What is human papillomavirus infection?



Introduction:

Human papillomavirus infection is a disease caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV). It gets transmitted to human beings via skin contact (through sexual interaction, throat, or mouth). HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD), according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are several strains of HPV, which are commonly found in sexually active individuals, even if they don't have many sexual partners. Generally, HPV infection doesn't pose any health issues; however, there are strains of HPV that can lead to the development warts around the genitalia and even a few different types of cancers.

Symptoms of HPV infection:
Most of the individuals with an HPV infection remain asymptomatic. According to the CDC, the infection subsides on its own in a year or more in most cases. However, infected individuals still can transmit the virus during this period.

In case the viral load does not decrease on its own, it can cause serious health issues to the infected person.



Although warts around the genitalia, neck, and throat are most commonly observed. HPV can also lead to genital and thoracic cancers.

Since most cases of HPV infections are asymptomatic, regular health-screening is the only way to diagnose the disease.

How does a person get infected with HPV?

 

HPV infection only transmits through skin-to-skin contacts, such as sexual interactions: vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

 

In rare cases, an HPV-infected mother can transmit the disease to their babies while delivering, which is often severe or even fatal for the new-born.

 

How can HPV diagnose?

Testing for an HPV infection is different for a man and a woman. The HPV DNA test can only be done for women and unfortunately there is no FDA-approved test at present for HPV diagnosis in men.

Regular health check-ups and screening for cancers is the only way to diagnose HPV infection in men.

Are there treatments available?

 

In most cases, the infection subsides within a timeframe of 1 to 2 years as the viral load decreases in the body.

At present, there is no treatment available for the virus; however, genital warts can be treated with prescription medicines purchased from any retail or online pharmacy with a proper prescription. These warts could also be treated with electrical burning and nitrogen freezing.

 

Can an HPV infection be prevented?



 

Gardasil 9 vaccine can prevent genital warts and cancers caused by HPV, and the CDC recommends the HPV vaccine for boys and girls of ages between 11 and 12 years.

 

To prevent health issues related to an HPV infection, regular health check-ups, screenings, and Pap smears are necessary. 

 

The best way to prevent getting an HPV infection is to practice safe sexual intercourse, use condoms, and limiting the number of sexual partners.

 

 Conclusion:
In most cases, an HPV infected person is asymptomatic, and the infection does not cause any health problems in the infected individual. However, in many cases, the infection can lead to the development of genital warts and cancers associated with the genitals, throat, and mouth.

Many men who get infected with HPV are asymptomatic; however, some may develop genital warts. See your doctor if you notice Doctor should be immediately consulted if unusual bumps or lesions are observed in the genitals or surrounding regions.

HPV can also cause cervical, vaginal, anal, or thoracic cancers. Hence, regular screening for cancers can help detect anomalies related to cervical cancer in women. In addition, DNA tests can help detect strains of HPV associated with genital cancers in women.

Since no treatment is available for HPV, vaccination, and practicing safe sex are the only ways to prevent getting an HPV infection.

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