Published on Jan 08, 2025 | 10:10 AM
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Cervical cancer is a serious health condition that develops in the cells of the cervix, often progressing silently until advanced stages. Many people are unaware that one of the leading causes of cervical cancer is a sexually transmitted infection (commonly referred to as an STD), called the human papillomavirus (HPV). This common infection affects millions of people worldwide and, in some cases, can lead to the development of cervical cancer.
Read on to learn how HPV is linked to cervical cancer, including its symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment options, and the importance of early detection and proactive care.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), with over 200 known strains. These strains are divided into two categories: low-risk and high-risk. Low-risk HPV strains are usually associated with conditions like common skin warts, flat warts, and genital warts, while high-risk strains can lead to more severe health problems, including cervical cancer.
High-risk HPV strains, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, are responsible for approximately 70% of cases of cervical cancer.1 Often, people who contract HPV are unaware of their infection, as it frequently causes no symptoms and can go undetected for years. This asymptomatic nature makes HPV particularly dangerous, as it allows the virus to persist and potentially cause cellular changes that may progress to cancer over time.
Cervical cancer develops gradually from an HPV infection. High-risk HPV strains can infect cervical cells and integrate into their DNA, disrupting normal cell functions and triggering abnormal growth, known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
If the immune system doesn’t clear the virus, these abnormal cells may progress into cancer over time, often taking years. Regular screenings like Pap smears and HPV tests can detect these changes early, allowing for treatment to prevent cervical cancer. Early detection is essential for effective prevention.
While human papillomavirus (HPV) is incredibly common, not everyone who contracts the virus develops cervical cancer. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of both contracting HPV and its progression to cervical cancer. Understanding these factors can help individuals take proactive steps to protect their health.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is often referred to as a “silent infection” because the majority of cases cause no noticeable symptoms. Many individuals remain unaware of their infection until it is detected through routine screenings, such as HPV tests or Pap smears.
However, certain strains of HPV can present specific signs or symptoms. Low-risk types of HPV may cause visible symptoms like small, flesh-colored or cauliflower-shaped bumps in the genital or anal area.
These genital warts can appear singly or in clusters and may sometimes cause itching or discomfort. In contrast, high-risk strains typically do not produce visible symptoms. Instead, they can silently cause changes in cervical cells, which can only be detected through medical screenings.
It’s important to note that genital warts caused by HPV can sometimes be mistaken for syphilis sores. Syphilis sores are typically round, firm, and painless, while HPV warts are soft, flesh-colored, and may resemble cauliflower. Syphilis is highly contagious and can lead to serious health problems if untreated. Seeking medical evaluation is crucial to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Preventing HPV infection and detecting it early are crucial for reducing the risks associated with this common virus. With the right steps, individuals can protect themselves and others from the most harmful effects of HPV.
The HPV vaccine, such as Gardasil 9, is highly effective in preventing infections from the most common high-risk and low-risk strains, including those linked to genital warts and cervical cell changes. It is recommended for boys and girls starting at ages 11–12 but is also beneficial for older individuals who have not yet been vaccinated.
Consistent condom use can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, although it does not offer complete protection, as HPV can infect areas not covered by condoms. Limiting the number of sexual partners can also lower exposure risk.
While there is no routine HPV test available for everyone, individuals with a cervix can undergo HPV testing alongside Pap smears to detect high-risk strains early. Regular cervical screenings are essential for identifying any changes caused by HPV before they progress to serious complications.
Maintaining a strong immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and not smoking can help the body clear HPV infections more effectively.
Yes, most people with HPV live normal lives. Genital warts can be treated, and in many cases, the immune system clears the virus over time. Regular check-ups and treatment help manage symptoms effectively.
Yes, men can carry and transmit HPV, often without showing symptoms. Regular screenings are important for their partners' health, as men currently lack routine HPV tests.
For individuals with a cervix, cervical cancer screening is typically recommended every 5 years starting at age 25, often alongside Pap smears. Your healthcare provider can guide you based on your specific needs.
Cervical cancer is most commonly caused by HPV, the only STI directly linked to its development. However, other STIs, such as chlamydia, may increase the risk by weakening the immune system or creating conditions that allow HPV to persist in cervical cells.2
Yes, in addition to cervical cancer, high risk strains of HPV can cause anal cancer, penile cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer (cancers of the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils). High-risk HPV strains are associated with these cancers, making vaccination and regular health screenings important for both men and women.
January is Cervical Cancer Screening Month, a timely reminder of the critical role regular screenings play in protecting your health. Leaving STDs or STIs untreated can lead to serious complications, even if they initially show no symptoms.
Untreated STIs like HPV can result in pre-cancerous changes and cervical cancer, while others, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, may cause infertility or pelvic inflammatory disease. Conditions like syphilis can progress to damage the heart, brain, and other organs, and untreated infections can increase the risk of contracting or transmitting HIV.
Beyond physical health, untreated sexually transmitted diseases or infections can impact emotional well-being, relationships, and public health by facilitating further spread. Regular screenings, timely treatment, and practicing safe sex are essential steps to safeguard individual and community health.
Call-On-Doc offers a discreet, convenient, and stress-free way to manage HPV-related conditions like genital warts, all without the need for an in-person visit. Our licensed healthcare providers prescribe effective treatment for genital warts such as Podofilox (Condylox) and imiquimod, which help reduce warts and promote healthy skin regeneration.
The process is simple: complete a brief online medical form, and once approved, your prescription can be sent to your pharmacy or delivered directly to your door.
With Call-On-Doc, you can take control of your health in a private and convenient way, ensuring you get the care you need quickly and easily.
Sources:
English graduate and Call-On-Doc’s medical resource guide, Wayne C. Hahne is an experienced and passionate medical education content expert. Through diligent research, provider interviews and utilizing the industry's leading resources for wellness information, it is Mr. Hahne’s personal mission to educate the general public on medical conditions with in-depth and easy-to-understand written guides.
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