HPV: The Silent Threat You Should Know About

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that most people will get at some point in their lives. It usually doesn't cause any symptoms, but it can lead to serious health problems, including cancer.
HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus. It can be passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth.
There are more than 100 different types of HPV. Some types are more likely to cause cancer than others. The most common type of HPV that causes cancer is HPV-16.
HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and throat. It is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women.
There is no cure for HPV, but there are vaccines that can protect you from getting the virus. The Gardasil vaccine is effective against HPV-16 and HPV-18, which are the two types of HPV that cause most cases of cancer. The Cervarix vaccine is effective against HPV-16 and HPV-18, as well as two other types of HPV that can cause cancer.
The HPV vaccine is recommended for all girls and boys between the ages of 11 and 12. It can also be given to adults who have not been vaccinated.
If you think you might have HPV, talk to your doctor. They can test you for the virus and recommend treatment options.

How to Protect Yourself from HPV

Get vaccinated
Use condoms
Limit the number of sexual partners you have
Get regular Pap tests

Symptoms of HPV

Most people with HPV do not have any symptoms. However, some people may develop:

Warts on the genitals, anus, or throat
Hoarseness
Coughing up blood
Pelvic pain
Abnormal vaginal bleeding

If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away.

Treatment for HPV

There is no cure for HPV, but there are treatments that can help to manage the symptoms and prevent the virus from spreading. Treatment options include:

Surgery
Laser therapy
Cryotherapy
Topical medications

HPV and Cancer

HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. It is also linked to other cancers, including cancer of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, and throat.
HPV-related cancers are typically treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The earlier HPV-related cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of successful treatment.

Call to Action

HPV is a serious health problem, but it can be prevented and treated. If you are sexually active, talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against HPV. And if you have any symptoms of HPV, see your doctor right away.