Human papillomavirus or HPV is the most common sexually-transmitted infection (STI) globally. It takes just one encounter to get infected and this can be though skin contact alone, without penetration or exchange of body fluids.
“It’s estimated that over 85% of the general population has been exposed to HPV, but most women with it never develop cervical cancer,” says Clicks Wellness expert Dr Aadil Khan. “Having a weakened immune system can lower your body’s ability to fight HPV and markedly increase the risk of cervical cancer.”
You are also vulnerable to HPV infection it you have other STIs, smoke, carry excess weight, became sexually active early (within a year of starting your periods), have multiple sex partners (especially if they, too, have multiple partners) and don’t use condoms, which can offer a degree of protection.
Cervical cancer develops gradually, with abnormal changes in the cells that line your cervix (the neck joining your vagina and uterus). “It’s not clear what causes cervical cells to change their DNA, but it’s certain that HPV plays a major role,” says Dr Khan.
HPV infection has no symptoms, and the first most women know about it is when cervical cancer presents itself, with pain during intercourse, bleeding afterwards, spotting, menstrual bleeding that’s heavier and longer than usual, increased vaginal discharge, and unexplained, persistent pelvic or back pain.
This makes it vital to take steps to prevent HPV infection and to have regular screenings for cervical cancer.
Get your shots
As part of its Expanded Programme for Immunisation, the Department of Health provides free vaccination against HPV for girls in Grade 4, aged 9 or older at government schools, and those at non-government schools can be vaccinated by private health professionals or at pharmacy clinics.
Boys can be vaccinated, too. This is important, because HPV can also affect them, causing anal and penile cancers and cancers of the mouth and throat, says Professor Michael Herbst, health specialist consultant at the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA). They can also pass on HPV to partners.
Girls and boys under 15 need two shots and those older need three. These should preferably be given before age 15, but can be given up to age 26, says Clicks pharmacist Waheed Abdurahman. “From age 27 to 45, the person needs to chat to their doctor about whether it’s required. It’s a vaccine, not a treatment, so advance protection is required – there is less benefit after people become sexually active and have likely been exposed to HPV already.”
Get tested for HPV
HPV self-testing is now being launched by Clicks in selected clinics with the aim of offering the service at all clinics before the end of the year, says Bronwyn Macauley, Healthcare Services Manager for Clicks Group.
“The sample collection happens in the clinic and our nurse will notify the labs to collect the sample. Either the nurse will do the collection for the client, or the nurse will explain to the client how to do it and leave the room for privacy. This way, the nurse can ensure the client knows exactly how to do their own sample collection or the nurse can assist.”
Go for Pap smears
It’s important to note that regular Pap smears are still essential for early detection of cervical cancer, even if you have tested for HPV and been vaccinated. The vaccine protects against most common strains of HPV, but not against other less-prevalent ones that can also cause cervical cancer, and some cancer cases are not linked to HPV.
CANSA advises having a first Pap smear two years after you first become sexually active, then having one every two years, or more often if you are high risk. If you are tempted to skip going, remind yourself that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in South African women after breast cancer. It’s also the deadliest, killing more women than any other cancer and leaving many unable to have children.
“The good news is that it’s highly preventable, and readily treatable if detected and addressed early,” says Prof Herbst.
Click here for more information on Clicks Healthcare Services
* Reliance on any information provided on this Website is solely at your own risk.
The content of this Website is provided as a service to you for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need medical advice, you should seek the advice of your healthcare professional.
IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com