The human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted via skin-on-skin contact, usually sexual. It is the number one sexually transmitted disease. There are over forty types of HPV, which can affect the skin of the penis, vulva, anus and linings of the vagina, cervix and rectum.
When someone contracts HPV, they are often not aware they have the infection. In 90 percent of cases, the body fights off the disease within two years. However, if the body does not fight off the disease, depending on the type of HPV, the individual may develop genital warts or cancer.
HPV Prevention
The primary way to avoid contracting HPV is to be in a committed, monogamous relationship with someone who has had no other or few sexual partners, thus reducing the chance of either partner being exposed to HPV.
Though they do not necessarily remove the possibility of being exposed to HPV, properly used condoms also may help reduce the chances of being infected by a sexual partner.
Currently there are two vaccines on the market that help prevent HPV: Gardasil and Cervarix. Both Gardasil and Cervarix help prevent the two types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer and some other genital cancers. Gardasil also helps fight two types of HPV that cause genital warts. It is recommended that girls aged 11 to 12 receive one of these vaccinations. There is also a movement to vaccinate boys.
It is also recommended that all sexually active women, especially those over 30, receive a yearly pap smear and get tested for HPV and abnormal cervical cells so early treatment can commence if necessary.
Genital Wart Treatment
When treating genital warts, two creams (Imiquimod and Podofilox) can be applied as treatment. A physician may also use trichloroacetic acid to burn off the warts or remove them via cryotherapy. Electrocautery, where an electric current is used, is an option. Surgical or laser removal are also options.
Cancer Treatment
If an individual has low-grade, pre-malignant lesions, the doctor usually allows them to heal on their own and closely monitors them. If the pre-malignant lesions are high-grade, the doctor may remove them surgically, with lasers, cryotherapy or with electrocautery.
If the lesions are malignant, they will be surgically removed and then the patient will be treated with radiation or chemotherapy.
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