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No thanksHPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), spread easily between two people through skin to skin contact. While most HPV infections will go away on their own, others may develop into genital warts. In some cases, HPV can go unnoticed and lead to various cancers, such as cervical cancer.
HPV is spread during sexual activity through genital skin to skin contact - intercourse is not necessary. Both men and women spread the virus. Many people who have HPV may not feel any symptoms, so they can pass the virus on without knowing it. Condoms offer some protection, but the virus may be on the skin not covered by a condom.
Most people infected with HPV never feel symptoms and do not know they have been infected. This means someone can carry HPV and spread it to others without knowing it. Depending on the type of HPV infection, a person may develop genital warts. It is important to note that genital warts do not have to be seen to be spread.
Cervical cancer is caused when HPV infects the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Once infected, abnormal cells may develop in the cervix and, if not found, they can lead to cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is found by a Pap test which is part of a women's yearly health check-up. The test is done by a physician or nurse practitioner and uses a speculum and tiny brush to gather cells from the cervix. These cells are looked at for any abnormalities, if found, more tests are needed. Not all abnormalities are cancer.
Abstinence is the only way to fully prevent getting HPV. Condoms will help lower the risk but may not provide full protection as HPV lives on genital skin that may not be covered by the condom. Gardasil® will also help to prevent HPV infections.
As per the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care guidelines, every grade 8 female in Ontario is able to receive Gardasil® free of charge through a school-based immunization clinic. It is important to note, that consent must be given by both parent/guardian and daughter. Each school will have three scheduled clinics at approximately 0, 2, and 6 months where public health nurses give the vaccine.
The reason for vaccinating at a young age is to target females BEFORE they become sexually active. Gardasil® has been shown to provide the best immune response in 9-15 year olds and before sexual activity. Even if your daughter has only one partner in her lifetime, she still has a 40% chance of getting one or more of the HPV viruses. When and if she chooses to become sexually active, she will be protected.
Please contact the Vaccine Preventable Disease Program to schedule an appointment at 905-688-8248 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7425.
