Friday, February 27, 2015

Human Papillomavirus Consequences: Prevent Diseases

Human papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted virus, a DNA virus that affects the mucous membranes of the genital area and that of the mouth and throat. Human papillomavirus has many different types; about 40 types can infect you while you have unprotected sex. A person can suffer from more than one HPV type at the same time. Some types are harmless and will go away on their own. However, other types might be present within the human system for years, withour any symptoms – so having no warts does not mean that you are safe. Over time, some HPV subtypes may cause health problems, from genital warts to various cancers.

Human papillomavirus can cause the following conditions:
·         genital warts
·         cervical cancer
·         vaginal cancer
·         penile cancer
·         throat cancer

Cancers are furtive diseases. Cancer prevention is less tangible than preventing cardiovascular diseases. According to studies, you can prevent HPV related cancers (and other cancers) if you do not smoke, do not drink alcohol, do not get overweight, change your eating habits i.e. you consume more vegetables and fruits, less red meat, processed foods, artificial ingredients and sweets; and work out on a regular basis.

Cervical Cancer
You might not have symptoms for a while, until the latest stages by the time the cancer cells spread through the lymph vessels and blood vessels. It is a life-threatening condition.
Human papillomavirus infection can lead to cervical cancer, so you want to avoid HPV infection in the first place.
Always use a condom, however, keep in mind that human papillomavirus can be present at the whole genital area, at places where the condom does not cover the body. Do not have sex with a new partner whom you just got to know and whom you cannot trust.
Get vaccinated against human papillomavirus. Cervarix and Gardasil are effective protection against cervical cancer.

Screening Is Vital
Well before you can notice any symptoms, the first signs are already there within your body. A gynecologist can detect such issues. Get a Pap test or an HPV DNA test. At this stage, you have good chances to heal.

Penile Cancer
Penile cancer has even higher risks than cervical cancer. According to studies, it is possible to prevent penile cancer.
Good hygiene is a must. If you are uncircumcised, you are more at risk of infection. Time and again you must pull back the foreskin to clean the area underneath.
If you are circumcised, you have less chance to get infected with human papillomavirus or to infect your partners with it.

Condom makes sexual activity safer, however, if you have sex with an infected person, you are still at risk: human papillomavirus can be found at the whole genital area, not only within the genitals.
Get vaccinated! Every vaccine means protection from subtypes 16 and 18, the most dangerous HPV types.

For men, Gardasil and Gardasil 9 vaccines are available in the United States. It would be best if you got vaccinated at an early age, at 11 or 12.