Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatment
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects both men and women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, with approximately 79 million Americans currently infected.
In this article, we will discuss what HPV is, how it spreads, the symptoms and complications of HPV infection, how to prevent HPV, and the available treatment options.
What is HPV?
HPV is a virus that affects the skin and mucous membranes. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and most of them are harmless. However, some types of HPV can cause serious health problems, including cancer.
HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. It can also be transmitted through non-sexual contact, such as childbirth or sharing personal items like towels or razors with an infected person.
Symptoms of HPV
Most people who are infected with HPV do not experience any symptoms and do not even know that they have the virus. In fact, many people clear the virus without ever developing any symptoms.
However, some types of HPV can cause visible warts, which can appear on the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat. These warts can be raised, flat, or cauliflower-shaped, and they can be pink, red, or flesh-colored. They may also be itchy or painful.
Complications of HPV
While most HPV infections clear up on their own, some types of HPV can cause serious health problems. These include:
Cervical cancer: HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, which is a type of cancer that affects the cervix (the lower part of the uterus).
Anal cancer: HPV can also cause cancer of the anus, which is the opening at the end of the rectum.
Oropharyngeal cancer: HPV can cause cancer of the oropharynx, which is the middle part of the throat that includes the tonsils, base of the tongue, and soft palate. We are suggest you best sexologist in Delhi to treat HPV
Genital warts: Some types of HPV can cause genital warts, which are clusters of small, flesh-colored bumps that appear on or around the genitals or anus.
Prevention of HPV
The best way to prevent HPV is to get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is recommended for both males and females, starting at age 9 through 45. The vaccine is most effective when given before a person becomes sexually active. The vaccine can protect against the most common types of HPV that cause cancer and genital warts.
Other ways to prevent HPV include:
Practicing safe sex: Using condoms during sexual activity can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, although they do not provide
complete protection.
Limiting sexual partners: The more sexual partners a person has, the higher their risk of HPV infection.
Getting regular Pap tests: Pap tests can detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous. It is recommended that women get a Pap test every three years starting at age 21.
Treatment of HPV
There is no cure for HPV, but there are treatments available for the symptoms of the infection. The treatments depend on the type of HPV and the symptoms that the infection is causing. Treatments may include:
Topical creams: Creams that are applied to the skin can help to remove visible warts.
Cryotherapy: Freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen can help to remove them.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the warts or abnormal cells.
Conclusion
HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause serious health problems, including cancer. While there is no cure for HPV, the best way to visit as soon as possible best std clinic in Delhi.
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