What is HPV infection?
The human papillomavirus, also called HPV, is the causative agent of a common infection that one person can transmit to another during sex or genital contact.
There are more than 30 types of HPV that can infect the genital areas of men and women, including: the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina) and anus, as well as the linings of the vagina and the cervix.
Are there symptoms of HPV?
No, HPV infection does not cause symptoms, so most people do not know they have it. A person can have HPV for a long time before it is discovered.
How does a person get HPV?
HPV is transmitted from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact, in the genital area
HPV can be transmitted, even when there is no sexual relationship.
HPV can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, and possibly oral sex
How to prevent HPV infection?
It can be prevented by carrying out a rigorous and periodic control by going to gynecological check-ups on time.
limit your sexual partners, only have sex with one person and have both of you feel the same way.
Use preventatives to prevent the spread of other infections, the preventative does not completely protect you against HPV, but it reduces the chance that you will get it.
Is there a test to detect HPV?
The most effective way to detect it early is the regular performance of cytologies, which help to identify it early, which allows a fast and generally successful treatment.
It is recommended that you take tests to detect if you have any symptoms of HPV, to prevent damage such as cervical cancer.
What are the possible consequences of HPV infection?
Certain types of HPV can cause genital warts in men and women. Other types of HPV can cause cervical cancer and less common cancers such as vulva, vagina, anus, and penis.
The types of HPV are classified as low risk and high risk, it is advisable to have a medical check-up every six months or annually to determine in time if there is any irregular lesion on your genitals.
How to prevent diseases caused by HPV?
Cervical cancer can be prevented by performing regular screening tests and following up on abnormal results. Cytology (Pap test) can identify abnormal or precancerous changes in the cervix.
Experts recommend that every year gay and bisexual men as well as HIV-positive people undergo anal Pap tests, since anal cancer is more common in these groups.
Is there a treatment for HPV or HPV-related diseases?
Visible genital warts can be eliminated by applying medications indicated by your doctor.
Cervical cancer can be more easily treated if it is diagnosed early.
Women who undergo regular Pap smears (Vaginal Cytology) and follow up properly can identify problems before cancer appears.
Other types of HPV-related cancers can also be more easily treated if they are diagnosed and treated early.