HPV @ Human papillomavirus is a common virus which affects human. More than 100 types of HPV have been identifed, most of which are harmless. About 30 types are spread through sexual contact, of which some types can cause visible genital warts, while others can cause cervical cancer and other genital cancers. Type 16 n 18 cause cervical cancer.
What is the relation between HPV and cervical cancer?
Most HPV infections occur without any symptoms and will go away without any treatment over the course of a few months. However, in some cases, the infection can persist leading the risk of progression to cervical cancer. This process can take more than ten years.
This virus can be spread without women knowing it because cancer causing HPV infection is not commonly associated with any sign or symptoms.
How is HPV is transmitted?
- Through genital skin to skin contact. (sharing public toilet, etc)
- Any woman, regardless of her age or lifestyle.
- Sexual intercourse is not necessary to become infected.
- Women who smoke are 2 times at risk than non-smoker.
- Sexual transmitted Infections (STI)
- The risk of HPV infection starts from the first sexual encounter and lasts throughout a woman's life.
Prevention is better than cure.
- Regular pap-smear testing to look for early signs of the disease. Pap-smear is a quick and simple test to find abnormal cells at the surface of the cervix.
- Condom reduce the risk but are not fully protective.
- Vaccination - the immune system (the body's natural defence system) will make antibodies against HPV.
- Sex education at school.
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