HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS: MEANING, SYMPTOMS, PREVENTION

Human Papilloma Virus, is one of the most sexually transmitted infections. HPV is in different type and the symptoms and effects varies from type to type. Usually, HPV is harmless and disappears on its own. But the are some types of the HPV with more critical effects than others. HPV have also been known to lead to certain types of cancer and genital warts.

The Human Papilloma Virus has about 200 types out of which about 40 types can be transmitted sexually. They affect the genital areas, the mouth and throat. These types can be transmitted sexually. Some other types of HPV are not transmitted sexually and can cause hand and feet warts.

Almost everyone sexually active have contacted HPV at some points in their lives. The symptoms do not manifest normally. This is the reason a lot of people who are infected are not even aware they are infected.

The HPV types 6 and 11 are known for causing genital warts. This is however, considered a low risk HPV as it doesn’t lead to cancer and some other complications.

Not less than a dozen types of the HPV lead to cancer although particular type 16 and 18 are the cause for majority of the cases. This is considered the high-risk HPV. Mostly, cervical cancer is liked to this type of HPV. Cancer of the vulva, throat, vagina, penis and anus also included.

This type of HPV is sexually transmitted through oral, vaginal or anal contacts.

SYMPTOMS OF HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS

HPV may not result in severe symptoms at first but they might show up in later years. One of the major symptoms include:

1. WARTS: This is particularly the genital warts. Genital warts may appear like a cluster of bumps, a small bump or stem-like protrusions. In women, the vulva and possibly the cervix may be affected and the penis and scrotum for men. The warts may also appear in the inner groins and anus. The common warts are rough and are found in the hand, fingers and elbow. There are also the plantar warts which appears usually on the feet and the flat warts which usually shows on the face and neck.
2. CERVICAL CANCER: Cervical cancer is also one of the major symptoms of HPV. Although, this manifests at the later stage of the infection. Over time, repeated infection of certain HPV strains can lead to precancerous lesions. If not treated, these lesions can become cancerous.

PREVENTION OF HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS.

1. Wearing shoes and sandals in public pools and locker rooms to prevent the Plantar warts.
2. Being mutually monogamous in sexual relationships to prevent genital warts.
3. Use of protection during sexual activities also reduces the risk of transmission and contraction.
4. HPV vaccines are also available. This protects against cervical cancer and genital warts.