HPV and Women
Knowledge is power.
And you and your doctor have the power to help protect you from certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.1,2
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, isn’t something that only infects a certain type of person. All sexually active adults could be at risk for certain cancers caused by HPV — the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world.
Even if you are not sexually active now, your future relationships could still put you at risk of HPV infections.2
For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.3-5
More than 95% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV.6
Persistent infection of the high-risk HPV types is known to develop into cervical cancer.3-5
In a relationship?
There may still be risk.
Even if you are in a committed relationship, you can still be at risk for certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.2 HPV usually has no symptoms, so a person can have the virus and infect others without knowing it. Talk to your health care provider about what you can do to help protect yourself.1,2
Can certain HPV-related cancers be detected in women?
There are common ways to help detect certain HPV-related cancers in women such as visual inspections and tests that are used to screen for cervical cancer.2
HPV can lead to more than cervical cancer.1
For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.3-5
You’ve probably heard about the connection between HPV and certain types of cervical cancer before, but HPV in women can also cause1:
● Vaginal cancer
● Vulvar cancer
● Anal cancer
● Genital warts
About 11 Filipino women die from cervical cancer every day.7
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that can be prevented.2
Yet, it is the 4th leading cause of cancer deaths among Filipino women in 2020.7
Let your voice be heard. Speak up about your health.
Most women who are sexually active will be infected with HPV at some point in their lifetime.2 For most, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can lead to certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.3-5
So talking to your health care provider about HPV and certain HPV-related cancers1 is important. Awareness gives you options, and knowing that you have options is empowering.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Learn the basics
Learn the basics about HPV and certain HPV-related cancers and diseases1 from this website, and other reliable sources like your doctor. For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.3-5 - Ask about HPV vaccination
Ask your health care provider if HPV vaccination may be right for you, and what to expect.2 - Discuss screening options
Ask about available screening for cervical cancer for certain HPV-related cancers.1,2 - Be your own health advocate
Even if your health care provider doesn’t bring up the topic of HPV vaccination,2 you can. There’s a lot to know about your health, so if you have any questions or concerns, be sure to ask.8
The opportunity to help protect yourself may be closer than you think.
Certain HPV-related cancers could affect you. Find the confidence to speak up and ask how you can help protect yourself from certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.1,2 Find a clinic near you and ask about HPV.
For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.3-5
Frequently asked questions for women
HPV can be spread through any direct skin-to-skin contact—usually through sexual activity.2
HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom, so while condoms do offer some protection against HPV, they may not fully protect you against the virus.2
A pap smear is a screening method that can look for abnormal cells in the cervix (that may be caused by HPV), before they become cancer cells or cells that could develop into cancer. Pap smears cannot detect or prevent all cases of cervical cancer and should be used along with HPV vaccination.2
There is no treatment for HPV infection, although there are ways to treat genital warts and certain cancers caused by HPV.1,9
There are ways to help reduce the risk for certain HPV-related cancers. These include2,10:
- Ask your doctor about HPV vaccination
- Go for regular Pap and HPV tests starting from age 21
- Practice safe sex such as using a condom
- Abstain from sex or limit the number of sexual partners
For most people, HPV clears on its own. But for those who don’t clear the virus, it can cause certain HPV-related cancers and diseases.3-5
Talk to a health care provider today, and ask about HPV vaccination.2