Almost every sexually active person will be exposed to HPV (Human Papillomavirus) at least once in their life. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world and a widespread STD in every region. The problem is that most people don’t understand it. It isn’t a single disease, but a large group of viruses. While most infections are asymptomatic and cleared by the body, certain types can cause genital warts, and other, ‘high-risk’ types can lead to cancer.

The Two Faces of HPV: Low-Risk vs. High-Risk

It is essential to understand that HPV is split into two main groups: the types you can see (low-risk) and the types you can’t (high-risk).

Low-Risk HPV (Genital Warts)

This is the type of HPV that produces visible symptoms. It causes skin-coloured bumps, sometimes described as cauliflower-like bumps, on the genital or anal area. The key thing to know is that these “low-risk” types do not cause cancer. They are a cosmetic issue that can be treated by a doctor.

High-Risk HPV (The “Silent” Cancer Risk)

This is the dangerous type because it is invisible and asymptomatic. If this high-risk infection persists in the body (doesn’t clear), it can cause cell changes that lead to cancer. According to the CDC, high-risk HPV causes 99% of cervical cancer, as well as the majority of anal, throat (oral), and penile cancers.

How is HPV Tested? (It’s Different for Men & Women)

For Women (The Gold Standard)

For women, testing is the key to prevention. A pap smear is the standard test, which looks for cell changes caused by the virus. An HPV Test can also be done, often at the same time, to look for the DNA of the high-risk virus itself. This is the gold standard for cervical cancer screening.

For Men (The Challenge)

This is a critical point: there is no routine, approved screening test for HPV in men (aside from anal Pap smears for high-risk populations). Diagnosis is only made if a man develops visible genital warts.

The Solution: The HPV Vaccine (Gardasil 9)

The HPV vaccine is one of the greatest advances in modern medicine. It is an anti-cancer vaccine. Gardasil 9 is the latest and most effective version, protecting against the 9 HPV types responsible for 90% of genital warts and 90% of HPV-related cancers.

While ideally given before age 12, the vaccine is recommended for everyone up to age 26. Adults aged 27-45 who were not previously vaccinated are now also eligible for vaccination. One crucial note: The vaccine is prevention, not treatment. It cannot cure an existing HPV infection.

Conclusion

HPV is extremely common, but its impacts can be serious, from genital warts to a silent cancer risk. Unlike other infections that are only treatable, HPV is one major STD we can proactively prevent through vaccination. Don’t wait. Whether you are male or female, ask your doctor about the HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9). Hydro Medical provides Pap Smears, HPV testing, and the Gardasil 9 vaccine in Bali.

GET PROTECTED. GET VACCINATED.

HPV is the only major STD you can prevent with a vaccine. Whether you need a Pap smear or the Gardasil 9 vaccine, talk to our doctors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)