1. Know the Enemy
HPV is actually a family of more than 100 viruses, including those that cause warts on the hands and soles of the feet. Genital human papillomaviruses are common, sexually transmitted infections that affect men and women. Did you know certain types of this virus are the primary risk factor for cervical cancer? The American Cancer Society explains that almost all--more than 99 percent--of cervical cancers are related to HPV.* Certain types of HPV also can lead to non-cancerous, genital warts in both sexes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), forms of the virus may also be responsible for other less common cancers. You may never even realize you have the virus because symptoms do not always develop.
2. Stay Healthy to Fight HPV
The CDC reports that HPV types are referred to as "low-risk" (wart-causing) or "high-risk" (cancer-causing), based on whether they put a person at risk for cancer or not. Someone who has already contracted HPV will not find a cure specifically for the virus. If you are healthy overall, your body should be able to get rid of the virus on its own. According to the CDC: "In 90 percent of cases, the body's immune system clears the HPV infection naturally within two years."**
3. Learn About Vaccinations
Young women today can undergo a vaccine that protects the body from four types of the virus that cause the majority of cervical cancers and genital warts. This vaccine is administered in three separate doses during a 6-month period. Though it has been recommended for girls 11 to 12 years of age, women 13 to 26 also may take it. Women over 26 years cannot start the vaccine because it has not been studied for this age group, or for boys. If you are the parent of a young girl, talk to your doctor about the vaccine in relation to your child's health. As with other vaccines, side effects may occur. Even after vaccination, you must continue to receive your pap smears!
4. Consider Treatment for HPV-Related Conditions
Of course, the vaccine cannot cure existing problems caused by the virus. Tests do exist to identify diseases caused by HPV in women so they can be treated, including cervical cancer. A DNA test can give an HPV diagnosis when used in conjunction with the pap smear. Should you develop an HPV-related condition, look into treatment options with your doctor. Medications and procedures are available for the treatment of genital warts.
5. Get Regular Exams and Pap Tests
The high-risk types of HPV can cause abnormalities in cervix cells over time. Routine pap tests are critical to discovering the issues that may lead to cervical cancer. With large numbers of sexually active people contracting HPV, it is a good idea to speak with a health care professional to learn more.
This article is not designed to provide medical or professional services and is for informational use only. If you have, or suspect, a health problem, please consult your doctor.
* http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_FAQ_HPV_Vaccines.asp
** http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm
