The human papillomavirus (HPV) is an infection that is spread through sexual contact. Men and women can contract the disease and not realize they are infected. HPV has been known to cause cancer. Although the chances of developing cancer from an HPV infection are low, women should still be concerned with developing the disease. Parents and people under 25 years of age have the option of the HPV vaccine, which is backed by the CDC as the best option for preventing cervical cancer.
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus is a tiny microbe that is acquired through sexual contact. The virus causes genital warts, so it is considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The virus enters the mucous membrane of the genital area of a woman and lies dormant. The patient may have no signs of the disease, but she is still susceptible to spreading the disease. This is why HPV is spread between partners. People who are infected with no symptoms continue to have unprotected sex, which leads to the spread of the virus even though the patient is completely unaware that they carry the disease.
Benefits of the HPV Vaccine
Men can be infected by the HPV vaccine, but women benefit the most from the vaccination since they are the ones who are more likely to contract and develop cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine is given to women under the age of 25 to help prevent the possibility of contracting the disease. There are several different strains of HPV, so the HPV vaccine does not protect against all cases of the infection and disease. The HPV vaccine (marketed under the name Gardasil) protects against the most frequently seen types of the disease, and it protects against types that are most dangerous and likely to lead to cervical cancer.
Tests for HPV
The best way to find out of a patient has contracted the HPV infection is to have an appointment with a gynecologist. These doctors take samples of the uterus during a process called a pap smear. The cells are sent to a laboratory where the cells are evaluated and tested for signs of human papillomavirus. The best way to prevent HVP is to receive the HPV vaccine before infection. However, the physician may recommend a dose of the HP vaccine.
Speak to a doctor about the possibility of infection of HPV. The HPV vaccine is effective against genital warts and cervical cancer, but it does not protect against agents such as HIV. Ensure patients safety against HPV by receiving the HPV vaccine.
References:
 |
 |
