Human papillomavirus is a sexually
transmitted virus, a DNA virus that affects the mucous membranes of the genital
area and that of the mouth and throat. Human papillomavirus has many different
types; about 40 types can infect you while you have unprotected sex. A person
can suffer from more than one HPV type at the same time.
Some types are harmless and will go away on their own. However, other types
might be present within the human system for years, withour any symptoms – so
having no warts does not mean that you are safe. Over time, some HPV subtypes
may cause health problems, from genital warts to various cancers.
Human papillomavirus can cause the
following conditions:
·
genital warts
·
cervical cancer
·
vaginal cancer
·
penile cancer
·
throat cancer
Cancers are furtive diseases. Cancer
prevention is less tangible than preventing cardiovascular diseases. According
to studies, you can prevent HPV related cancers (and other cancers) if you do
not smoke, do not drink alcohol, do not get overweight, change your eating
habits i.e. you consume more vegetables and fruits, less red meat, processed
foods, artificial ingredients and sweets; and work out on a regular basis.
Cervical
Cancer
You might not have symptoms for a
while, until the latest stages by the time the cancer cells spread through the
lymph vessels and blood vessels. It is a life-threatening condition.
Human papillomavirus infection can
lead to cervical cancer, so you want to avoid HPV infection in the first place.
Always use a condom, however, keep
in mind that human papillomavirus can be present at the whole genital area, at
places where the condom does not cover the body. Do not have sex with a new
partner whom you just got to know and whom you cannot trust.
Get vaccinated against human
papillomavirus. Cervarix and Gardasil are effective protection against cervical
cancer.
Screening
Is Vital
Well before you can notice any
symptoms, the first signs are already there within your body. A gynecologist
can detect such issues. Get a Pap test or an HPV DNA test. At this stage, you
have good chances to heal.
Penile
Cancer
Penile cancer has even higher risks
than cervical cancer. According to studies, it is possible to prevent penile
cancer.
Good hygiene is a must. If you are
uncircumcised, you are more at risk of infection. Time and again you must pull
back the foreskin to clean the area underneath.
If you are circumcised, you have
less chance to get infected with human papillomavirus or to infect your
partners with it.
Condom makes sexual activity safer,
however, if you have sex with an infected person, you are still at risk: human
papillomavirus can be found at the whole genital area, not only within the
genitals.
Get vaccinated! Every vaccine means
protection from subtypes 16 and 18, the most dangerous HPV types.
For men, Gardasil and Gardasil 9
vaccines are available in the United States. It would be best if you got
vaccinated at an early age, at 11 or 12.
