Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. It can cause genital warts and some types of cancer. Here's an introduction to HPV, how it spreads, symptoms, preventive measures, and more.
Introduction
HPV is a group of more than 300 types of viruses, some of which can cause cancer. 80% of people will be infected with one type of HPV during their lifetime, but most will clear the virus without knowing it. High-risk types such as HPV 16 and HPV 18 are linked to a variety of cancers, including those of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, head and neck. While low-risk types such as HPV 6 and HPV 11 can cause genital warts but are not linked to cancer
How HPV is spread
HPV is spread mainly through sexual contact, including direct skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, vaginal, oral, and anal sex. The virus can remain latent in the body for years and then become active. So a person may test positive for HPV without having a new sexual partner. Even people who have no signs or symptoms can pass the virus to others
Signs and Symptoms
Most people with HPV have no symptoms, and the virus goes away on its own within 2 years. However, some types of HPV can cause genital warts or cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and oropharynx (the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils). HPV can cause precancerous changes in cells that, if not detected and treated, can become cancer
Diagnosis
In women, HPV is usually diagnosed through screening tests such as a Pap smear and HPV test. If the results show the virus is present, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy (a close examination of the cervix) and, if necessary, a biopsy. There is currently no reliable screening test for men, unless genital warts are seen
Preventive measures
. Vaccination: The HPV vaccine is recommended to prevent infection with high-risk types of the virus, but it may not cover all strains of the virus. It is usually given during adolescence before sexual activity begins. The vaccine can be used up to age 45. It can also prevent infection with other strains of the virus
. Pay attention to oral hygiene: Many people do not know that HPV is not only transmitted through sex, but also through oral sex .
Some preventive measures to reduce the risk of oral HPV include
. Regular visits to the dentist to check for suspicious sores in the mouth, which can be early signs of HPV -
. Avoiding sharing personal items such as glasses, spoons, straws, or cosmetics such as lipstick with others -
. Wash your hands after touching contaminated objects or genitals
The virus can also be transmitted through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces. Important preventive measures in this
regard include
perevntive measures in this regard includ
. Wash your hands after touching the genitals, even at home: the virus can remain on your hands and be transmitted by touching your mouth or eyes
. Use gloves in public places such as gyms, especially when using shared equipment -
. Do not share razors: because HPV can be transmitted through small cuts in the skin-
. Quit smoking: Smoking can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of developing persistent HPV infections .
. Regular screening: Women between the ages of 21 and 65 should have regular cervical screening tests to detect cell changes caused by HPV at an early stage.
. Condom use: Correct and consistent condom use can reduce the risk of HPV transmission. But it does not guarantee complete protection, because HPV can infect areas not covered by the condom.
The latest medical scientific findings on HPV
. Research shows that HPV vaccination is very effective in preventing cancers associated with this virus. Studies have shown that the HPV vaccine can prevent more than 90% of cancers caused by this virus.
? What happens if we don't get treatment
In most cases, HPV infection clears up without any symptoms within 2 years. However, if the infection persists, it can lead to genital warts or various cancers. Early detection and proper treatment can prevent progression to more advanced stages.
. HPV types and their risk levels
. Low-risk types: Some HPV types only cause genital warts and do not pose a risk of cancer
. High-risk types: Types such as HPV 16 - HPV 18 are the main cause of cervical cancer and some other cancers.
HPV Linked to Non-Cervical Cancers
HPV not only causes cervical cancer, but is also linked to cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and even head and neck cancers.
. HPV's Effects on Men
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is not just a women's problem! Men can also get the virus, pass it on to their sexual partners, and in some cases, develop serious health problems. However, because men are not usually screened for HPV, many of them carry the virus without any symptoms. Most men who get HPV have no symptoms, and their immune systems usually clear the virus within 1 to 2 years. But during this time, they can pass the virus on to their sexual partners, even if they themselves have no problems.
Ways HPV is transmitted from men:
Skin-to-skin contact in the genital area (even without penetration) .
. Vaginal, oral, and anal sex.
. Sharing personal items such as razors .
Is there a cure for HPV
There is no cure for the HPV virus itself. However, its complications (warts and precancerous changes) can be treated.
HPV and Pregnancy
Some pregnant women with HPV may develop problems such as excessive growth of genital warts. But the virus does not typically affect the health of the baby
Effectiveness of HPV vaccination in preventing cervical cancer
Studies show that HPV vaccination is very effective in preventing precancerous lesions of the cervix. In women who were vaccinated between the ages of 15 and 26, the risk of developing precancerous lesions associated with HPV16 and HPV 18 decreased from 341 to 157 cases per 1,000 people. These results indicate a significant reduction in the incidence of precancerous lesions after vaccination.
The importance of vaccination at an early age
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that HPV vaccination be given to girls between the ages of 9 and 14. This is because the vaccine is most effective at this age, before they become sexually active. This can effectively prevent HPV infection and thus reduce the risk of cervical cancer.
Impact of HPV Infection on Men's Health
Research suggests that some HPV strains are associated with increased sperm mortality, which can negatively impact male fertility. These findings highlight the importance of prevention and vaccination in both sexes.
The need for continued screening after vaccination
Although HPV vaccination significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer, it is not a substitute for
regular screening, such as a Pap smear. Vaccinated women should also adhere to screening programs so that any cell changes can be detected and treated promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HPV
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a group of viruses that can cause skin and genital warts, and some types are linked to various cancers.
How is HPV transmitted
The virus is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, including skin-to-skin contact in the genital area
Does HPV always cause cancer
No. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and go away on their own. However, some high-risk types can lead to cancer
Is there a vaccine for HPV
Yes. Vaccines such as Gardasil can prevent infection with common, high-risk types of HPV
Who should get the HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys at ages 11 or 12. But it can also be beneficial at older ages
Can men get HPV
Yes. Men can get HPV and may develop genital warts or HPV-related cancers
Does using a condom prevent HPV transmission
Using a condom can reduce the risk of HPV transmission. But it does not guarantee complete protection. Because HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom
Is HPV curable
The virus itself cannot be cured. However, its complications, such as genital warts and precancerous changes, can be treated
Can someone have HPV without having symptoms
Yes. Most people infected with HPV have no symptoms. And they are unaware of their infection
How can you prevent HPV infection
Getting the HPV vaccine, using condoms during sex, and getting regular screening tests (for women) can help prevent HPV
infection
Resources
https://vrc.sbmu.ac.ir/%D8%A7%D8%AE%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%B1/%DA%A9%D8%B4%D9%81- %D8%AA%D8%BA%DB%8C%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%85%D8%B1%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B2-%D8%A7%D8%B3%D9%BE%D8%B1%D9%85%E2%80%8C%D9%87%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%AA%D8%A7%D8%AB%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D8%B2-%D9%88%DB%8C%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B3-HPV?utm_source=chatgpt.com
http://What an HPV Diagnosis Really Means
https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccines/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com