Physical-mental health and awareness of HIV/STIs among men who ...

Common Types Of Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, exists in more than 100 different forms ranging from low-risk to high-risk. HPV 6 and HPV 11 are the both low-risk. Various vaccines are available to protect you against certain types.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI), also referred to as sexually transmitted disease (STD).

HPV is the most common STI in the United States. Almost 80 million Americans currently have HPV. About 14 million contract the virus each year.

More than 100 types of HPV exist. Because some are likely to cause more complications than others, the types are categorized as low-risk and high-risk HPV.

Low-risk types can't cause cervical cancer and are treatable. High-risk types can cause abnormal cells to form on the cervix, which can develop into cancer if they're left untreated.

Keep reading to learn more about the most common types of HPV.

If you've contracted HPV, identifying the type you have helps your doctor determine next steps. Some types of HPV clear up without intervention. Other types may lead to cancer. Your doctor will monitor your condition so that if cancer cells do develop, they can be detected early.

HPV 6 and HPV 11

HPV 6 and HPV 11 are low-risk types of HPV. They are linked to approximately 90 percent of genital warts. HPV 11 can also cause changes to the cervix.

Genital warts look like cauliflower-shaped bumps on your genitalia. They usually show up a few weeks or months after exposure from a sexual partner who has HPV.

Getting the HPV vaccine may help prevent HPV 6. The vaccine also offers some protection from HPV 11.

For the HPV vaccine Gardasil 9, clinical trials showed up to 89 to 99 percent effectiveness in protecting against HPV types 6 and 11. This significant reduction against contracting these types was noted in 9- to 26-year-olds.

The recommendation is to receive the vaccines prior to becoming sexually active, since the vaccine can't protect against a strain of HPV that a person has already been exposed to.

If you do contract HPV 6 or HPV 11, your doctor can prescribe medications such as imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara) or podofilox (Condylox). These are topical medications that destroy genital wart tissue.

This local destruction of the wart tissue helps enhance your immune system's ability to fight the STI virus. You can apply these medications directly to your genital warts.

HPV 16 and HPV 18

HPV 16 is the most common high-risk type of HPV and usually doesn't result in any noticeable symptoms, even though it can bring about cervical changes. It causes 50 percent of cervical cancers worldwide.

HPV 18 is another high-risk type of HPV. Like HPV 16, it doesn't typically cause symptoms, but it can lead to cervical cancer.

HPV 16 and HPV 18 are together responsible for approximately 70 percent of all cervical cancers worldwide.

The HPV vaccine Gardasil 9 can protect against a number of types of HPV, including HPV 16 and HPV 18.

HPV testing can be performed for women with a Pap test (commonly known as a Pap smear), which is a screening test for cervical cancer. HPV testing is only available for women, and it can determine if HPV is present. If present, the test can determine whether the HPV is a low- or a high-risk type.

The HPV test isn't recommended as routine screening for women under the age of 30. This is because many women will have some strain of HPV by that age. Most of these will clear spontaneously without intervention.

However, if a person's Pap test showed abnormal cells, the HPV test would be done to assess their risk of more serious conditions, including cervical cancer.

If your test shows you have HPV, it doesn't mean you'll develop cervical cancer. It does mean that you could develop cervical cancer in the future, especially if you have a high-risk type of HPV. Your doctor will review your results with you and discuss treatment or surveillance options.

As mentioned above, 80 million Americans have HPV right now, and 14 million new diagnoses are expected each year. This means almost anyone who is sexually active will get at least one type of HPV during their lifetime.

It's estimated that HPV will go away without treatment in 80 to 90 percent of people who contract the STI.

HPV infection is less common in women over the age of 30, but it's more likely to lead to cervical cancer. This is one of the reasons why it's important to see your gynecologist regularly.

Follow these tips to help prevent HPV:

Get the HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccine involves two shots, separated by 6 to 12 months, for those ages 9 to 14 years.

For people ages 15 and over, three shots are given over six months.

People between the ages of 27 and 45 who haven't been previously vaccinated for HPV are now eligible for Gardasil 9.

Ask your doctor which vaccine they're giving you

The types of HPV the different vaccines protect against vary:

The HPV bivalent vaccine (Cervarix) will only protect against HPV 16 and 18.

The HPV quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil) will protect against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18.

The HPV 9-valent vaccine, recombinant (Gardasil 9) can prevent HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.

Since Gardasil 9 protects against a much wider spectrum of HPV strains without a noted increase in side effects or adverse reactions, this choice offers more protection against HPV.

Common side effects of the Gardasil 9 vaccine is irritation at the injection site, including pain, swelling, or redness. Some people may have a headache following the injection.

Other tips

Avoid sexual contact with a partner if genital warts are present.

Use latex condoms every time you engage in sexual intercourse. But keep in mind that HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact — not through exchange of bodily fluids. This means that while condoms may not always prevent the spread of HPV, they could reduce your risk.

If you're a woman, make an appointment with your gynecologist for a cervical cancer screening. You should start screening at age 21 and continue until you're 65.

HPV is very common. Most people with HPV don't know they have an infection and experience no symptoms.

If you have HPV, it doesn't mean you'll develop cervical cancer.

However, knowing that you have a high-risk type of HPV will help you and your doctor come up with a plan to reduce your risk for cervical cancer.

You can do your best to prevent HPV by getting tested for cervical cancer if you're a woman, and by keeping your vaccinations current.

Know the facts

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 13,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2018.

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)

Treatment for STIs depends on the type of infection. Whether the infection is caused by bacteria, virus, or parasites will determine the course of treatment. Information about the treatment options for types of STIs common to college populations is included below.

Treatment of Common STIs Caused by Bacteria:

STIs caused by bacteria can usually be treated and cured with proper medical intervention, like taking a course of antibiotics.

Bacterial STIs Common in College Populations:

Chlamydia

Transmitted during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Symptoms are often absent or very mild

Commons sites of infection: penis, vagina, cervix, anus, eyes, throat

Gonorrhea

Often called "the clap," common transmission occurs through unprotected vaginal sex, oral sex, anal sex, and rimming

Commons sites of infection: urinary tract, vagina, butt, throat

Syphilis

Caused by bacteria that enters the body through the skin during sex or close physical contact with an infected individual

Common sites of infection: mouth or lips, vagina, penis, anus

Treatment of Common STIs Caused by Viruses:

STIs caused by viruses are typically more difficult to treat than those caused by bacteria. Treatment of viral STIs is specific to the type of infection. Information about the treatment of viral infections common to college populations is included below.

Viral STIs Common in College Populations:

HPV (Human papillomavirus)

HPV is the most common STI. Often times it can be harmless and go away by itself, but some types can lead to cancer or genital warts. There are about 40 different kinds of HPV that can infect genital areas – vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, and scrotum, as well as the mouth and throat

HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact of genital parts with an infected person – even if there is no penetration, and even if no one orgasms

Managing HPV: There is no cure for HPV, but there are many ways to prevent it and also reduce its impact on one's life:

HPV Vaccines – for everyone!

Genital warts can be removed by medical providers

High risk HPV can usually be treated before it turns into cancer – which is why regular Pap/HPV tests are very important

Condoms (external and internal) and dental dams can reduce risk

Herpes

Caused by a herpes simplex virus (HSA) that spreads through direct contact.There are 2 types, one that usually causes cold sores around the mouth or face, and one that usually affects the genitals, buttocks, or anal areas.

Some people have no symptoms, others have symptoms near where the virus has entered the body. They turn into blisters, can become itchy and painful, and then heal.

Managing Herpes: Many people have outbreaks several times a year. Over time they may become less frequent, and there are medicines to help fight the virus, lessen symptoms, and decrease outbreaks

Hepatitis A, B, C

Viral infection of the liver named for the virus it is caused by:

Hepatitis A: passed between people by a fecal/oral route, such a rimming

Hepatitis B: passed through sexual activity or contact with bodily fluids of an infected partner; highly contagious

Hepatitis C: passed through blood to blood contact

Symptoms include fatigue, loss of appetite, vomiting, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and darker urine than normal

Preventing Hepatitis: Using barrier methods (external condoms, internal condoms, dental dams) can reduce risk of transmission

Managing Hepatitis: People living with Hepatitis work closely with medical providers to develop care and routines that work for them.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus–the virus that causes AIDS)

Transmitted by certain bodily fluids–blood, semen, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The most common HIV transmission occurs through sexual behavior or shared needle/syringe use.

Preventing HIV: Using barrier methods (external condoms, internal condoms, dental dams). HIV prevention medicines like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) also exist and have shown increasing efficacy.

Managing HIV: Taking prescribed medications like antiretroviral therapy (ART) and seeing a medical professional regularly can help an individual infected with HIV live a normal life. Being open, honest, and communicative with all sex partners will help to prevent transmitting HIV.

Treatment of Common STIs Caused by Parasites:

STIs caused by parasites can usually be treated and cured with use of a medication that kills the parasite causing the infection.

Common STIs Caused by Parasites in College Populations:

Pubic Lice ("crabs")

Pubic lice are neither a bacterial or viral infection, but are parasitic insects found in the genital area. Scabies occurs when there is an infestation of the skin by the lice. There are several lotions available to treat pubic lice or scabies.

14 Types Of Headaches And How To Treat Them

Nearly everyone experiences head pain once in a while. However, there are different types of headaches. The cause, duration, and intensity of this pain can vary according to each type.

Many of us are familiar with some form of the throbbing, uncomfortable, and distracting pain of a headache. There are different types of headaches. The common types include:

tension headache

cluster headache

migraine headache

hemicrania continua

ice pick headache

thunderclap headache

allergy or sinus headache

hormone headache (also known as menstrual migraine)

caffeine headache

exertion headache

hypertension headache

rebound headache

post-traumatic headache

spinal headache

Immediate medical attention needed

In some cases, a headache may require immediate medical attention. Seek immediate medical care if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms alongside your headache:

If your headache is less severe, read on to learn how to identify the type you may be experiencing and what you can do to ease your symptoms.

Primary headaches occur when the pain in your head is the condition. In other words, your headache isn't triggered by something your body is dealing with, like illness or allergies.

These headaches can be episodic or chronic:

Episodic headaches may occur occasionally but no more than 15 days in one month. They can last anywhere from half an hour to several hours.

Chronic headaches are more consistent. They occur more than 15 days a month. In these cases, a pain management plan is necessary.

The visual above is a general representation of where headaches may occur, but many can exist outside the areas noted.

Tension headache

If you have a tension headache, you may feel a dull, aching sensation all over your head. Tenderness or sensitivity around your neck, forehead, scalp, or shoulder muscles also might occur.

Anyone can get a tension headache. Stress often triggers them.

Cluster headache

Cluster headaches may occur with severe burning and piercing pain. They occur around or behind one eye or on one side of the face at a time. Symptoms may include:

swelling, redness, flushing, and sweating on the side that's affected by the headache

nasal congestion and eye tearing on the same side as the headache

These headaches occur in a series. Each headache can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. During a cluster, people may experience headaches anywhere from one every other day to eight per day, usually around the same time each day. After one headache resolves, another will soon follow.

A series of cluster headaches can be daily for months at a time. In the months between clusters, people are symptom-free. Cluster headaches are more common in the spring and fall. They are also three times more common in men.

Doctors aren't sure what causes cluster headaches.

Migraine

Migraine is a headache disorder that causes intense pulsing pain deep within your head. Migraine episodes may last between 4 and 72 hours untreated, significantly limiting your ability to carry out your daily routine. During one, you may experience:

throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head

light sensitivity

sound sensitivity

nausea and vomiting

About one-third of those with migraine experience visual disturbances before the headache phase starts. Known as migraine aura, it may cause you to see:

flashing or shimmering lights

zigzag lines

stars

blind spots

Auras can also include tingling on one side of your face or in one arm and trouble speaking.

Possible medical emergency

The symptoms of a stroke can also mimic a migraine episode. If any of these symptoms are new to you, seek immediate medical attention.

Migraine might run in your family, or the condition can be associated with other nervous system conditions. According to the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), people assigned female at birth are three times more likely to develop migraine than people assigned male at birth. People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) also have an increased risk of migraine.

Common migraine triggers include environmental factors, such as:

sleep disruption

dehydration

skipped meals

some foods

hormone fluctuations

exposure to chemicals

Hemicrania continua

Hemicrania continua is a moderate headache on one side of your head that lasts continuously for at least 3 months. You might feel periods of increased intensity a few times per day.

Researchers estimate it accounts for about 1% of headaches. It's most common in young adults.

This type of headache may also be accompanied by:

tearing or eye redness

nasal congestion or runny nose

eyelid drooping

forehead sweating

miosis or excessive shrinking of the pupil

restlessness or agitation

Ice pick headache

Primary stabbing headaches, or ice pick headaches, are characterized by short, intense stabbing pains in your head lasting only a few seconds.

These headaches can occur a few times daily and come on without warning. Ice pick headaches could feel like a single stab or multiple stabs in succession.

Ice pick headaches usually move to different parts of your head. If you have ice pick headaches that always occur in the same spot, it might be a symptom of an underlying condition.

Thunderclap headache

A thunderclap headache is a severe headache that comes on rapidly, reaching peak intensity in under a minute. It may be benign, but it could also be a symptom of a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention.

In some cases, a thunderclap headache could indicate:

The first time you experience a thunderclap headache, seek immediate medical attention. If a doctor determines that another condition does not cause your headache, you can discuss a treatment plan for possible future thunderclap headaches.

Secondary headaches are a symptom of something else that is going on in your body. If the trigger of your secondary headache is ongoing, your headaches can become chronic. Treating the primary cause generally brings headache relief.

Allergy or sinus headache

Headaches sometimes happen as a result of an allergic reaction. The pain from these headaches is often focused in your sinus area and the front of your head.

Migraine is sometimes misdiagnosed as sinus headaches. People with chronic seasonal allergies or sinusitis are susceptible to these headaches.

Hormone headache

People who menstruate may experience headaches that are linked to hormonal fluctuations. Menstruation, using birth control pills, and pregnancy all affect estrogen levels, which can cause a headache.

Those headaches associated with the menstrual cycle are also known as menstrual migraine. These can occur between 3 days before your period to the third day of your period and during ovulation.

Caffeine headache

Caffeine affects blood flow to your brain. Too much can give you a headache, as can quitting caffeine "cold turkey." People who have frequent migraine headaches are at risk of triggering a headache due to caffeine use.

When you're used to exposing your brain to a certain amount of caffeine, a stimulant, each day, you might get a headache if you don't get caffeine. This may be because caffeine changes your brain chemistry, and withdrawal can trigger a headache.

Exertion headache

Exertion headaches happen quickly after periods of intense physical activity. Weightlifting, running, and sexual intercourse are all common triggers for an exertion headache. It's thought that these activities cause increased blood flow to your skull, leading to a throbbing headache on both sides of your head.

An exertion headache shouldn't last too long. This type of headache usually resolves within a few minutes or several hours.

These headaches may also occur due to a secondary cause. If this type of headache is new to you or lasts longer, it may be best to seek medical attention for a diagnosis.

Hypertension headache

High blood pressure can cause a headache. This kind of headache signals an emergency. It occurs in some people when the blood pressure becomes dangerously high (greater than 180/120). In most cases, hypertension does not cause a headache.

A hypertension headache usually occurs on both sides of your head and is typically worse with any activity. It often has a pulsating quality.

Medical emergency

If you think you're experiencing a hypertension headache, seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:

changes in vision

numbness or tingling

nosebleeds

chest pain

shortness of breath

You're more likely to develop this type of headache if you're treating high blood pressure.

Medication overuse headache

Medication overuse headaches, also known as rebound headaches, can feel like a dull, tension-type headache, or they may feel more intensely painful, like a migraine episode.

You may be more susceptible to this type of headache if you frequently use over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Overuse of these medications leads to more headaches rather than fewer.

These headaches are likelier to occur anytime OTC medications are used more than 15 days a month. These OTC medications include:

acetaminophen

ibuprofen

aspirin

naproxen

They're also more common with medications that contain caffeine.

Post-traumatic headache

Post-traumatic headaches can develop after any head injury. These headaches feel like tension headaches or migraine episodes. They usually last up to 6 to 12 months after your injury occurs. They can become chronic.

Spinal headache

A spinal headache results from low cerebrospinal fluid pressure following a lumbar puncture. For this reason, it's also known as a post-dural puncture headache. You might feel this headache in your:

forehead

temples

upper neck

back of the head

Research estimates that spinal headaches follow a lumbar puncture between 10 and 40% of the time. Onset usually begins within 2 to 3 days but could start several months later. It can also occur following an epidural or spontaneously.

This headache typically worsens when you are upright and improves when you lie down.

Other symptoms of spinal headache include:

nausea

neck pain

dizziness

visual changes

tinnitus or ringing in the ears

hearing loss

radiating pain in the arms

In most cases, episodic headaches will go away within 48 hours. If you have a headache lasting more than 2 days or increasing in intensity, consider talking with a doctor for help.

If you're getting headaches more than 15 days out of the month over 3 months, you might have a chronic headache condition. Even if you can manage the pain with OTC medications, consider talking with a doctor for a diagnosis.

Headaches can be a symptom of more serious health conditions, and some require treatment beyond OTC medications and home remedies.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Because there are many types of headaches, many methods might be used to diagnose which type of headache you are experiencing. Doctomust to determine whether you have a primary or secondary headache to recommend effective treatment.

You can expect your headache diagnosis to begin with a physical exam and medical history. If possible, keep a "headache journal" in the weeks leading up to your doctor's appointment. Document each of your headaches, including:

duration

intensity

location

possible triggers

A primary care doctor might also refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist. You could require diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause for some headache types. These tests can include:

Different types of headaches are managed differently. Treatments could range from dietary adjustments to procedures performed by a medical professional.

Not everyone will respond to the same treatments, even for the same types of headaches. If you're experiencing headaches you cannot treat on your own, speak with a doctor about putting together a treatment plan.

Read on to learn more about common treatments for each type of headache.

Tension headache

An OTC pain reliever may be all it takes to relieve your occasional headache symptoms. OTC pain relievers include:

If OTC medications aren't providing relief, a doctor may recommend prescription medication, such as:

If tension headaches become chronic, a doctor may suggest treatment to manage the underlying trigger.

Cluster headache

A doctor may recommend therapy or medication to provide relief for your symptoms. These may include:

After diagnosis, a doctor will work with you to develop a prevention plan. The following may put your cluster headaches into a period of remission:

Migraine

If OTC pain relievers don't reduce migraine pain during an attack, a doctor might prescribe triptans. Triptans decrease inflammation and change the flow of blood within your brain. They come in the form of nasal sprays, pills, and injections.

Popular options include:

sumatriptan (Imitrex)

rizatriptan (Maxalt, Axert)

Consider speaking with a doctor about taking a daily medication to prevent migraine episodes if you experience headaches that are:

debilitating more than 3 days a month

somewhat debilitating 4 days a month

lasting longer than 6 days a month

According to a 2019 review, preventive migraine medications are significantly underused: Only 3 to 13% of those with migraine take preventive medication, while up to 38% may need it.

Preventing migraine dramatically improves the quality of life and productivity.

Helpful preventive migraine medications include:

Hemicrania continua

One of the defining characteristics of hemicrania continua is a complete response to indomethacin, a drug in the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) family. A low dose three times daily with meals usually relieves symptoms within 24 hours.

Indomethacin can cause side effects, especially at higher doses, so doctors recommend taking the lowest effective dose.

Ice pick headache

Ice pick headaches can be challenging to treat because they last a short duration. Most ice pick headaches are over before you can do much about them.

Preventive measures may reduce the frequency or intensity of future headaches. Treatment could include:

Thunderclap headache

If your thunderclap headache results from another condition, you must treat the underlying condition.

If your thunderclap headache is not caused by something else, it's a primary thunderclap headache. Treatments for thunderclap headaches include:

Allergy or sinus headache

Sinus headaches are treated by thinning out the mucus that builds up and causes sinus pressure. Options include:

A sinus headache can also be a symptom of a sinus infection. Depending on the cause, a doctor may prescribe medication to help clear the infection and relieve your headache and other symptoms.

Hormone headache

OTC pain relievers like naproxen (Aleve) or prescription medications like frovatriptan (Frova) can work to manage pain.

Alternative remedies may have a role in decreasing overall headaches per month. The following may help:

Caffeine headache

Keeping your caffeine intake at a steady, reasonable level — or quitting it entirely — can prevent these headaches from happening.

Exertion headache

OTC pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil), typically ease symptoms.

If you develop exertion headaches often, consider talking with a doctor. In some cases, exertion headaches may indicate a serious underlying condition.

Hypertension headache

These types of headaches typically go away soon with better blood pressure management. They shouldn't reoccur as long as high blood pressure continues to be managed.

Medication overuse headache

The only treatment for medication overuse headaches is to wean yourself off the medication you've been taking to manage pain. Although the pain may initially worsen, it should completely subside within a few days.

Taking a daily preventive medication that doesn't cause medication overuse headaches may prevent them from occurring.

Post-traumatic headache

Doctors often prescribe the following medications to manage these headaches:

triptans

sumatriptan (Imitrex)

beta-blockers

amitriptyline

Spinal headache

Initial treatment for spinal headaches usually includes pain relievers and hydration. It also helps to avoid being in an upright position. Symptoms typically go away on their own after a week or two.

In some cases, an epidural blood patch might be used. This is a procedure in which a small amount of blood is taken from your body and injected back into your epidural space. It can help stop cerebrospinal fluid from leaking, stopping the headaches.

Many headaches can be managed with preventive measures, but methods differ by headache type. Some headache types might be prevented with medication, while the same medication might cause others.

You can discuss preventive treatments with a doctor to find a plan that fits your needs. Headache prevention could reduce headache frequency or intensity or prevent headaches altogether.

Lifestyle changes that may prevent or improve headaches can include:

Migraine headaches may be prevented with calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved one CGRP medication, galcanezumab (Emgality), to prevent cluster headaches.

Your outlook depends on the type of headache you're having.

Primary headaches don't cause permanent disability or death. However, they could be debilitating temporarily if they are frequent and severe enough. These headache types can often be managed when diagnosed and treated.

The outlook for secondary headaches depends on the underlying cause. Some can be managed through simple routine changes, while others could be fatal without immediate medical assistance.

If you're experiencing recurring or severe headaches. An accurate diagnosis will be the first step in understanding and managing your headaches in the future.

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