HPV: The Most Common STI – And One of the Most Preventable

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) will affect over 80% of sexually active people in their lifetime.

The Gardasil-9 vaccine prevents 90% of HPV-related cancers.

HPV vaccination and wart treatment at Irys Medical Center Nairobi

What is HPV? (Over 200 Types)

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of over 200 related viruses. They are categorized based on risk:

Low-risk types → Cause Genital/Anal Warts (e.g., Types 6 and 11).
High-risk types → Can lead to Cervical, Anal, Penile, Vaginal, Vulval, and Throat Cancers (e.g., Types 16 and 18).

Most infections clear on their own within 1–2 years, but the high-risk ones require active screening.

How HPV Spreads

HPV is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact.

Primary Routes

Skin-to-skin genital contact during sexual activity.
Vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Sharing sex toys or other contaminated objects.

Important Facts (Prevention)

Condoms reduce but do NOT eliminate risk because HPV can infect skin not covered by the condom.
Can be transmitted even without visible warts or symptoms.
No transmission through blood, sharing food, or saliva (kissing).

Symptoms & Signs

Symptoms vary significantly depending on the HPV strain.

Low-Risk HPV: Genital/Anal Warts

Flesh-colored small bumps or clusters (cauliflower-like appearance).
Usually painless but may itch or bleed.
Appear weeks or months after exposure.

High-Risk HPV (Cancer-Causing)

No symptoms until pre-cancerous cells or cancer develops.
Detected proactively via Pap smear or HPV DNA test (Screening is key!).

Gardasil-9 Vaccine at Irys (Cancer Prevention)

The Gardasil-9 vaccine offers the highest level of protection against the most dangerous HPV types.

Feature	Details
Protects against	9 High-Risk Types (including 6, 11, 16, 18) that cause over 90% of related cancers.
Prevents	90% of Cervical Cancer 90% of Anal Cancer 90% of Genital Warts
Dosing Schedule	2 doses (if starting age 9–14) 3 doses (if starting age 15–45)
Best Protection	Before first sexual contact, but still highly effective afterward.
Available at Irys	Same-day vaccination available upon request.

Genital & Anal Wart Removal (In-Clinic Options)

We offer various effective, discreet treatment options for visible HPV warts.

Cryotherapy (Liquid Nitrogen)

Freezes warts for easy removal.
Quick in-office procedure with minimal scarring.

Electrocautery / LEEP

Precise surgical removal for larger, persistent warts.
Performed under local anesthesia.

Topical Treatments (Home Use)

Prescription creams like Imiquimod (Aldara) or Podophyllotoxin solution applied by the patient.

Success Rate

We achieve 90–95% clearance with personalized or combination therapy protocols.

Specialized Cancer Prevention Services

Focused services for patients at highest risk of HPV-related cancer:

HPV DNA co-testing with Pap smear (Recommended for women aged 30+).
Anal Pap smear & High-Resolution Anoscopy (for high-risk patients, e.g., MSM, HIV-positive).
Comprehensive Vaccine Catch-Up Program available up to age 45.
Partner vaccination counseling to ensure mutual protection.

Screening Recommendations (Cervical Cancer)

For Women

Pap smear alone every 3 years (ages 21–29).
Pap smear + HPV test every 5 years (ages 30–65).

For Men & High-Risk Groups

Routine visual exam by a doctor for genital/anal warts.
Anal Pap smear screening if specifically indicated by risk factors.

HPV Myths vs Facts (The Truth)

Myth: Only women need to worry about HPV.
Fact: HPV causes anal, penile, and throat cancer in men too. Vaccination is for both sexes.

Myth: If you have HPV, you will inevitably get cancer.
Fact: Most infections clear naturally. Only persistent infection with a high-risk type is a concern, which is rare.

Myth: The vaccine is only for teenagers.
Fact: The Gardasil-9 vaccine is licensed and effective up to age 45 for catch-up vaccination.

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