Myth: No symptoms means you don’t have it.

Fact:It can be difficult to tell if you have it, since often there are no signs and symptoms of HPV. Depending on the type, you may develop different symptoms. HPV may cause noticeable symptoms such as genital warts, plantar warts, lesions, lumps or growths. Since, it isn’t always possible to tell if you have HPV, vaccinations and regular screenings as a safeguard are all the more imperative.

Myth: It can only be passed through sexual intercourse.

Fact:Considering that there are multiple strains of HPV, it can be spread by any direct skin-to-skin contact, not just sex. Studies also say that HPV infections can be transmitted from non-sexual contact or during pregnancy from mother to child. The HPV virus can also stay dormant for extended periods of time, years in fact, making regular pap smear tests for women a must.

Myth: HPV doesn’t cause any major health problems.

Fact:While in most cases HPV infections go away on their own with the body’s immune system taking care of it naturally without causing any major health problems, it sometimes can cause certain kinds of cancers. A majority of cervical cancer cases, one of the most frequent cancers amongst women in India and the fourth most common globally, are said to be caused by HPV. It also causes more than half of pre-cervical cancers. It may also cause certain types of HPV-associated cancer in men, such as those of the mouth, rectum and throat.

Myth: HPV is treatable.

Fact:While many HPV infections can go away on their own, there is no treatment for the virus itself. There are treatments available for the effects and symptoms of HPV, such as genital warts and certain types of HPV-related cancers. It is preventable, however, and there are things you can do to stay safe and healthy! Vaccinations and testing for abnormal cell growth too can help safeguard against and better manage high-risk HPV types.

Always reach out to and speak openly to your doctors if you feel like you may be at risk or are displaying symptoms.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.