What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)infection?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that spreads from person to person via skin-to-skin contact.
There are over 100 different types of HPV, more than 40 of which are transmitted through sexual contact and can affect your genitals, mouth, or throat. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
Causes of HPV iinfection
Intercourse is not required for HPV transmission because it is a skin-to-skin infection. HPV infection is spread through skin-to-skin contact. The majority of people contract genital HPV through direct sexual contact, which includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
Many people have HPV and are unaware of it, which means you can still contract it even if your partner is asymptomatic.
It is also possible to have multiple HPV types.
In rare cases, an HPV-positive mother can pass the virus to her baby during delivery. When this happens, the child may develop recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, a condition in which they develop HPV-related warts inside their throat or airways.
Symptoms HPV infection
HPV infection has no distinguishable symptoms or health consequences. 90 percent of HPV infections (9 out of 10) resolve on their own within two years. However, because the virus is still present in the body during this time, the individual may unknowingly transmit HPV.
When a virus does not disappear on its own, it can cause serious health issues.These include genital warts and throat warts (known as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis).
HPV can also cause cervical cancer and other cancers of the genitals, head, neck, and throat.
The HPV types that cause warts differ from those that cause cancer.Having genital warts caused by HPV does not predispose you to cancer.
Cancers caused by HPV frequently do not manifest symptoms until the cancer is advanced. Regular screenings can aid in the earlier detection of HPV-related health issues. This can improve the outlook and chances of survival.
Testing for human papillomavirus (HPV)
There’s no blood test for HPV. Cervical screening involves HPV testing. During cervical screening, a small sample of cells from the cervix is removed and tested for HPV.
All women and people with cervixes aged 25 to 64 are eligible for screening. It helps to protect them from cervical cancer.
Some sexual health clinics may provide anal screening to men who are at a higher risk of developing anal cancer, such as those who have sex with other men.
Prevention against human papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV isn’t curable, but its symptoms are treatable. Any warts that appear may be removed by your doctor.If you have precancerous cells, the affected tissue can be removed to lower your risk of developing cancer. When HPV-related cancers, such as throat or cervical cancer, are detected early, they are more treatable.
You can prevent an HPV infection with the help of safe sex practices and the HPV vaccine.Because it is possible to contract multiple forms, it is critical to protect yourself from further infection. During sexual activity, you should always use a barrier method, such as a male condom or a dental dam. Vaccination against HPV
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Gardasil 9 vaccine to protect against HPV. It’s effective against the four most common types of HPV, which are 6, 11, 16, and 18. It also protects against types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.
Doctors can administer the vaccine in three doses over the course of six months.It is necessary to receive all three shots for maximum effect.Children who begin the vaccination series before the age of 15 will only receive two shots.Over the course of 6 to 12 months, Trusted Source
Although it is recommended that boys and girls get vaccinated around the age of 11, vaccinations can be obtained up to the age of 45. Consult your doctor if you want to get vaccinated. They can tell you if this is the best option for you.
