Appointments
+(603) 5515 1966
General Line
+(603) 5515 1888
December 28, 2024
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a widely prevalent virus, affecting millions of people globally. While it often resolves on its own without causing harm, certain strains can lead to severe health complications, particularly in women. HPV is one of the leading causes of cervical cancer which makes awareness and proactive management crucial.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore HPV in females, delve into its symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment options, and empower women to take control of their health.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses that are transmitted primarily through intimate skin-to-skin contact. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI), with most sexually active individuals contracting it at some point in their lives. HPV is categorised into low-risk types, which can cause genital warts, and high-risk types, which can lead to cancers such as cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, and throat cancers.
While many HPV infections are harmless and clear up on their own, some persist and cause significant health issues, making awareness, vaccination, and regular screenings critical for prevention and early detection.
HPV in females is caused by infection with the Human Papillomavirus, primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. The virus spreads during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner, even if they show no symptoms. However, direct sexual intercourse is not the only mode of transmission. HPV can also be spread through non-penetrative genital contact and, in rare cases, from a mother to her baby during childbirth. The virus is highly contagious, and even a single exposure can result in infection.
Women can lower their risk of HPV by understanding its causes, practising safe behaviours, getting regular screenings, and getting vaccinated.
A married woman can contract HPV through several scenarios, even if she is in a monogamous relationship. HPV is a highly prevalent virus that can remain dormant for years, complicating the ability to pinpoint when or how it was contracted.
Here are common ways a married woman may get HPV:
HPV can lie dormant in the body for years without causing symptoms. A woman may have been exposed to the virus before marriage, and it could only become detectable or active much later due to changes in her immune system.
If a spouse had sexual partners before marriage, they might unknowingly carry the virus, even if they have no symptoms. HPV can be transmitted during sexual activity with an infected partner, regardless of visible signs of infection.
Although rare, HPV can be transmitted through non-sexual means, such as sharing personal items like razors or towels. Additionally, the virus may spread through skin-to-skin genital contact without penetration.
While uncommon, HPV can also pass from a mother to her child during childbirth.
Even in a long-term monogamous relationship, partners can transmit HPV back and forth, particularly if one partner has an immune system unable to clear the virus completely.
HPV in females often does not cause noticeable symptoms, especially in the early stages, which is why many women may be unaware they are infected. However, depending on the type of HPV (low-risk or high-risk), symptoms can range from mild to severe.
These high-risk strains are strongly linked to cervical cancer. Symptoms often emerge in advanced stages and may include:
Men are also affected by HPV and can carry and transmit the virus, despite experiencing fewer symptoms than women. Their role in spreading and preventing HPV is important, so understanding its potential health effects is crucial for both men and their partners.
Yes, a man can give a woman HPV. The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, most commonly during sexual activity. Men can carry and transmit the virus to their female partners even if they show no symptoms or are unaware of their infection. Understanding how HPV transmission occurs can help both partners take preventive measures.
Many men infected with HPV do not develop noticeable symptoms, such as genital warts or lesions, making it difficult for them to know they are carriers. During sexual activity, the virus can spread through skin-to-skin contact with the genital area, anus, or mouth. Men with a history of multiple sexual partners are at higher risk of contracting and transmitting HPV. Even if a man is currently in a monogamous relationship, he may unknowingly pass on a dormant HPV infection acquired in the past. Although condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, they do not offer complete protection because the virus can infect areas not covered by a condom, such as the genital skin or inner thighs.
Currently, there is no cure for HPV itself, but most infections are manageable and often resolve on their own. HPV is a viral infection that the immune system can typically clear within one to two years without causing lasting harm. However, in some cases, the virus persists and can lead to complications such as genital warts or, in high-risk types, cervical and other cancers.
While the HPV virus cannot be eradicated, its symptoms and associated health issues are treatable.
Genital warts, caused by low-risk HPV types, are small, flesh-coloured growths in the genital area. They may clear up on their own, but treatment options include topical medications, cryotherapy, surgical removal, and electrocautery/laser therapy to remove them more quickly.
Persistent high-risk HPV infections can cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which may develop into cancer if left untreated. Treatment options include LEEP, Cone Biopsy, Cryotherapy or Laser Therapy, and Observation for mild cases.
HPV can cause various types of cancers, such as cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and throat cancers. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and advanced treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy. The specific treatment used depends on the type, location, and stage of the cancer.
Regular screenings such as Pap smears and HPV DNA tests can help detect abnormalities early for prompt treatment. HPV vaccines like Gardasil 9 can protect against common high-risk and wart-causing strains of the virus, reducing complications. Supporting the immune system with a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking, can help the body clear the virus more effectively.
Preventing HPV in females involves getting vaccinated, practising safe sex, and staying up-to-date with regular screenings to reduce the risk of infection and related complications like genital warts and cervical cancer. Let’s take a look at some of these options.
The HPV vaccine is the best defence against the virus, protecting against high-risk HPV strains that cause cervical cancer and low-risk strains that cause genital warts.
It is recommended that both girls and boys receive the HPV vaccine between the ages of 9 and 12, before becoming sexually active. For females, catch-up vaccination is advised up to the age of 26, and sometimes up to the age of 45 after consulting with a doctor.
Gardasil 9 is the vaccine that protects against nine different types of HPV, including the most common cancer-causing strains (HPV 16 and 18) as well as wart-causing strains.
HPV spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact, so adopting safe practices can lower the risk of transmission.
Utilising condoms or dental dams during vaginal, anal, or oral intercourse can decrease the risk of contracting HPV, although it does not eliminate it as the virus can still infect uncovered areas. Limiting the number of sexual partners can also reduce the risk of exposure, and being aware of a partner’s health history can help in evaluating potential risks.
Routine medical check-ups are crucial for detecting HPV-related changes before they progress to serious conditions.
Pap Smear Tests are recommended for women starting at age 21 to detect abnormal cervical cells. The frequency of these tests depends on age and health history, with most women advised to have one every three years. In addition to Pap smears, HPV DNA Tests can be conducted for women over 30 to identify high-risk HPV strains. These tests are crucial in the early detection of cervical cancer and other potential health issues.
Having a strong immune system is crucial for naturally clearing HPV infections. To support immune function, it is important to maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants. These nutrients help strengthen the immune system and aid in fighting off infections. Avoiding smoking is also essential, as it weakens the immune response and makes it more difficult to combat HPV infections.
Additionally, managing stress is key to maintaining a healthy immune system. Chronic stress can impair immunity, so engaging in stress-reducing activities such as yoga or meditation can be beneficial. By following these tips, you can help boost your immune system and improve your body’s ability to naturally clear HPV infections.
Understanding HPV allows women to protect their health by being proactive, getting tested, and communicating with partners.
Regular screenings and vaccinations are important in preventing HPV-related issues. By staying informed and taking preventive measures, women can reduce the impact of HPV on their lives. It is essential to educate oneself and others to create a healthier community.
If a woman has HPV, she may experience no symptoms, but the virus can cause genital warts or lead to precancerous changes in the cervix, potentially leading to cervical cancer if untreated.
A girl may not show symptoms of HPV, but it can be detected through a Pap smear or HPV test, which identifies abnormal cervical cell changes or the presence of the virus.
HPV in a woman is caused by sexual contact with an infected person, as the virus is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact.
Sources:
Spread the love, follow us on our social media channels