HPV, cervical cancer, you

What is HPV: Human Papillomavirus?

Human papillomavirus is commonly known as HPV. It is a group of viruses that can cause warts, genital warts, and in the worst case it is cancer.

HPV is a large number of easily spreading viruses that can cause cancer. However, infection can also be cut into someone’s body through any natural fluid or even smaller skin. HPV is one of the most transmitted sexually transmitted diseases, with 40 types of viruses being able to be transmitted through sexual contact.

Most HPV types do not have any harmful effects on the body and disappear within a few months, so they may be noticed. Sexually active people are more likely to get an infection, and if they are not vaccinated, more than half of them get an infection throughout their lives. It is estimated that 43 million hpv infections were reported in 2018. This includes 13 million new infections.

How to find out if there is

Healthcare providers can diagnose genital warts caused by HPV by performing a check-up for you and viewing the infected area. HPV tests without approval can be found in the mouth or throat. Screening for HPV tests is not recommended for men, adolescents or women under the age of 30. The problem is that most people are not infected and will never have symptoms from it. Genital warts are a sign that you may have HPV. However, there are some HPV tests that can be used to screen for cervical cancer, as well as PAP tests for women. Abnormal pap smear tests may reflect the presence of HPV.

How do you get HPV?

HPV is a sexually transmitted disease because it is usually transmitted during sexual contact. Can contract by performing sexual activities such as oral, vagina, anal sex, and other skin-to-skin contact.

HPV Prevention

So, how to avoid HPV and its possible problems?

The good news is that there is a vaccine that can prevent you from many forms of HPV virus. The CDC recommends vaccination of all individuals aged 11 or 12 and vaccination between the ages of 26. People over 26 years old should not be vaccinated. Since most sexually active adults have been exposed to HPV, it is not necessarily all HPV types targeted by vaccination. At any age, a new sexual partner puts you at risk of a new HPV infection.

Research shows that if you are in a relationship, you are unlikely to get a new infection. There are also some simple guidelines that can help you avoid illnesses, such as using condoms and dental dams, and avoid skin contact during sex. Know that HPV can infect areas that are not covered by condoms. Therefore, they are not 100% effective in preventing HPV. Of course, you can be in a monogamous relationship with each other, your partner only having sexual contact with you.

Methods for treating HPV

There is no direct medication to cure HPV. However, if you have the virus, there are several ways, including surgery, that can get rid of symptoms, such as warts. Severe cases, including cancer, require complex medical treatment.

HPV A, E and D usually disappear on their own without special treatment. It is difficult to determine the average time it takes for the virus to leave the body, because it is often unclear when it shrinks. However, it may take years to go away when the virus is detected.

HPV and Cancer

Through many studies, we know that HPV can cause cervical cancer. After a person is infected, it usually takes years to develop cancer. The types of HPV that may cause genital warts are different from those that may cause other cancers. Cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis or anus, the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils, can develop after exposure.

High-risk HPV can cause a variety of cancers, including:

Cervical cancer
Anal cancer
Certain types of oral and laryngeal cancer
Vulvar cancer
Vaginal cancer
Penis cancer

Cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is caused by HPV. The virus is transmitted through sexual contact. To avoid cervical cancer, it is important to have a regular (yearly) PAP test after you are sexually active. Normal cells in the cervix usually take several years to become cancerous cells, so regular screening can capture abnormal cells before cancer. Be sure to follow your daily screening, which can help you prevent cervical cancer.

If your PAP text is returned as an abnormal cell (abnormal developmental), you may need to follow up with other tests, such as biopsy. Treatment may include LEEP, radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy.

“The cyclic electrosurgical resection procedure (LEEP) uses electrically heated wire loops to remove cells and tissues in the lower genital tract of a woman. It is used as part of the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal or cancerous conditions.”

The American Cancer Society’s estimate of cervical cancer in the United States in 2021 is:

About 14,480 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed.
About 4,290 women will die of cervical cancer.

Early prevention through PAP test is the key to early diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer!

in conclusion

The sad news is that HPV will stay here. Since it is not cured, you must take precautions to avoid infection. Healthcare professionals would say the only way to avoid this STD is to abstain from it. But, we know that this is unrealistic. Make sure you are having status conversations with your peers. Learn as much about their sexual history as possible. This will allow you to make informed decisions before proceeding.

Also, be sure to check for regular annual screening and pap smears to avoid cervical cancer and other sexual infections.

If you need help, please contact me.