The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is an incredibly prevalent virus that is often cloaked in confusion and misconceptions. A sizable majority of the global population, around 80%, will come into contact with this virus at some point, and in many instances, they may not even notice. One cannot underscore the importance of proper awareness and understanding about HPV due to its connection to a range of cancers. More than 200 variants of HPV have been identified by researchers, illustrating its wide diversity and intricate complexity among viral families.
Various strains of HPV pose a low public health threat, either showing no symptoms or producing harmless warts. For instance, HPV types 1, 2, and 4 are the culprits behind the regular skin wart that many people have likely dealt with. The common plantar wart, or verruca, is precisely one of these experiences that many encounter, particularly in swimming pool environments.
Some HPV strains, such as HPV 6 and 11, manifest as sexual warts. They appear as small growths on the genitals or around the anus. Visible warts can be treated or removed with creams, surgical procedures, or freezing methods. However, these treatments are not capable of eradicating the underlying virus, meaning the HPV can still be transmitted to sexual partners until the immune system naturally expels it.
There are particularly concerning variants of HPV, notably type 16 and 18, that have been linked definitively to cancer. These belong to a group of approximately 14 high-risk strains capable of breaching human cells and causing DNA damage. The affected cells have their standard growth and division controls perturbed which potentially contributes to cancerous development. Activity such as smoking can increase these risks as it impairs the body’s immune response, thus preventing the virus’s clearance.
With such a multitude of forms, HPV triggers a wide spectrum of responses ranging from harmless warts to cancer. Understandably, such variability can breed misinformation and misunderstanding. Herein are provided five key takeaways to help clarify the truth about this virus.
HPV isn’t only linked to cervical cancer as commonly misconceived. While the association with cervical cancer is most widely recognized, HPV has been identified in cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, mouth, and throat. Some emerging data suggests that certain HPV types might even play a role in skin cancer development. This significantly broad cancer threat highlights the importance of the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for all genders.
Transmission of HPV does not necessitate visible symptoms or genital warts. The virus can stick to the skin for many months before being eradicated by the immune system. Consequently, the virus can be transmitted by contact, even before genital warts make their appearance or after they have been treated. Hence, the use of condoms is recommended for at least three months following the resolution of visible warts.
The transmission of HPV is not limited to vaginal or anal sex. Oral and throat cancers can arise from HPV infections procured through oral sex. Oral sex has now become the primary behavioural risk factor due to the increasing international incidence of mouth and throat cancer. By using condoms during oral sex, this risk can be mitigated.
It is also possible for HPV to be spread during the use of sex toys. A certain study brought attention to the long-lasting presence of transmissible HPV on sex toys, underlining the need for proper hygiene practices that include thorough cleaning and avoiding shared use.
Condom usage, although helpful, does not guarantee 100% protection against HPV transmission. Since any skin area not covered by the condom can carry the virus, sexually active individuals practicing safe sex can still be exposed to a strain of the virus during their lifetime.
Vaccinated women must continue to have regular pap smears. The existing HPV vaccines primarily target the most dangerous virus types, yet they are not capable of covering all cancer-causing strains or treating established infections. Moreover, cervical cancer can, in rare instances, develop without HPV, which is why women between ages 25 to 64 should still participate in cervical screening every five years, regardless of whether they’ve been vaccinated.
Besides regular screenings, women should also be vigilant about other signs of cervical cancer. Symptoms like pain or bleeding post-sex, bleeding between menstrual periods or post-menopause, and changes in vaginal discharge call for immediate medical attention.
Numerous regions have faced a decrease in HPV vaccine uptake, despite its widespread availability. Routine vaccination courses suffered interruptions owing to the COVID pandemic, while misinformation about the vaccine’s safety and efficiency has also undermined public confidence. In some instances, the lack of public awareness surrounding HPV’s relation to various cancers and the importance of vaccinating both boys and girls could be a contributing factor.
The World Health Organisation has established an ambitious goal: they hope to successfully vaccinate 90% of girls globally by age 15 before 2030. At the current stage, only 48% of girls worldwide have been fully vaccinated, signaling the vast effort that lies ahead.
While HPV is typically innocuous, the impact of certain strains is too significant to overlook. Nonetheless, there is no cause for individuals to fear an active sex life. Vaccination not only offers protection to the person receiving the vaccine but also helps protect future sexual partners who might otherwise be exposed.
Being well-informed and adopting preventive steps can help us mitigate the effects of this pervasive virus, thereby ensuring a safer environment for ourselves and others. Unfortunately, while our understanding of HPV continues to broaden, it became clear that there is still much work to be done in raising awareness, vaccine uptake, and implementing preventive measures.
The post Dispelling Misconceptions: Truths about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) appeared first on Real News Now.
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