Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that affects men and women equally around the world. It is estimated that approximately 80% of sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lives. Although in most cases the infection goes away on its own without causing any problems, HPV can cause various diseases, including cervical cancer, genital warts, and other types of cancer. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of the human papillomavirus and the diseases associated with this infection.
Characteristics of the Human Papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus is a double-stranded DNA virus that belongs to the Papillomaviridae family. There are more than 200 types of HPV, of which at least 40 can be transmitted sexually. These are classified into high-risk HPVs, which are associated with the development of cancer, and low-risk HPVs, which cause genital warts and other benign lesions.
HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. , including vaginal, anal or oral intercourse with an infected person. It can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in genital areas, even when there is no penetration. Additionally, HPV can be passed from mother to child during childbirth.
Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and clear up on their own within 1 to 2 years. However, in some cases, the infection persists and can cause genital warts or precancerous lesions to form on the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, or throat.
Symptoms of HPV infection
The symptoms of an HPV infection can vary depending on the type of virus present. In most cases, the infection is asymptomatic and goes unnoticed. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Genital warts: Fleshy-looking bumps that appear on the skin around the genitals or anus.
- Lesions precancerous: Abnormal changes in cells that can become cancer if not treated.
- Throat lesions: Associated with oral HPV, especially in people who practice oral sex.
It is important to remember that not all HPV infections cause symptoms, so it is essential to perform screening tests, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, to identify possible infections and precancerous lesions.
Diseases Associated with Human Papillomavirus
The human papillomavirus can cause various diseases, from genital warts to cancers. The main diseases associated with HPV are described below:
Cervical Cancer
HPV is the main risk factor for cervical cancer, a type of cancer that affects the cervix. in women. Persistent infection with certain high-risk HPV types can cause changes in the cells of the cervix that over time can progress to cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is preventable through early detection and treatment. precancerous lesions. Pap tests and HPV tests are essential to detect these lesions in early stages and prevent progression to invasive cancer.
Genital Warts
Genital warts are benign lesions caused by certain low-risk HPV types. These skin bumps usually appear in the genital or anal area, and can be annoying or cause discomfort in some people. Genital warts can be treated with topical medications, surgery, or medical procedures to remove them.
Cancer of the Vulva, Vagina, Penis, and Anus
In addition to cervical cancer, HPV is associated with other types of cancer, such as cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis and anus. These cancers are less common than cervical cancer, but are still a concern in people infected with high-risk HPV.
HPV vaccination is recommended as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of developing these types of HPV. cancer. The HPV vaccine is available for men and women, and is administered in two or three doses, depending on the age at which vaccination begins.
Throat Cancer
HPV can also cause throat cancer, especially in the oropharynx area. This type of cancer is more common in men than women and is usually related to oral sex with a person infected with HPV. Symptoms of throat cancer may include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and voice changes.
Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to improve the prognosis of HPV-associated throat cancer. Early detection of precancerous lesions in the throat can prevent progression to invasive cancer.
Prevention and Treatment of Human Papillomavirus
Prevention of human papillomavirus focuses on vaccination, the use of condoms and the early detection of infections and precancerous lesions. Below are some measures to prevent and treat HPV:
HPV vaccination
The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls aged 9 years and older. age, before they have been exposed to the virus through sexual activity. The vaccine protects against the most common types of HPV that cause cancer and genital warts. It is administered in two or three doses, depending on age and the recommended vaccination schedule.
Use of Condoms
The correct and constant use of condoms during sexual relations can reduce the risk transmission of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections. However, condoms do not completely protect against HPV, as the virus can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by the condom.
Early Detection and Treatment
Screening tests, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, are essential to identify HPV infections and precancerous lesions in early stages. Treatment of precancerous lesions is important to prevent progression to invasive cancer. In addition, it is essential to perform regular medical follow-up to monitor the evolution of HPV infections and prevent complications.
Conclusion
Human papillomavirus is a common infection that can cause serious illnesses. , such as cervical cancer, genital warts and other types of cancer. Prevention and early detection are essential to reduce the impact of HPV on public health. Vaccination, condom use, and screening are key tools to prevent and treat HPV, protecting the sexual and reproductive health of men and women around the world.