PLEASE NOTE! All articles here in this site are informative for common knowledge. Please study different sources for information and visit a local doctor.

ABOUT HPV

When it comes to the human pappilomavirus, there are lots of misconceptions out there. Since it is a fairly common condition, it’s important for people to have some basic information about this virus not only so they can protect themselves, but also to eliminate some of the fear that surrounds it.

COMMON VIRUS

Most people will come in contact with one or more strains of HPV during their lifetime. In fact, many people will come in contact with HPV multiple times. In most cases, patients are unaware they are carrying HPV because they show no side effects from it. There are more than 100 strains of this virus, many of which are completely harmless. Others may be fought off by the body naturally shortly after they enter the bloodstream, so individuals who have healthy immune systems generally suffer no ill consequences from them.

WARTS

All forms of warts are caused by a strain of HPV; however, warts on the hands and fingers are caused by a different strain of the virus than genital warts. People who develop warts on their hands or fingers will not necessarily develop them on their genitalia or vice versa. Genital warts are a form of STD, while warts on the fingers and hands are not. Warts may come and go at any time even though a particular strain of HPV is still present in the bloodstream.

RISK OF CERVICAL CANCER

Women who have intercourse at an early age are more susceptible to developing cervical cancer during their lifetime. The odds also increase with the number of partners a woman has. This is because the particular strain of HPV that causes cervical cancer is spread through sexual contact. The use of a condom can be effective in preventing the spread of HPV, thereby reducing the odds of cervical cancer as well. Women who are exposed to the harmful strain of HPV may develop cervical cancer only a short time later or it could be several months before this disease develops. It’s extremely important for those who have multiple partners to have routine pap smears to check for abnormal cervical cells.

AFFECTS CERTAIN GROUPS MORE

Certain groups of people are more likely than others are of suffering ill effects from HPV. People who already have weakened immune systems due to a condition such as HIV or AIDS are more likely to develop certain cancers or genital warts. Young people are unlikely to be affected, as they are normally able to fight off the virus; however, by the time an individual reaches the age of 30, this ability decreases substantially. It continues to decrease each decade, so the likelihood of HPV causing ill effects increases as a part of the normal aging process.

Contracting any strain of HPV can be worrisome. Those who are concerned about the possible effects of HPV should exercise precaution in order to prevent contracting a harmful strain of this virus. Routine health checks can also help those who are infected with HPV live normal and healthy lives.