7 Facts Everyone Should Know About HPV

The human papillomavirus, sometimes known as HPV, is actually a group of over 100 viruses. Because these bacteria are very common, everything from warts on your hands and feet to cervical cancer and sexually transmitted genital warts can be brought on by them. Some varieties show almost no symptoms (commonly the most dangerous types) while others might produce only mild ones. The good news is that your immune system will typically get rid of these infections on its own without any assistance or medication. However, the more you know about HPV prevention and testing, the higher chance of avoiding the potentially deadly consequences of some HPV strains. 1. Men and boys also get HPV Since HPV is present in 99% of cervical cancers, this virus is often linked to female health. Of course, males don't often develop this sort of cancer, although they can contract HPV. Almost all sexually active males will eventually get HPV, and they do so in the same way that women do: via sexual intercourse. In most cases, the immune system eliminates these viruses. But if HPV is left untreated, it can lead to cancer in men's anus, penis, and throat. 2. HPV can cause hoarsenessr HPV may cause warts in the throat, an uncommon illness that is known as recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Hoarseness and voice changes are the most commo RRP symptoms. They may also contribute to respiratory issues and chronic coughing. The most common treatment is surgical removal, although this generally requires additional surgery since warts often recur. 3. HPV can cause throat cancerr Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis-related growths are benign, but HPV can also lead to throat cancer. In reality, HPV is the cause of the current rise in throat cancer cases in the United States. Hoarseness, persistent sore throat, and difficulty swallowing are all possible symptoms of throat cancer. 4. Most people have HPV There is a high chance that you will get HPV at some point in your life if you are sexually active. According to the CDC, 80 percent of women will have the disease by the age of 50. HPV is present in around two-thirds of teenage girls. In most cases, these infections will clear up on their own and have no lasting consequences. In other situations, HPV can continue to exist in the body and cause cellular changes that can result in cervical cancer or health problems. 5. There is more than one type of HPV There are many types of HPV and new ones are still being discovered. There are currently more than 170 different varieties of HPV identified by science. Thankfully, not all of them cause serious health problems. About 40 types of HPV can spread via vaginal, anal, and oral intercourse. At least 12 of them are linked to cancer, and two of them are responsible for the majority of HPV-related tumors. 6. There is a vaccine for HPV There are two approved HPV vaccines. These vaccines can protect you from types 6 and 11 (which cause genital warts) as well as types 16 and 18 which cause about 70 percent of all cervical cancers. Only types 16 and 18 are resistant to Cervarix, which was approved in 2009. The only vaccination that guards against precancers of the vulva, vagina, and anus is Gardasil. You may consult your primary care doctor about which vaccine will be best for you. 7. Pap smear is necessary even after vaccinationr Whether or not you have had an HPV vaccination, you still should start getting a Pap smear test every three years after the age of 21. Vaccination can protect you from HPV 16 and 18, but not all HPV-related cervical cancers are caused by these viruses. Every five years, or every three years, women between the ages of 30 and 65 should undergo a Pap test and HPV test.