THINGS THAT WOMEN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HPV

HPV or human papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections amongst women that usually goes unnoticed due to its asymptomatic nature. Once left undiagnosed and untreated, this may cause serious health repercussion to the infected person. But little did we know, this kind of STI can be totally eradicated and prevented. Vaccines and preventive measures are already available nowadays, especially for women who are mostly exposed to this infection.  

As we commemorate International Women’s Month, here are five things that women should know about HPV. 

SOME TYPES OF HPV CAUSE CERVICAL DISEASE

There are more than 100 types of HPV variant that exist, however, only a dozen of them is linked to cervical disease with HPV 16 and HPV 18 being the main culprit for 70% of cervical diseases caused by HPV. While a few HPV strains led to the development of cancerous cells, some low-risk HPV like genital warts do not generally cause cancer. 

Doctors conduct monitoring tests like Pap tests to diagnose any presence of lesions or abnormal cervical cells that can be cancerous if left untreated. 

Read more here: https://www.pulse-clinic.com/thin-prep-hpv-dna-testing-female  

HPV HAS A LOW RISK OF CERVICAL CANCER 

HPV may cause cervical cancer for women; however, the virus has a low risk of developing cervical cancer. Most cases of HPV in women usually go away on their own. Meanwhile, cervical dysplasia or the occurrence of abnormal, precancerous cells in the cervix at the uterus’ opening is a more common risk from HPV. 

HPV MAY CAUSE NECK & HEAD CANCERS 

HPV virus transmitted and spread through oral sex which may eventually infect the throat may cause some serious health complications including head and neck cancer.  

VACCINES HELP! 

Vaccines save lives! And these days, HPV vaccines are already and easily accessible for people who may or may not have the risk of getting infected with HPV. Some preventive vaccines are administered to minimize the risk of getting infected and therapeutic vaccines are given to those with the infection. PULSE Clinic helps people by making these vaccines accessible for everyone. If you are worried about your sexual health, getting tested and screened is the best next thing to do. 

Read more here: https://www.pulse-clinic.com/hpv-vaccine

YOU DON’T HAVE TO FEEL ASHAMED OF HPV 

If you feel that something is wrong with your body, you have to listen to it. Do not feel ashamed about having HPV and do not be afraid to seek professional help. Anyone has the risk of getting not only HPV but every STI out there. It is important to take a collaborative stand to fight the stigma associated with sexual health diseases.