Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-08-01
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
HPV is one of the most common viruses out there, and anyone who’s ever been sexually active—men or women—could catch it. The sneaky part? Most folks show no symptoms and it often clears up on its own without any treatment, leaving many unaware they’ve even been infected. Let’s explore the origins, how it spreads, symptoms, and smart prevention tips to stay protected.
What is HPV Virus?
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is known in Chinese as human papillomavirus, a group of over a hundred different genotypes of viruses. Among them, more than forty can invade human reproductive organs, causing infections and leading to various health issues. Besides being the main cause of cervical cancer, HPV can also trigger cancers in other reproductive organs. Anyone with sexual experience can potentially get infected with HPV, but most people show no symptoms after infection and may even recover without treatment, making it easy to overlook.
HPV Virus Types
Common HPV viruses include types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. They can be divided into “low-risk” and “high-risk” (carcinogenic) categories:
- Low-risk HPV : Such as HPV types 6 and 11, which can cause genital warts (commonly known as cauliflower warts) or low-grade cellular changes, but have a lower chance of leading to cervical cancer.
- High-risk HPV : Including HPV types 16 and 18, these are the main culprits behind cervical cancer. Over 70% of cervical cancer cases are caused by these types. Generally, the body’s immune system can eliminate these viruses. However, if the infection isn’t controlled in time, it can damage cervical cells over the long term. The abnormal cells can then turn into cancer cells, eventually developing into Cervical Cancer .
Does HPV Infection Mean STD? Check Bowtie Forum!
HPV Transmission Routes
HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual intercourse, with a minority of cases occurring via non-sexual contact or indirectly through objects like door handles or handrails. Additionally, if skin or reproductive organs come into contact with items carrying HPV, infection is possible.
- Sexual contact such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- Pregnant women may pass HPV to their babies during delivery
- Infection through contact with skin wounds, mucous membranes, or bodily fluids
- External genital contact with public facilities carrying HPV, such as hot springs or swimming pools
Symptoms of HPV Infection
- Abnormal menstrual flow
- Vaginal bleeding after menopause
- Weight loss
- Bleeding from the lower body after intercourse
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Pelvic pain
- Genital warts in the vulva causing itching
- Anal warts causing bleeding
- Respiratory warts causing hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or speaking
Diseases Caused by HPV Infection
HPV is a very common infectious disease. Many people infected with HPV experience no health issues, and some cases resolve on their own, which is why many overlook this health concern. However, if the body is persistently infected with HPV, it can still lead to various diseases, including:
- Genital warts
- Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis, a rare disease where warts grow in the throat
- Cervical cancer (common)
- Anal cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, penile cancer (rarer genital cancers) and oral cancer
Effective Ways to Prevent HPV
- Avoid starting sexual activity too early
- Avoid having multiple sexual partners
- Use condoms correctly
- Avoid smoking
- Get the cervical cancer vaccine ( HPV vaccine )
Since HPV infection is very common, the most effective way to prevent it is to get the cervical cancer vaccine . Generally, the vaccine offers the highest protection for people aged 9 to 14 who have no sexual experience.
How is HPV Testing Done? What’s the Cost?
Pap Smear Test
Testing Method : The doctor will use a speculum to access the cervix through the vagina, check for any abnormalities, and scrape a small sample of cells from the cervix onto a slide, which is then sent to a lab for analysis. A negative result means it’s normal, while a positive one requires further checks.
Women who are sexually active are recommended to undergo a Pap smear test annually. For women over 30, if three consecutive tests are normal, it can be done every 2 to 3 years. Prices range from HK$100 to HK$600.
HPV DNA Test
Testing Method : The doctor will use a sampling swab to collect cells directly from the surface of the female genital tract to test for HPV infection. The process is painless. Those infected with HPV are advised to retest in 6 to 9 months to ensure the virus is fully cleared, preventing complications like cancer. Prices range from HK$1,000 to HK$3,000.
Prevent Critical Illnesses: Choose the Right Health Check
To avoid the financial burdens from critical illnesses, consider getting critical illness insurance to cover your and your family’s daily expenses. But remember, prevention is better than cure – besides insurance, regular health checks can help lower your risk of critical illnesses!
Many think health risks only increase with age, so young people don’t need check-ups. Others believe pricier packages mean more comprehensive and better quality checks. Bowtie’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jacky Lio, debunks these myths and shares health insights on how check-ups can reduce your risk of critical illnesses.
Want to know how to pick the right health check to prevent diabetes, stroke, and heart disease early? Click here for a link to watch Dr. Jacky Lio’s free online health webinar and learn the importance of check-ups in preventing critical illnesses!
1. What’s the Difference Between HPV DNA Test and Traditional Virus Test?
Traditional virus tests check for cell changes in the cervix, like early signs of cervical cancer. The HPV DNA test detects if cervical cells are infected with HPV, assessing risks before changes occur.
Compared to traditional tests, HPV DNA tests have higher sensitivity and accuracy, with faster results. Since Pap smears can have false negatives, combining them with HPV DNA tests can achieve up to 90% accuracy.
2. Can HPV Survive Outside the Body?
HPV has a low survival rate outside the body, typically lasting less than 2 hours.
3. Can HPV Disappear Suddenly or on Its Own?
HPV can be eliminated or controlled by the body’s immune system in the early stages, so it might disappear on its own without treatment.
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