Hpv Infection In Men

Much of the information about HPV virus centers on women, since having the virus increases their risk of getting cervical cancer. But HPV virus in men can cause health problems, too. It's important for men to understand how to reduce the risks of HPV infection. HPV infection can increase a man's risk of getting genital cancers, although these cancers are not common. HPV can also cause genital warts in men, just as in women.

More than half of men who are sexually active in the United States will have HPV at some time in their life. Often, a man with no health problems will clear the virus on his own. The types of high-risk HPV that can cause cancer rarely present any symptoms in men or in women. Genital warts are the first symptom you may see with low-risk HPV strains that cause warts but not cancer.

Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent HPV transmission. Risk of transmission can be lowered if a person has sex only with one person who is not infected and who is also monogamous. To lower the risk of HPV transmission, men can also limit the number of sex partners and pick partners who have had few or no partners in the past. Condoms can provide some protection against HPV transmission.

Unfortunately, they aren't 100% effective, since HPV is transmitted primarily by skin-to-skin contact. The virus can still infect the skin uncovered by the condom. In a recent study of young women who had just become sexually active, those whose partners used a condom each time they had sex were less likely to get an HPV infection than were women whose partners used a condom less than 5% of the time.

How to test for HPV infection in men? To diagnose genital warts in men, the doctor will visually check a man's genital area to see if warts are present. Some doctors will apply a vinegar solution to help identify warts that aren't raised and visible. But the test is not foolproof. Sometimes normal skin is mistakenly identified as a wart.

There is no routine test for men to check for high-risk HPV strains that can cause cancer. However, some doctors are urging anal Pap tests for gay and bisexual men, who are at higher risk of anal cancer caused by HPV. In an anal Pap test, the doctor collects cells from the anus, and then has them checked for abnormalities in a lab.

There is no treatment for HPV infection in men when no symptoms are present. Instead, doctors treat the health problems that are caused by the HPV virus. When genital warts appear, a variety of treatments can be used. The patient can apply prescription creams at home. Or a doctor can surgically remove or freeze off the warts.

Early treatment of warts is discouraged by some doctors because genital warts can go away on their own. It can also take time for all warts to appear. So a person who treats warts as soon as they appear may need another treatment later on. Anal cancer can be treated with radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. The specific treatments depend on the stage of cancer.

HPVCurative is a new, highly effective and potent way to cure genital warts. It is valued for its role in the realm of genital warts cures, and has provided total clearance of the infection time after time. It contains certified organic medicinal plant extracts and antiviral essential oils, which have demonstrated the ability to act as an HPV cure in laboratory tests.

HPVCurative contains certified organic antiviral extracts, which have the demonstrated ability not only to act as HPV cures, but also to stimulate CD4 T-cells, which cleanse virus-infected cells. HPVCurative thereby eradicates genital warts without any recurrence, making it superior to other genital warts cures.

The low molecular weight and lipophilic tendency of the HPV cure enables it to penetrate into the DNA of infected cell membranes, where the HPV virus resides. HPVCurative is so effective among available HPV cures because it not only contains only the most potent certified organic antiviral medicinal plant extracts, but is highly tolerable to genital tissue as well.

CURED use plant extracts for their genital warts cures that are produced in very limited quantities, and are not available in the commercial market due to scarcity. These medicinal plant extracts are purchased directly by CURED from cultivators in Sri Lanka and Madagascar. To learn more, please go to http://www.bcured.net.

bcured - About the Author:

staff of Nature Power Company, which is a network company dedicated to promoting customers\' websites and developing softwares. You can go to the following websites to learn more about our natural organic products. http://www.bcured.net  http://www.naturespharma.org

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/hpv-infection-in-men-1796750.html

High-Risk Hpv Infection

Certain HPV types are classified as "high-risk" because they lead to abnormal cell changes and can cause genital cancers: cervical cancer as well as cancer of the vulva, anus, and penis. In fact, researchers say that virtually all cervical cancers (more than 99%) are caused by these high-risk HPV viruses.

The most common of the high-risk strains of HPV are types 16 and 18, which cause about 70% of all cervical cancers. If the body clears the infection, the cervical cells return to normal. But if the body doesn't clear the infection, the cells in the cervix can continue to change abnormally. This can lead to precancerous changes or cervical cancer.

When infection with high-risk HPV types occurs, there usually are no symptoms. Often, the first clue is a Pap test result that is abnormal. In a Pap test, the doctor takes a swab of cervical cells and has them analyzed in a laboratory. A positive HPV test may not mean a woman needs treatment, at least not immediately.

Having a positive test puts a woman in the "high-risk" class, alerting the doctor that she is at higher risk for cervical tissue changes and may need close evaluation. If the Pap test results are unclear, the doctor may order a HPV test to check the DNA type of the virus. This analysis can identify 13 of the high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer.

It does not identify cancer. But it tells the woman and her doctor if she has a type of HPV capable of causing cancer. Researchers have discovered that high-risk HPV viruses produce certain proteins. These proteins interfere with the cell functions that limit excessive cell growth. If abnormal cervical tissue changes progress, treatment of the HPV infection may be needed.

There's only one sure way to eliminate chance of HPV infection: Avoid all genital contact with another person. It's best to have a mutually monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner. But many people don't know if they're infected. Using condoms can help prevent HPV transmission but are not foolproof. The virus can be transmitted to genital areas not covered by the condom.

A vaccine, Gardasil, was approved for use in 2006 for use in girls and women aged 9 to 26. Eventually, it may be approved for use in boys, too. Another vaccine, Cervarix, was approved by the FDA in 2007. Over time, widespread vaccination will help prevent transmission of the HPV types covered by the vaccines.

The Gardasil HPV vaccine protects against several high-risk strains of HPV, including HPV types 16 and 18, which account for 70% of cervical cancers. It also protects against HPV 6 and 11, which account for about 90% of genital warts. Cervarix protects against HPV types 16, 81, 31, and 45 -- all of which can cause cervical cancer.

Among the HPV treatment options are surgery, laser treatment, and freezing. Pregnant women, or women considering pregnancy, should consult closely with their doctor. The risk of passing HPV on to the baby is very low. But HPV treatments can affect pregnancy, so doctors may want to delay treatment until after childbirth.

Most doctors use cauterization or freezing as a first option to cure genital warts. Unfortunately, success achieved with this method is often temporary and the warts soon reappear. For genital warts, cures may involve having to surgically excise or burn them off. After surgical intervention or chemical acids are used, one can expect a scar in that area.

An alternative antiviral treatment is now available which represents a very promising solution to the growing epidemic of genital warts. HPVCurative is a new, highly effective and potent way to cure genital warts. It is valued for its role in the realm of genital warts cures, and has provided total clearance of the infection time after time.

It contains certified organic medicinal plant extracts and antiviral essential oils. Users of HPVCurative experience rapid elimination of genital warts without scarring or recurrence. The treatment is painless and provides superb results when compare to other HPV cures. It eliminates genital warts and restores skin tissue to the state it was in prior to the infection.

Organic extracts that demonstrated the greatest antiviral effect as HPV cures in comprehensive scientific trials, while having the least side effects on genital tissue, have been blended to create HPVCurative. To learn more, please go to http://www.bcured.net.

bcured - About the Author:

staff of Nature Power Company, which is a network company dedicated to promoting customers\' websites and developing softwares. You can go to the following websites to learn more about our natural organic products. http://www.bcured.net  http://www.naturespharma.org

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/highrisk-hpv-infection-1796728.html

Hpv And Cervical Cancer

Nearly two decades ago, experts discovered a relationship between infection with HPV and cervical cancer. Since then, these experts have learned much more about how HPV can lead to cervical cancer. The following are some knowledge every woman and girl should know about HPV and cervical cancer.

There's only one sure way to eliminate any chance of HPV infection: Avoid all genital contact with another person. Actual cervical cancer is rare in the U.S. because most women get Pap tests and have abnormal cells removed before they turn into cancer. Still, lots of women will find out they have cervical cancer every year and some will die of the disease.

There are more than 100 types of HPV. About 30 or so types can cause genital infections. Some types of HPV, typically HPV 6 and HPV 11, cause genital warts. The warts are rarely associated with cervical cancers. They are considered "low-risk" HPV. Other types can cause cervical or other genital cancers.

The other 70 or so HPV types can cause infections and warts elsewhere on the body, such as on the hands. Most sexually active women and men will contract HPV at some point in their lifetime. Most will never even know it. Usually, this virus does not cause any symptoms and doesn't cause disease. Often, the body can clear HPV infection on its own within two years or less.

HPV types associated with genital infections are transmitted sexually, primarily through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity. HPV can also be spread through oral sex. The chance of getting HPV rises with certain risk factors: number of lifetime sexual partners, young age, and women who are sexually active with men who have other partners at the same time.

To reduce risk, it's best to have a mutually monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner. But keep in mind, many people don't know if they're infected. Using condoms can help prevent HPV transmission but are not foolproof. The virus can be transmitted to genital areas not covered by the condom.

A vaccine, Gardasil, was approved for use in 2006 for use in girls and women aged 9 to 26. Eventually, it may be approved for use in boys, too. Another vaccine, Cervarix, was approved by the FDA in 2007. Over time, widespread vaccination will help prevent transmission of the HPV types covered by the vaccines.

The Gardasil HPV vaccine protects against several high-risk strains of HPV, including HPV types 16 and 18, which account for 70% of cervical cancers. It also protects against HPV 6 and 11, which account for about 90% of genital warts. Cervarix protects against HPV types 16, 81, 31, and 45 -- all of which can cause cervical cancer.

Among the HPV treatment options are surgery, laser treatment, and freezing. Pregnant women, or women considering pregnancy, should consult closely with their doctor. The risk of passing HPV on to the baby is very low. But HPV treatments can affect pregnancy, so doctors may want to delay treatment until after childbirth.

Traditional theories postulated that once a person is infected, HPV remained in the body for a lifetime. However, new studies using sensitive DNA techniques have shown that an HPV cure is possible through immunological response. For example, studies on compounds to cure genital warts demonstrate that HPVCurative extracts created "significant destruction of HPV cells as evidenced from DNA tests".

These studies further concluded that among other genital warts cures, HPVCurative best extracts "inhibited skin papillomas virus and decreased the conversion of papillomas to carcinomas" which resulted in "significant disintegration of HPV cells in DNA tests" without damaging surrounding healthy tissue.

HPVCurative is undiluted and unadulterated. It contains stringently certified organic antiviral plant extracts, which have the ability to destroy HPV. The extracts are harvested and distilled by hand for medicinal use -- they are pure and complete. This is essential when creating HPV cures, and it is of critical importance when applying anything to the genitals.

To cure genital warts, simply apply one drop of product to the affected area three times a day. HPVCurative is offered at a great price compared to competing HPV cures. It treats multiple warts and is also most suitable among other genital warts cures in the market for those afflicted with stubborn strains. To learn more, please go to http://www.bcured.net.

bcured - About the Author:

staff of Nature Power Company, which is a network company dedicated to promoting customers\' websites and developing softwares. You can go to the following websites to learn more about our natural organic products. http://www.bcured.net  http://www.naturespharma.org

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/hpv-and-cervical-cancer-1796735.html

Information about HPV

HPV stands for human papilloma virus and infection with the HPV virus is common. HPV infects at least 50% of all people who have sex at some time in their lives. Often, people don't have any symptoms and the HPV infection goes away on its own. Some types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer or cancer of the anus or penis.

There are actually more than 100 related viruses in this group and each HPV virus is given a number or type. The term "papilloma" refers to a kind of wart that results from some HPV types. HPV lives in the body's epithelial cells. These are flat and thin cells found on the skin's surface and also on the surface of the vagina, anus, vulva, cervix, penis head, mouth, and throat.

Of the 100 HPV types, about 60 types cause warts on areas such as the hands or feet. The other 40 or so types of HPV are sexually transmitted and are drawn to the body's mucous membranes, such as the moist layers around the anal and genital areas. These sexually-transmitted HPV viruses are spread through contact with infected genital skin, mucous membranes, or bodily fluids.

The sexually-transmitted HPV viruses can be passed through intercourse and oral sex. HPV can infect skin not normally covered by a condom, so using a condom does not fully protect you from the virus. Also, many people don't realize they're infected with HPV and may have no symptoms, so neither sexual partner may realize that the virus is being spread.

Not all of the 40 sexually transmitted HPV viruses cause serious health problems. High-risk HPV strains include HPV 16 and 18, which cause about 70% of cervical cancers. Other high-risk HPV viruses include 31, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 58, and a few others. Low-risk HPV strains, such as HPV 6 and 11, cause about 90% of genital warts, which rarely develop into cancer.

Genital warts can look like bumps or growths. Sometimes they are shaped like cauliflower. The warts can show up weeks or months after exposure to an infected sexual partner. You're more likely to get HPV if you have sex at an early age, have many sex partners, or have a sex partner who has had multiple partners.

While many people think HPV is mostly a problem for teens or young adults, HPV can infect men and women of any age. In fact, a 2007 survey found that nearly 27% of U.S. women between the ages of 14 and 59 have HPV, according to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The only way to absolutely avoid the risk of HPV infection is to abstain from sex. You can also limit the number of sexual partners you have. And you can choose partners who've had few or no sexual partners before you. However, while a long-term monogamous relationship lowers your risk, it's important to remember that many people are infected and never know it.

Often, there are no symptoms of an HPV infection and the body clears the infection on its own over the course of a few years. Some people never know they were infected. About 90% of women infected with HPV show no traces of the virus within two years. When an HPV infection with high-risk types persists, it can cause abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. Rarely, it may also cause abnormal changes in penile and anal cells.

HPVCurative is a new, highly effective and potent way to cure genital warts. It is valued for its role in the realm of genital warts cures, and has provided total clearance of the infection time after time. It contains certified organic medicinal plant extracts and antiviral essential oils, which have demonstrated the ability to act as an HPV cure in laboratory tests.

Users of HPVCurative experience rapid elimination of genital warts without scarring or recurrence. The treatment is painless and provides superb results when compare to other HPV cures. It eliminates genital warts and restores skin tissue to the state it was in prior to the infection. Since the treatment can effectively remove genital warts and wart-like substances on the genitals, acid or surgical HPV cures may soon become a thing of the past.

HPVCurative contains stringently certified organic antiviral plant extracts, which have the ability to destroy the genital wart virus. The extracts are harvested and distilled by hand for medicinal use. This is essential when creating HPV cures, and it is of critical importance when applying anything to the genitals. To learn more, please go to http://www.bcured.net.

bcured - About the Author:

staff of Nature Power Company, which is a network company dedicated to promoting customers' websites and developing softwares. You can go to the following websites to learn more about our natural organic products. http://www.bcured.net  http://www.naturespharma.org

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/information-about-hpv-1753189.html

Vaccines Are Not Hpv Cures

Most pharmacology efforts now focus on developing a vaccine to inoculate the population in order to stop the HPV virus from infecting the system. HPV vaccines protect against a very common sexually transmitted virus called HPV. HPV infects at least 50% of sexually active people at some point in their lives. The virus often clears on its own. If it persists, it can lead to cervical and other cancers and to genital warts.

Vaccination is ideal for the pharmaceutical companies as it would of course reap a monetary windfall of epic proportions for the drug companies. One HPV vaccine, Gardasil, was licensed for use by the FDA in 2006. In September 2008, the FDA announced it may also be used to prevent some cancers of the vulva and vagina when given to females aged 9-26. Another HPV vaccine, Cervarix, is also popular on the market.

Like all vaccines, these HPV vaccines are not foolproof. They do not protect against all of the 100-plus types of HPV. But both vaccines are nearly 100% effective in preventing disease caused by high-risk strains of HPV (HPV 16 and 18) which together account for 70% of all cervical cancers, as well as many cancers of the vagina and vulva.

Gardasil targets four types of HPV: 6, 11, 16 and 18. Types 16 and 18 lead to cervical cancer. HPV 6 and HPV 11 cause about 90% of genital warts. The vaccine contains a virus-like particle but not the actual virus. Three doses are given over six months to females aged 9-26. Scientists don't yet know if an HPV vaccine will protect boys from genital warts or if the vaccine can prevent boys from transmitting HPV to female partners.

The vaccine should be given to girls at ages 11 to 12, according to recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. The vaccine is best given at a young age, before sexual activity begins and before exposure to HPV.

The recommendations note that girls as young as 9 can get the vaccine, and females up to age 26 who didn't get it as youngsters. The vaccine is also being studied in older women.

Insurance coverage is common within the recommended age ranges. The federal Vaccines for Children Program covers the vaccine for those under age 19 who qualify. No serious HPV vaccine side effects have been found. Sometimes soreness occurs at the injection site. The jury is still out on whether the vaccine is effective in boys. More research needs to be done.

Another HPV vaccine, Cervarix, is also popular. In studies, this vaccine, like Gardasil, protected against types 16 and 18, which cause 70% of cervical cancers. Cervarix also protects against HPV types 31 and 45, which also cause cervical cancer, according to the manufacturer, GlaxoSmithKline. Three doses are given over six months.

Both HPV vaccines have been shown to provide protection. New research also suggests that Gardasil, like Cervarix, also protects against HPV types 45 and 31, which account for about 10% of cervical cancers. However, HPV vaccination doesn't mean women can skip their Pap tests. Neither vaccine protects against all the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.

Importantly, China has now banned such vaccinations as they have found injecting a pathogen into your system does just that, it stays in your system, remaining latent in the joints, only to reappear in later years causing horrendous arthritis or auto immune disorders. What's more, the vaccines are not an HPV cure and not useful at all for those already affected with warts.

HPVCurative is a new, highly effective and potent way to cure genital warts. It is valued for its role in the realm of genital warts cures, and has provided total clearance of the infection time after time. It contains certified organic medicinal plant extracts and antiviral essential oils, which have demonstrated the ability to act as an HPV cure in laboratory tests.

HPVCurative is so effective among available HPV cures because it not only contains only the most potent certified organic antiviral medicinal plant extracts, but is highly tolerable to genital tissue as well. CURED use plant extracts for their genital warts cures that are produced in very limited quantities, and are not available in the commercial market due to scarcity.

These medicinal plant extracts are purchased directly by CURED from cultivators in Sri Lanka and Madagascar. Since the treatment can effectively remove genital warts and wart-like substances on the genitals, acid or surgical HPV cures may soon become a thing of the past. To learn more, please go to http://www.bcured.net.

bcured - About the Author:

staff of Nature Power Company, which is a network company dedicated to promoting customers\' websites and developing softwares. You can go to the following websites to learn more about our natural organic products. http://www.bcured.net  http://www.naturespharma.org

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/vaccines-are-not-hpv-cures-1796725.html

How is HPV Infection Diagnosed

Infection by HPV is very common. At least half of people who are sexually active will contract the HPV virus at some point in their lives. Yet many don't know it because they don't have any symptoms. Whether symptoms occur or not can depend on the type of HPV virus involved in the infection. There are more than 100 types of HPV.

Some types of HPV are associated with cervical and other cancers, and no warts occur, and no other symptoms may be noticed. Some HPV types also cause common warts that you can find on other areas of the body such as your hands or feet. Some HPV types are associated with genital warts, although the warts are not always visible.

Genital warts take on many different appearances. They can be raised, flat, pink, or flesh-colored. Sometimes there is a single wart; other times multiple warts appear. They can be on the anus, cervix, scrotum, groin, thigh, or penis. Genital warts can show up weeks or even months after sexual contact with a person infected with HPV virus.

Some types of genital HPV infection are associated with cancer. If infection occurs with one of these virus types, precancerous changes can occur in cells in the tissue without causing any symptoms. The longer the virus is in the body, the higher your risk of developing health problems such as cervical cancer or anal cancer.

The appearance of genital warts is one way HPV infection is diagnosed. A doctor simply does a visual inspection. The HPV types associated with warts, however, are not generally the types associated with cancer. Women infected with the type of HPV that can cause cancer may first be told their Pap test results are abnormal.

Pap tests are the main way doctors find cervical cancer or precancerous changes in the cervix. To find out for sure if the changes are related to HPV, a doctor may decide to perform a DNA test to detect the virus in women who have an abnormal Pap smear. This tells you and your doctor whether the HPV virus you have can cause cancer.

Only certain strains of HPV cause cancer. Indeed, HPV 16 and 18 account for 70% of all cervical cancers. This DNA test is often done on women who have mild Pap test abnormalities. It may also be done as part of a routine Pap test to women over age 30. In the HPV test, a doctor takes a swab of cells from the cervix, just as for the Pap test.

The cells are then analyzed in the laboratory. The test can identify 13 of the high-risk HPV types associated with cervical cancer. This test is rarely given routinely to women under 30 because so many younger women are exposed to HPV and their bodies typically clear the infection without treatment.

The DNA test could cause unnecessary worry and concern. Some experts also believe that in younger women the cervix is more susceptible to the HPV virus and that as women get older the cervix may become less susceptible. In men, as in women, genital warts reflect HPV infection. But no specific test for the strains of HPV that cause cancer is available at this time for men.

Combining the Pap test with the HPV test is appropriate for women aged 30 and over. This test helps women and their doctors learn if a woman is at high risk or low risk for developing cervical cancer. If the HPV test is positive, the doctor can then decide if more testing is needed. One test that may be ordered next is a colposcopy.

HPVCurative is a new, highly effective and potent way to cure genital warts. It is valued for its role in the realm of genital warts cures, and has provided total clearance of the infection time after time. It contains certified organic medicinal plant extracts and antiviral essential oils, which have demonstrated the ability to act as an HPV cure in laboratory tests.

Traditional theories postulated that once a person is infected, HPV remained in the body for a lifetime. However, new studies using sensitive DNA techniques have shown that an HPV cure is possible through immunological response. Studies demonstrate that HPVCurative extracts created "significant destruction of HPV cells as evidenced from DNA tests".

HPVCurative contains stringently certified organic antiviral plant extracts, which have the ability to destroy the genital wart virus. The extracts are harvested and distilled by hand for medicinal use -- they are pure and complete. This is essential when creating HPV cures. To learn more, please go to http://www.bcured.net. 

bcured - About the Author:

staff of Nature Power Company, which is a network company dedicated to promoting customers' websites and developing softwares. You can go to the following websites to learn more about our natural organic products. http://www.bcured.net  http://www.naturespharma.org

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/how-is-hpv-infection-diagnosed-1759188.html

All About Hpv and Gardasil -- a College Girl's Guide

The introduction of the HPV vaccine, Gardasil, has been accompanied by healthy doses of both good and bad news. The good news is that the vaccine's arrival has brought the virus into the spotlight by giving it the press it deserves. But the bad news is that myths and misconceptions about the virus and the vaccine abound, and these can and have caused considerable harm. For example, one prevalent myth is that promiscuity is the main reason why people get HPV infections. The fact is, it's possible to get an HPV infection even from a monogamous relationship. Here are some more common questions about HPV, the vaccine, and how they can affect teens' lives.


The Facts of HPV:

So what is HPV, really?

HPV is the human papilloma virus. It is the most common sexually transmitted virus. It isn't the same as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) or HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus), and it's not a new virus -- it's just often overlooked in discussions of common sexually transmitted diseases. There are more than a 100 types of HPV that can cause a variety of diseases, but we'll focus on its most significant manifestation -- genital HPV. Sexual contact is the most common way to transmit genital HPV, including not only sexual intercourse, but also sexual contact without intercourse and oral sex. HPV is a silent infection, meaning that many people are unaware that they are infected and can transmit the virus to their sexual partners without even knowing.


Who gets HPV?

Anyone can get HPV infections. It is estimated that at least 50 percent of sexually active men and women will acquire a genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. Most infections clear up on their own without any medical treatment in 12-24 months. People at the highest risk of getting HPV infections are those who engage in high-risk sexual behavior such as having multiple partners, having unprotected sex, and starting to have sex at an early age. Also, having a weak immune system due to poor nutrition, stress, and smoking can make existing HPV infections persist in the body for a longer period of time and cause HPV-related diseases.

Many of my patients have asked me if two people in a monogamous relationship can get HPV. The short answer is, unfortunately, yes. Even if you are currently in a monogamous relationship, you or your partner could have acquired HPV from a previous sexual relationship; the disease can lie dormant in the body for many years and can become active at any time. The only way to prevent HPV is for both partners in a monogamous relationship to have never had prior sexual partners or to abstain from sexual contact altogether.

What are the consequences of having HPV?

There are three possible results of HPV infection. First, it is possible to become a carrier of HPV and never show symptoms for the rest of your life. Second, you could develop genital warts, which are irritating, visually unpleasant, embarrassing, and often require repeated treatments to get rid of them. Third, you could develop a HPV related cancer, the most serious of which is cervical cancer. In addition, HPV can be a cause for tremendous emotional issues, such as feelings of guilt, blame and shame.


Should you get the vaccine?

There are now two vaccines available to prevent most HPV related diseases. Only one, Gardasil, is currently available in the United States. The vaccine is preventative in nature, meaning it can only prevent and not treat existing HPV infections. The vaccine protects against four different types of HPV, two of which cause 70% of cervical cancers, and the other two which cause most genital warts.

The CDC recommends the vaccine for girls at ages 11-12 years for maximum benefit. However, if you didn't receive the vaccine at this age, you can still get it up until the age of 26, even if you are sexually active. This is because even if you have already been exposed to some types of HPV, the vaccine will still prevent against any of the four types that you haven't. It is important to note that the vaccine does not prevent against pregnancy or other sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Chlamydia or Gonorrhea. Therefore, it's crucial to continue to be abstinent or practice safer sex even after receiving the vaccine.

Should you get the Pap test?

A Pap test (also called a Pap smear) detects abnormal cell changes in the cervix, some of which if not treated, can progress to cancer. Therefore, once the abnormal changes are detected, they sometimes require close follow-ups and uncomfortable procedures. Pap tests, no doubt, have dramatically reduced the rates of cervical cancer in this country. But the vaccine, on the other hand, prevents these abnormal changes from occurring in the first place. Obviously, prevention is preferable to detection and treatment. But as the vaccine only protects against 70 percent of cervical cancer, it's important to keep getting Pap tests to detect the other 30 percent. Consult your health care provider to find out when you should start getting Pap tests.

What are the ways to prevent and fight HPV infections?

There are some basic tips to follow to keep healthy and avoid HPV infections.

Follow the "ABCDE" rules of prevention: Abstinence, Being monogamous, Consistent condom use, Delayed sexual activity and Education.

Avoid drugs and excessive alcohol: These activities can lead to risky sexual behavior that make getting HPV more likely.

Get vaccinated: Getting the Gardasil vaccine before you become sexually active can protect you from HPV strains that cause 90% of genital warts and 70% of cervical cancers. If you are already sexually active and haven’t been vaccinated, you should still consider getting vaccinated, as this can protect you from the vaccine strains that you may not have been exposed to.

Boost your immune system:

• Quit smoking: Smoking weakens your immune system and makes HPV hang around longer in your body which can then cause disease.

• Reduce stress: Look into techniques such as exercise that help you relax and make you feel good about yourself.

• Eat healthy: Add foods rich in Vitamins C and E such as fruits and vegetables that have cancer-fighting properties to your diet. In addition, it's a good idea to take a multivitamin daily.

HPV can be a potentially serious and chronic disease that can have tremendous medical, psychological and sexual consequences. It can turn your life upside down overnight. One chance encounter is all it takes to be potentially infected by the HPV virus. By seeking accurate information and taking productive steps, you can prevent the spread of HPV. Knowledge and education about HPV infections will help contain the spread of infection -- ignorance will not.

©2008 Shobha S. Krishnan, M.D.


Author Bio
Shobha S. Krishnan, M.D., is a board certified gynecologist and family practice physician at Barnard College, Columbia University. Her new book, "The HPV Vaccine Controversy: Sex, Cancer, God and Politics: A Guide to parents, women, men and teenagers" was published on August 30, 2008, by Greenwood Publications. The book presents the most up to date information about the vaccine without the influence of pharmaceutical companies or other interest groups.

Shobha S. Krishnan, M.d. - About the Author:

Visit http://www.greenwood.com/catalog/C35011.aspx for more information. The book can also be purchased at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com and Borders.com.

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/womens-health-articles/all-about-hpv-and-gardasil-a-college-girls-guide-594846.html