HPV infection is a type of viral infection that leads to the skin or mucous membrane growth (warts). There are more than 100 varieties of HPV present, in which some of them can cause cancer in patients. Due to the lack of awareness about HPV and its prevention measures, people are often infected by this, which leads to cancer if untreated properly. Let us discuss HIV in brief and its prevention methods in this article.
HPV-Related Health Problems
There are about 200 strains, of which 40 strains are transmitted through direct sexual contact. Some of the strains can cause infections like genital warts. It does not usually cause any symptoms. Hence, people do not have any problems during the infection. But some people may have painless growth or lumps around the vagina, penis, or anus (genital warts).
Type of HPV and its risk
HPV, which can be transmitted through sexual transmission, can be categorized into two types: low-risk HPV and high-risk HPV.
High-risk HPV: High-risk HPV are 12 types (HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59) which can lead to several types of cancers if untreated properly. Among the high-risk types, 16 and 18 are responsible for several types of cancers.
Low-risk HPV: Low-risk HPV is 6, 11, 42, 43, and 44, which can cause warts on the genitals, anus, mouth, and throat.
Risk factors of HPV:
HPV can be caused by the following risk factors, which are given below:
- Multiple sexual partners: Having multiple sex partners can increase the risk of sexual transmission infection of HPV.
- Age: HPV infections are highly prevalence in young people at the ages of 15 and 25.
- Weakened immune system: People who have a weak immunity may have an increased risk of getting HPV.
- Skin damage: HPV can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, which can be spread easily through a damaged skin layer.
Diagnosis of HPV
HPV can be diagnosed by the following measures which are given below:
- Pap smear: It often helps to identify cervical cancer from the smear collected from the cervix
- DNA test: It helps identify the high-risk type of HPV in individuals.
- Biopsy: Biopsy helps identify abnormal cells collected from the tissue sample.
Prevent measure of HPV:
HPV can be prevented by the following preventive measures, which are given below:
- Get your vaccine shots: The human papillomavirus vaccine can help prevent HPV-related cancer and infection in patients. Cervavac Injection consists of the active constituent HPV vaccine. It is indicated to protect your body against infections and diseases caused by the HPV virus types 6, 11, 16, and 18. These virus types cause diseases like precancerous lesions in the female genital areas (cervix, vulva, vagina) and anal regions and cause genital warts in males and females.
- HPV test: The HPV test helps to detect the strains of human papillomavirus that increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. Sometimes, it can be combined with a PAP smear to the HPV-related cervical cancer in patients.
- Avoid multiple sex and have safe sex: It is recommended to avoid multiple sex partners, which can increase the risk of HPV (sexually transmitted infection) infection in individuals. Using effective contraception during sex can reduce the sexual transmission of the virus.
- Boost your immunity: It is recommended to adopt a healthy lifestyle and eat healthy food to boost your immunity against HPV infection.
- Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol: It can weaken immunity, which can increase the risk of infection in individuals.
Conclusion
High-risk types of HPV can lead to cancer, which can be prevented by prioritizing prevention measures like vaccination, safe sexual practices, regular screenings, and a healthy lifestyle, which is key to mitigating the dangers associated with HPV. It is essential to engage with your healthcare provider to combat HPV-related health issues and reduce the global burden of associated cancers.
