HPV (human papillomavirus) is a sexually transmitted disease and is the most common cause of cervical cancer. When a woman is exposed to HPV, her immune system can usually prevent the virus from doing any harm. However, in a small number of women, HPV can survive for years eventually converting some cells on the surface of the cervix into cancer cells. At first the changes happen very slowly, with the cells only showing signs of a viral infection. Later, the cells become precancerous, then in time progressing to invasive cervical cancer.
Research isn’t clear as to why some women are more likely to develop cervical cancer than others. It does show that cigarette smoking increases the risk of both precancerous changes and cancer of the cervix. Research has proven that using condoms and having fewer sexual partners is the best way to protect yourself from HPV infection. Early cervical cancer generally shows no signs or symptoms, but as the cancer progresses these signs may appear:
- Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods or after menopause
- Watery, bloody vaginal discharge that may be heavy and have a foul odor
- Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse
There are more than 100 different types of HPV, but only a few cause genital warts. These strains of the virus are highly contagious. Genital warts affect the moist tissues of the genital area. They may look like small, flesh-colored bumps or have a cauliflower-like appearance. Genital warts may be as small as 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter – smaller than the width of a ballpoint pen refill – or may multiply into large clusters. About two-thirds of people who are sexually active with someone who has genital warts will develop the condition, usually within 3 months. They can be treated with medications and surgery.
While limiting your sexual partners and using a condom at all times helps reduce the risk of contracting HPV, unfortunately, there are no guarantees. HPV can spread through skin-to-skin contact with any infected part of the body. But there is hope. A new vaccine that offers protection from the most dangerous types of HPV has been approved. It is recommended that girls ages 11 and 12 as well as girls and women ages 13 to 26 (if they haven’t received the vaccine yet) go in for routine vaccinations. The vaccine is most effective if given to girls before they become sexually active – but practicing safe sex and going to your doctor for regular checkups are still essential in protecting yourself from HPV.
BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line.
For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
