Is It Safe To Be Sexually Active With HPV?

We’re guessing you must have gone through many articles to understand all about Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and might have learnt more or less everything about it. But, probably the answer to your question “is it safe to be sexually active with HPV?” still remains unanswered! It could be that you or your partner is recently diagnosed with HPV or you’re here just out of curiosity. Irrespective of the reason, we’ll clear all the doubts swimming in your head regarding being sexually active with HPV.

Is It Okay To Be Sexually Active With HPV?

Before jumping straight into the topic, let’s quickly brush up on some numbers related to Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Studies suggest that HPV plays an important role in causing cervical cancer and it is the fourth most common cancer found worldwide. Also of all female cancer deaths worldwide, 7.5% account for cervical cancer.¹

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 43 million HPV infections were reported in the year 2018. And till date, approximately 150 HPV types have been identified out of which 40 are seen to infect the genital area. Some of these types may cause health issues such as cancer or genital warts (small bumps on genitals).^2,3

How Does HPV Spread?

HPV is majorly transmitted by having vaginal or anal intercourse with an infected person. And, the majority of HPV infections are usually asymptomatic. However, if a person is sexually active with HPV without any signs and symptoms, s/he can still pass on the infection to another individual.^2,3 

If you’re sexually active and were in physical contact with an infected person, you can also develop symptoms after years. Thus, this can make it difficult to know when you first got the infection.²

So, to get the answer to your question, “is it safe to be sexually active with HPV?”, you should also know the health problems that may arise. Let us check them out next.

Does HPV Cause Health Issues?

A short answer to this question would be both yes and no. 

Here’s why - 

In 9 out of 10 cases, HPV infections go away on their own without causing any health problems. But, if the infection does not go away, it may cause genital warts and cancer.² 

Genital Warts And HPV

Genital warts are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11. It appears like a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area of the infected person. These bumps can be as follows:^2,3

• small or large
• flat or raised
• cauliflower-shaped

Healthcare professionals can usually diagnose genital warts just by looking at them. But, before visiting a health clinic, here are a few symptoms you must look out for:⁴

• one or more lumps or growths near your vagina/anus
• bleeding or itching from the genitals/anus
• change in your urine flow (if it flows sideways)

You must also be aware that, even after the treatment is completed, there’s still a chance for genital warts to reappear.⁵

Cancer And HPV

Among women, the most common HPV-associated cancer is cervical cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that cervical cancer may take 15 to 20 years to develop in a woman with a normal immune system. And, approximately 5 to 10 years in women with a weakened immune system.^6,7 

Here’s when cervical screening may help detect HPV infection or pre-cancerous lesions (body cells that may look or appear like cancer cells) so that they can be treated early and easily. And, as HPV can be asymptomatic in a few cases, screening is also recommended for women without any symptoms.^3,7

How Can You Keep Yourself And Your Partner Safe?

HPV can often go undetected, so it is advised to take proper steps to protect yourself and your partner such as:

Learn And Act Towards It

One of the best ways to prevent the infection is to learn how HPV spreads and the risks associated with it. If you notice any unusual growths or lumps in your genital area, visit a healthcare professional immediately. You might be recommended to abstain from having intercourse if you or your partner are diagnosed with genital warts until they go away.⁵

Talk To Your Doctor Right Away

If you suspect that you might have HPV or are confused about being sexually active with HPV, reach out to your doctor. They can recommend treatments for the health problems caused by HPV.² 

For example: if you’re having genital warts, your doctor may recommend procedures or medications for them to go away.² And, even if you aren’t showing any symptoms, your doctor will guide you on how to reduce the risk of spreading the infection. 

Get Your HPV Jab

CDC recommends HPV vaccination for children at age 11 or 12 years (can even start at age 9) and everyone through age 26 years. Vaccination for adults above the age of 26 is usually not recommended. However, adults between 27 to 45 years who did not get vaccinated at a younger age might decide to get it later based on their doctor’s suggestion.⁸

It’s Time For A Wrap!

Now that you’ve reached the end of this article, we hope that some of your doubts on “can I be sexually active with HPV” are clear.

Summing it up, to decrease the risk of HPV infection, use condoms consistently and limit the number of partners. But, the most reliable way to prevent the infection is to abstain from sexual activity.³ However, this ain’t quite possible right? So, to steer clear of cervical cancer - it is best to get tested for HPV sooner rather than later!

You can get started by taking a simple at-home test to get insights into whether you’re at risk for cervical cancer or not. One such test is LifeCell’s HPV Test, which can be ordered online and the sample can be collected right from the comfort of your home. 

Then, why wait? Grab LifeCell’s HPV kit quickly and be in charge of your sexual health.