HPV Screening and Vaccination

GENITAL HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS (HPV)

HPV is the most widespread sexually transmitted infection, affecting nearly 75% of sexually active Canadians.

Infection can occur in spite of condom usage. Infected parties can be infected without knowing it and without presenting symptoms. HPV is transmissible by sexual intercourse or intimate contacts (skin to skin) with an infected party. It is one of the most common STI in Quebec, affecting mostly young people aged 15 to 24 since HPV is mostly transmitted in the early years of sexual activity.

If they appear, symptoms are :

• Small lumps on reproductive organs, around the anus and, less common, in the mouth;
• Irritations and itches;
• Sores, undetectable to the naked eye, around the cervix.

Multiple types of HPV exist. Some are a known cause to penile cancer, anal cancer, vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, cervical cancer or throat cancer.