Episode Details

Episode 182: HPV Vax

Future Dr. Zuaiter and Dr. Arreaza briefly discuss HPV infection but pocus on the prevention of the infection with the vaccine. Dr. Arreaza mentions that HPV vaccine is also recommended by ASCCP to medical professionals. 

Written by Amanda Zuaiter, MS4, Ross University School of Medicine. Edits and comments by Hector Arreaza, MD.

You are listening to Rio Bravo qWeek Podcast, your weekly dose of knowledge brought to you by the Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program from Bakersfield, California, a UCLA-affiliated program sponsored by Clinica Sierra Vista, Let Us Be Your Healthcare Home. This podcast was created for educational purposes only. Visit your primary care provider for additional medical advice.

Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer affecting women globally. Annually, there are over 600,00 new cases and more than 300,000 deaths. The leading cause of cervical cancer is HPV. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a prevalent virus that is spread through close skin-to-skin contact, mainly by sexual intercourse. It is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. 

The term STI and STD are used indistinctively, but some people make a difference, such as Dr. Cornelius Reitmeijer. STI refers to sexually transmitted infection, which can be asymptomatic, and STD stands for sexually transmitted disease, which are the signs and symptoms caused by the multiplication of the infectious agent and disruption of bodily functions. STI is the preferred term, as recommended by experts during the last few years.  

Low risk vs High risk HPV.

There are over 200 strains of HPV which fall into two categories: low risk and high risk. The low-risk types, HPV 6 and 11, cause warts around the genitals, anus, mouth or throat. The high-risk types, HPV 16 and 18, are linked to cervical, vaginal, anal, and other cancers. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types is the primary cause of cervical cancer, accounting for 70% of cervical cancer cases. While often asymptomatic, persistent HPV infections can develop into papular lesions which can cause bleeding and pain or cause sore throat and hoarseness if warts develop in the throat.

Not all warts will turn into cancer, but the risk of a wart turning into cancer is higher than normal skin or mucosa that has not been infected by HPV.

Even though cervical cancer is the most well-known condition linked to HPV, it’s important to note that HPV isn’t just a women’s health issue. It can also cause cancers in men, such as throat, penile and anal cancers. Men, however, are not screened for HPV if they have no signs or symptoms of infection.

HPV Prevention: 

1. General measures that can be taken are maintaining a healthy immune system by exercising regularly and a balanced diet and quitting smoking.
2. Male circumcision has been shown to reduce the risk of penile cancer in men and their sexual partners may have a lower risk of cervical cancer. 
3. Screening: Women should undergo regular pap smears with HPV screening. Pap smear screening begins at the age of 21 and is recommended every 3 years. From ages 30-65, co-testing should be done every 5 years, according to the guidelines by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Also, HPV test self-collection is now available in the US since May 2024, and it is useful especially in rural areas.
4. The most effective ways to prevent the transmission of HPV is to practice safe sex, using condoms, and getting vaccinated. 

HPV vaccine. 

For medical providers: It was announced only to ASCP (American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology) members in th