HPV: The Dangerous Virus We Must Know About
Get to know about the HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection.
HPV: Human Papillomavirus, A Disease-Causing Virus
- Genital area; Cervical cancer and Vaginal cancer
- Anal area; Anal cancer and Anal warts. (There are around 40 strains of HPV that can cause diseases, but only a few of them are commonly associated with frequent infections.)
- Cervical cancer, which is caused by HPV and not inherited genetically. It tragically claims the lives of an average of 14 Thai women each day. Although cervical cancer is a preventable disease, it often remains asymptomatic until it reaches an advanced stage. Nevertheless, early detection plays a crucial role as it offers a remarkable opportunity for successful treatment, with a chance of up to 98%.
HPV: Where is it found? How is it transmitted?
The most common mode of HPV transmission is through skin-to-skin contact. Therefore, engaging in sexual activities is a significant factor contributing to HPV infection.
- Genital area, including the cervix
- Anal region, including the anus
- Other sexual organs
HPV: It can be categorized into two groups:
- Low-risk strains: These types of HPV have a lower risk of causing cancer but can still lead to conditions like genital warts. Examples include strains 6 and 11.
- High-risk strains: These strains have a higher potential to cause cancer, particularly strains 16 and 18, which are associated with cancers of the reproductive system.
The primary cause of cervical cancer is the HPV. There are approximately 14 high-risk strains of HPV that significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. Strains 16 and 18 are the leading causes of cervical cancer, responsible for up to 70% of cases. Those infected with these strains have a significantly higher risk, up to 35 times more, of developing cervical cancer compared to individuals without HPV infection.
However, it is important to understand that HPV infection is easily acquired. On average, around 80% of women have had or currently have an HPV infection without even realizing it. In most cases, a strong immune system can naturally clear the HPV infection. However, individuals with a weakened immune system may experience progression of the infection, potentially leading to the development of cancerous cells.
How to Prevent Cervical Cancer?
Preventing cervical cancer involves two main approaches:
- HPV vaccination
- Annual check-ups for cervical cancer, such as Pap tests, help detect any abnormalities in the cervix during early stages when they are most treatable. Early detection enables prompt treatment and prevention of cervical cancer.
HPV How many types of vaccines?
Currently, there are three types of HPV vaccines available:
- 2-valent HPV vaccine: It primarily focuses on preventing cervical cancer caused by high-risk HPV strains (16 and 18).
- 4-valent HPV vaccine: It designed to prevent cervical cancer (HPV strains 16 and 18) as well as genital warts (HPV strains 6 and 11).
- 9-valent HPV vaccine: It provides protection against cervical cancer (HPV strains 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58) and genital warts (HPV strains 6 and 11).
Reference:
Khonkaen TLC Lab Center HPV: The Dangerous Virus We Must Know About
Khonkaen TLC Lab Center
Share this article
More Articles
Discover more insights on health care and medical tourism.
Blocked Fallopian Tubes + Poor Sperm A Twin Pregnancy Success Story.
Even with hydrosalpinx (fluid-filled, blocked fallopian tubes) combined with poor sperm quality, having a baby is still possible through IVF/ICSI. This is because the fertilization process bypasses the fallopian tubes entirely. However, before starting IVF, doctors often recommend surgically removing or clipping the affected fallopian tube to increase the chances of a successful pregnancy-just like this real case of a mother who finally conceived twins after a 3 year wait.
How Long Does ICSI Take? A Timeline from Your First Consultation to Pregnancy.
ICSI is one of the most popular assisted reproductive technologies for couples experiencing infertility. One of the most frequently asked questions is, “ How Long Does ICSI Take? ” or “How many months does ICSI take before knowing the result?” The answer is not simply one fixed number, but depends on several medical factors and each individual’s response to treatment.
How Long Can Frozen Eggs Be Stored and When Should They Be Used?
How Long Can Frozen Eggs ? This is an important question for anyone who is not yet ready to have children and is planning to use their eggs in the future. Frozen eggs can be stored for many years under appropriate conditions. However, deciding when to use them requires consideration of your age at egg retrieval, your health when you plan to become pregnant, and the terms of your storage agreement. Understanding these different factors can help you make a clearer plan for having children.