Disease is most common sexually transmitted directly involved in the development of cervical cancer, and that is not limited to penetration, as the virus can live on the outside skin of the genital area and can get both men and women.
There are about 100 variants of the virus, which have been classified according to their degree of risk in high and low, the number HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58 , 59 and 66 carcinogenic to humans, while HPV 6 and 11 are considered low risk. In Mexico, HPV 16 and 18 are responsible for 70% of cervical cancer and mild and moderate dysplasias.
Most sexually active people can contract and spread the virus and not know it until years later, can be months to 20 years.
How is it transmitted?
Genital contact with a person with genital HPV infection, including vaginal and anal sex.
It is more likely to get it if:
- Have relationships at an early age
- Multiple sexual partners or a partner who has taken multiple partners
- High parity
- Persistent infection with high-risk HPV (such as HPV 16 or 18)
- Immunosuppression on
- Certain subtypes of HLA (human leukocyte antigen)
- Use of oral contraceptives
- You smoke
What are your symptoms?
Usually no symptoms, unless a type that causes genital warts and constant irritation at the entrance of the vagina, with burning and burning sensation during intercourse (called vulvodynia).
Genital warts may appear within weeks or months after contact with an infected partner.
Can it be treated?
Yes, our body is so wise that some types of HPV are eliminated by our immune system, can be treated with topical and oral antibiotics, in the case of high-risk HPV can remove the infected area by surgery.
Remember that the most important thing is prevention, regular visits to your gynecologist for you to have a Pap test, the correct use of condoms helps reduce the risk of infection, the health system currently in Mexico implemented the HPV vaccine for girls between 11 and 13 years to protect against types 18 and 16.
