Test Your HPV Knowledge

1. If someone is vaccinated they do not need to have regular cervical cancer screenings.

True

False

The two vaccines available do not provide protection for all types of HPV. Therefore, regular screening is still advised.

Explanation

The two vaccines available do not provide protection for all types of HPV. Therefore, regular screening is still advised.

2. HPV is treatable with antibiotics.

True

False

As a viral infection, there are currently no antibiotics that can treat the infection. If genital warts develop doctors may use medicine, surgery, or freezing techniques to get rid of the physical structures but the virus will still remain.

Explanation

As a viral infection, there are currently no antibiotics that can treat the infection. If genital warts develop doctors may use medicine, surgery, or freezing techniques to get rid of the physical structures but the virus will still remain.

3. Everyone infected with HPV develops symptoms and is aware of their condition?

True

False

"In 90% of cases, the body’s immune system clears HPV naturally within two years."

Explanation

"In 90% of cases, the body’s immune system clears HPV naturally within two years."

4. How can one test for HPV?

Standard STD tests

Blood test

Pap Test

Symptoms are obvious and give it away!

The Pap test is a commonly used method to test for HPV. It involves collecting cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope to detect any abnormal changes that may indicate the presence of HPV or cervical cancer. This test is effective in detecting HPV infections and can help in early diagnosis and treatment. Other methods, such as blood tests or standard STD tests, may not specifically target HPV and may not be as reliable in detecting the virus. Symptoms of HPV may not always be obvious, making the Pap test an important screening tool.

Explanation

The Pap test is a commonly used method to test for HPV. It involves collecting cells from the cervix and examining them under a microscope to detect any abnormal changes that may indicate the presence of HPV or cervical cancer. This test is effective in detecting HPV infections and can help in early diagnosis and treatment. Other methods, such as blood tests or standard STD tests, may not specifically target HPV and may not be as reliable in detecting the virus. Symptoms of HPV may not always be obvious, making the Pap test an important screening tool.

5. What areas can HPV infect?

Mouth, throat, genitals

Throat, genitals

Genitals, mouth

Genitals only

HPV can infect various areas including the mouth, throat, and genitals. It is a sexually transmitted infection that can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Infections in the mouth and throat can lead to oral and throat cancers, while infections in the genitals can cause genital warts and certain types of cancer such as cervical, vaginal, and penile cancer. It is important to practice safe sex and get vaccinated to reduce the risk of HPV infection and its associated health complications.

Explanation

HPV can infect various areas including the mouth, throat, and genitals. It is a sexually transmitted infection that can be transmitted through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. Infections in the mouth and throat can lead to oral and throat cancers, while infections in the genitals can cause genital warts and certain types of cancer such as cervical, vaginal, and penile cancer. It is important to practice safe sex and get vaccinated to reduce the risk of HPV infection and its associated health complications.

6. Gay and bisexual men are more likely to develop anal cancer than men who only have sex with women.

True

False

Gay and bisexual men are 17 times more likely to develop anal cancer. (CDC.com)

Explanation

Gay and bisexual men are 17 times more likely to develop anal cancer. (CDC.com)

7. The type of HPV that causes genital warts is the most common type to develop into cancer.

True

False

The type of HPV that causes genital warts does not lead to cancer.

Explanation

The type of HPV that causes genital warts does not lead to cancer.

8. Who is eligable for Gardasil^®?

Males and females between 9-26

Anyone who has not had sexual encounters; once sexually active the vaccine is void.

Females only between the ages of 9-26

Everyone is eligible

Gardasil is a vaccine that provides protection against certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical, anal, and other types of cancers. The vaccine is recommended for both males and females between the ages of 9 and 26 because they can benefit from the protection against HPV. It is important to note that once someone becomes sexually active, the vaccine may not be as effective, so it is recommended to get vaccinated before sexual encounters occur. Therefore, the correct answer is "Males and females between 9-26."

Explanation

Gardasil is a vaccine that provides protection against certain strains of human papillomavirus (HPV), which can cause cervical, anal, and other types of cancers. The vaccine is recommended for both males and females between the ages of 9 and 26 because they can benefit from the protection against HPV. It is important to note that once someone becomes sexually active, the vaccine may not be as effective, so it is recommended to get vaccinated before sexual encounters occur. Therefore, the correct answer is "Males and females between 9-26."