Contents:
Medical Video: HPV: Preventing Cervical Cancer
- Definition
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that is transmitted through sexual contact. Most HPV have no symptoms so people don't know they have HPV.
There are around 40 genital HPV types. Some types can cause cervical cancer in women and can also cause other cancers in men and women. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts in men and women.
The HPV vaccine works by preventing the most common types of HPV that cause cancer of the cervix and genital warts. The vaccine is given 3 times.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Most people who have HPV never experience symptoms or health problems.
- How to overcome
What should I do?
In women and men, HPV can cause anal cancer and oral / throat (oropharyngeal) cancer. HPV can also cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, and vagina in women; and penile cancer in men.
For women, examination is available to detect most cases of cervical cancer with Pap smears. Unfortunately, there are no regular checks for other HPV-related cancers for women or men, and this cancer can cause pain, suffering, or even death. That is why vaccines that prevent most types of cancer are very important.
When do I have to see a doctor?
Get medical treatment if you feel you have been infected with HPV. The doctor will provide you with information about vaccines and treatment.
- Prevention
You can prevent HPV with an HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine prevents infections from the most dangerous types of HPV. The HPV vaccine is safe, effective, and can protect people from most cancers caused by HPV and genital warts.
