.
HPV is easily transmitted through skin contact during sex, so ladies, make sure you’re hygienic during bedroom activities!
HPV is almost ubiquitous in our environment. Most people have HPV in their skin, digestive system, and respiratory system. The virus is often temporary in the body, disappearing on its own or being defeated by the body’s immune system within 1-2 years.
There are many types of HPV, including HPV 1/2/6/11/16/18/31/33/35, etc. Some virus types are important causes of certain cancers in the body, such as cervical cancer in women, and penile cancer, prostate cancer, anal cancer, and bladder cancer in men.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
Many young people think they’re young and strong, with no family history of hereditary diseases, so they feel pre-pregnancy check-ups are optional. Even if they have certain symptoms, they don’t care. This is very inadvisable. We should check our bodies regularly and seek medical attention promptly if we find any abnormalities.
Let’s briefly look at the symptoms of HPV infection:
- After benign HPV infection, millet-like papules often appear on the hands and feet, with spiky tops and a rough overall appearance in patches. Sometimes there’s nail keratinization and gradual thickening on the body trunk or fingers and toes.
- Cauliflower-like, granular, or cockscomb-like masses appear on the genitals of both sexes, most commonly on: the female vulva, vagina, cervix, and around the anus; male vulva, penis, testicular surface, around the liver gate, etc.
- High-risk HPV infection is the cancer we often dread, such as cervical cancer, anal cancer, etc.
Can HPV be cured?
Although HPV is not an incurable disease, it has cast a shadow on patients’ psychology. Many patients worry that HPV cannot be completely eliminated.
Can HPV be cured if infected accidentally?
It’s entirely possible with active cooperation with the doctor’s treatment and control of personal lifestyle habits.
- Maintain good personal hygiene, bathe frequently, change and sun-dry underwear often to kill germs, and don’t share with others. This reduces both the irritation of bodily secretions and the possibility of cross-infection.
- If one partner is told they have HPV, it’s best not to have sex before being cured. Both parties should go to a regular hospital for examination and treatment to avoid re-infection after treatment.
- You can get the HPV vaccine in advance to reduce the chance of infection, but if serious symptoms like genital warts have appeared, you must go to a regular hospital for treatment and follow the doctor’s guidance for appropriate treatment methods.
Resources for HPV Testing and Treatment in Australia
National Cervical Screening Program:
Website: www.cancerscreening.gov.au/cervical
Sexual Health Australia:
Website: www.sexualhealthaustralia.com.au
The Australasian College of Dermatologists:
Website: www.dermcoll.edu.au
Royal Women’s Hospital
Location: Melbourne
Sydney Sexual Health Centre
Location: Sydney
Royal Perth Hospital
Location: Perth