HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is HPV?

HPV is the name of a group of viruses. There are more than 150 types of HPV (Human papillomavirus) that are sexually – transmitted, affecting reproductive organs in men and women. Some types of HPV (e.g type 6, type 11) cause changes which are called genital warts, while other types, which are clasified as high-risk types (e.g type 16, type 18, etc.) can cause CIN changes (abnormal growth cells) that lead to cervical cancer.

How can I get HPV?

HPV is transmitted through genital contact, most commonly through vaginal or anal sexual intercourse. Most people don’t know that they have the virus or that they transfer it to the partner. Therefore, it is usually impossible to know who transferred the virus and when the infection has occurred.

Is there another way of getting HPV?

There are many misconceptions about how you can get HPV. However, it is important to know that condoms do not provide 100% protection against HPV. Because the virus is found in the skin around the genitals, the virus can easily pass from the genital area of the men in the women’s vagina, vulva or anus.

How HPV causes cancer of the cervix?

HPV virus causes abnormal growth of cells of the cervix. In many cases, HPV disappears itself. However, when the infection with HPV takes some time, the abnormal cells can develop cancer (cancer of the cervix or of the other body parts).

Can cervical cancer be prevented?

Yes. There are tests which can detect early signs, even before symptoms develop. In this way, the problem is found and resolved before the cancer develops. Those tests are PAP-test and HPV-test.

What is the difference between PAP-test and HPV-test?

Both tests allow screening for the cervical cancer. The difference is that they detect different things. The PAP-test (PAP smear) is used to look for changes in the cells form the cervix or vagina that may lead to cancer. The HPV-test detects the HPV virus that causes these changes.

Can I get cervical cancer if I have HPV?

Those women who have HPV will not develop cervical cancer, if they follow the advice and instructions from their gynecologists for appropriate testing and treatment. If you have HPV, your gynecologist will recommend you more frequent check-ups and tests in order to find any changes that could be treated properly early. Therefore, follow the advice of your gynecologists.

If I have HPV, can I stay pregnant and give birth to a healthy baby?

The presence of HPV virus doesn’t reduce the chance of getting pregnant. The type of HPV you have, should not affect the health of the unborn baby. However, if you need treatment for abnormal cells on the cervix (caused by HPV), the treatment itself can affect the chances of getting pregnant. Consult your gynecologists about this.

Where can I make a HPV – test?

The proper diagnosis of HPV is extremely important and is crucial for the further treatment of the patient.

In Avicena Laboratory, you can make Anyplex HPV 28 test – unique multiplex RT-PCR test, which allows simultaneous detection, differentiation and quantification of 28 different HPV genotypes (19 high risk and 9 low risk), responsible for cervical cancer and / or sexual transmitted infections.

19 high-risk HPV genotypes: 16,18,26,31,33,35,39,45,51,52,53,56,58,59,66,68,69,73,82

9 low-risk HPV genotypes: 6,11,40,42,43,44,54,61,70

Thanks to the unique DPO® and TOCE® technologies, this test is performed on RT-PCR instruments for high precision detection, differentiation and quantification of high and low risk HPV infections.

The test provides all the necessary information (genotype, co-infection, quantitative result) in relation to the infection, to facilitate the clinical follow-up of the patient.