Online Information

For Teens

Soon you will be able to browse a helpful alphabetical list on the left to help guide you through the mass of information available on this page.   Just click a topic to go directly to that article.  While under construction, however, please scroll down to the topic of your choice.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
by
Gloria I. Swick, M.S.A., R.S.
       Health Commissioner        

   Very few people know that Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually-transmitted disease.  Yet this disease infects an estimated 24 million Americans and is now the cause of more than 90 percent of all cervical cancer which is the number two cause of cancer deaths among women.

   Human Papillomaviruses (HPVs) are a group of over 80 types of viruses, called papillomaviruses because some of them cause warts, or papillomas, which are benign (noncancerous) tumors.  Some types of HPVs cause the common warts that grow on hands and feet, while others cause those that develop in the mouth or genital area.  There are more than 30 types of HPVs that infect the genital tract.

  Some types of HPVs are referred to as "low-risk" viruses because they rarely develop into cancer.  HPV viruses that can lead to the development of cancer are referred to as "cancer-associated types."  both of these types of HPVs can cause the growth of abnormal cells in the cervix, but generally only the cancer-associated types of HPVs lead to cervical cancer.

  Sexually-transmitted, cancer-associated HPVs have been linked with cancer in both men and women.   Men are usually unaware they have HPVs and can pass them to their sexual partners.  Behaviors such as beginning sexual intercourse at an early age and having many sexual partners increase the chance of getting an HPV infection. 

  Most HPV infections are diagnosed through a PAP test.  Some mildly abnormal PAP tests are a common condition in young women and will return to normal over months or years.  Most low-risk HPV infections go away on their own without causing any type of abnormality.  Infections with the cancer-associated HPV types may increase the risk that mild abnormalities will progress into more severe abnormalities, or cancer.  Some types of HPVs may not be the cancer-associated types, but eventually may lead to cancer if not treated by a doctor.

  A non-insured or under-insured woman may qualify for a free PAP test through the Southeastern Ohio Breast & Cervical Cancer Program (BCCP).  Family Health Services (342-3517) and Family Healthcare - Lincoln Park Medical Center (342-4192) in New Lexington, can provide PAP tests.  All women who are old enough to be sexually active should have an annual PAP test.

  Some current articles now warn that condoms are powerless in protecting against HPV.  Therefore, "safe sex" is not that safe!

  For more information, please call the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237) or contact CancerNet at http://cancernet.nci.nih.gov.  

Do you have a question about pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases?  And have no one you can talk to?  Call the free, confidential Teen Hotline.  It's available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

When you call the Teen Hotline you can follow the instructions to hear information on a topic of your choice or you can talk with one of our registered nurses.

Remember, choosing abstinence is the only 100% way to prevent pregnancy and STDs.  Choosing anything else is taking a chance--maybe with your life.