What is HPV?
Written by Andrea Segovia
With an impaired immune system, the body's health can easily attract various viruses that can infect different parts of the body. There are a number of viruses that can infect every single detail of the body depending on the strength of the immune system. Once good bacteria have fought them, the viruses can often disappear by themselves but some can also endure to make severe effects.
Meanwhile, one of the most common viruses to spread the increased cases of infected victims is the human papillomavirus or most known as the HPV.
What is HPV?
It is actually one of the 60 different epithelial-related and lesion-producing viruses that contributes to the appearance of skin warts, skin cancer, and risks to cervical and penile cancers. However, the transmission of the virus is primarily caused by genital contact, thus, forming different sexually transmitted infections.
Studies show that association of the HPV is increased by sexual intercourse which is why most sexually active teenagers and early adults are greatly affected. Some of them are clueless and about 15 to 20% of victims today are observed seeking gynecological assistance from their personal health care providers. However, regarding women carrying the virus, risks of cervical cancer is a major concern.
HPV indications and symptoms are appearances of genital warts, detected cell changes in the cervix, and other abnormalities. Presently, there are still no widely available tests to thoroughly scan the virus, but Pap tests are still considered one of the trusted screening methods as part of the yearly routine tests of women for identifying early abnormalities.
With all the sexually transmitted infections, prevention of the HPV one of the most important steps. Studies trace a higher risk of HPV to unprotected sex and multiple partners which contributes more exposure to the HPV virus.
People should bear in mind that HPV is a sexually transmitted virus so without protection, they can easily be infected. The instances of weak immune system contribute to a higher rate of infection as well. Having over a hundred types of strains from the HPV, 30 of those are affecting both male and female genital parts. 75% of incidence to both sexes is estimated during the average lifespan and anyone who has ever been exposed to the virus can develop cell changes which cannot be easily treated. And worse, if the virus is kept idle and untreated for years of time, there is higher chance of developing more abnormalities that leads to presence of cancer.
Unfortunately, knowing what is HPV is not enough and getting the complete treatment of the virus is not guaranteed by most medical institutions. However, there are still good treatment options that are offered and provided by doctors and natural health practitioners to reduce longer discomfort and other factors. But in the end, the virus has an easier time staying present as long as the body has a weak immune system.
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