HPV And Herpes: What Are They And How Do They Differ From Each Other?

Wednesday, February 12, 2020, 13:18

Human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes are common sexually transmitted infections (STDs) that have some similarities, but they are different diseases and many people aren't sure of which one they have. In this article, we'll discuss the difference between HPV and herpes, so that it makes it easier for you to understand both the diseases.

What Is Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection?

HPV infection is a sexually transmitted infection that occurs when the virus enters the body through skin-to-skin contact i.e. through vaginal, anal or oral sex. There are 100 different kinds of human papillomavirus and some of them cause genital warts and cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina and anus [1].

What Is Herpes? [2]

Herpes is a common viral infection that is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). Herpes can appear in various parts of the body, but it usually appears on the mouth and genitals. There are two types of herpes simplex virus- HSV-1 and HSV-2. The former one causes oral herpes, which affects the skin around the mouth and the latter one causes genital herpes, which affects the skin around the genitals.

Symptoms Of Human Papillomavirus And Herpes

Symptoms of human papillomavirus

Genital warts
Common warts
Plantar warts
Flat warts

These warts can grow single or as a cluster with a cauliflower-like appearance.

Symptoms of herpes

Blister sores in the mouth or genitals
Itching
Painful urination
Poor appetite
Tiredness
Headaches
Swollen lymph nodes
Fever
Ingrown hair
Leg or lower back pain

One may not notice the symptoms of herpes and HPV, but the virus can still be present in the body.

Who Is At Risk Of Human Papillomavirus And Herpes

Anyone who is sexually active and not practising safe sex [3] is at risk of getting herpes and HPV. Also, a person who comes in contact with the skin or saliva of an infected individual and individuals with a weakened immune system are at increased risk too.

Complications Of Human Papillomavirus And Herpes

The biggest complication of HPV is cervical cancer, anal cancer, penile cancer and vulva cancer [4].

Complications of herpes include contracting other STIs, meningitis, rectal inflammation, urinary tract infection and bladder problems.

How Human Papillomavirus And Herpes Are Diagnosed Diagnosis of HPV

Diagnosis of HPV

Strains of HPV causing genital warts can be diagnosed based on an exam of the lesions. HPV also increases the chances of cervical cancer which can be diagnosed by doing a cervical screening check-up.

Diagnosis of herpes

A physical examination or a test will be conducted to diagnose herpes that will help to detect which type of virus is present, HSV-1 or HSV-2.

What Is The Treatment Procedure For Human Papillomavirus And Herpes

Certain medications can help treat genital warts and if necessary, warts can be removed. On the other hand, the treatment for herpes is antiviral medications to lower the frequency of outbreaks.

Prevention Of Human Papillomavirus And Herpes

The HPV vaccine can help lower the risk of HPV infection in males and females and regular cervical cancer screenings are recommended for women aged between 21 and 65 years old.

However, HPV and herpes can be prevented in the following ways:

Use a condom while having sex [5]
Avoid participating in oral sex or kissing during an outbreak.
Avoid sharing items such as lip balm, make-up, and clothing.

Common FAQs

Which is worse HPV or herpes?

Both HPV and herpes are sexually transmitted infections, but HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina and anus which is not the case with herpes.

How can you check if you have herpes?

If you have symptoms such as blister sores in the mouth or genitals, itching and painful urination, it could be herpes. If you notice any symptoms, consult a doctor.