Did you know that HPV or Human PAPillomaVirus is the number one cause of Cervical Cancer? If you are like most women, then the answer is most likely “no.” HPV is a virus that encompasses many different strains and types, ranging from mild to severe, but having HPV puts you at a much higher risk of developing Cervical Cancer. That is why it is so important that you have PAP smears yearly to check for HPV and other changes in your cervical tissue. What is HPV?
HPV is a DNA-based virus that affects the skin and mucous membranes of both people and animals. There are at least 100 different strains of HPV that researchers has found, ranging from HPV strains that cause warts to 30 HPV strains that are precursors to Cervical Cancer. HPV is transmitted through sexual intercourse or sexual contact with partners that have HPV. These partners may not even know that they have HPV, depending upon the strain of HPV that they have and whether or not they have symptoms. HPV may be more common than you think. It is estimated that around 30% of women aged 14-59 have had HPV at some point in their life. That is why it is important to protect yourself as much as possible.
Is there any protection from HPV? Condoms are some protection for HPV transmission, but they are only 70% effective, since HPV is also transmitted by contact with the infected genitals or anal area. The only way to truly protect yourself is to abstain from sex entirely, but you can significantly decrease the chance of getting HPV by using condoms and/or refraining from sex with partners that have been with many other partners. All of this can help you to decrease the chance of transmission, but not completely. The only thing that will keep you from getting HPV entirely is to refrain from any sexual contact at all.
HPV is a very serious condition that needs attention. Even if you only have the mild strain of HPV, you may have problems with genital warts, which will need treatment. If you have one of the HPV strains that cause Cervical Cancer, your physician will carefully monitor you to remove precancerous lesions that could lead to Cervical Cancer. That is why it is essential that you visit the doctor yearly for your check-up and PAP smear.
HPV is the most common precursor to Cervical Cancer, which is why it is important to take care of yourself with regular PAP smears. Although PAP smears have greatly decreased the number of women that are diagnosed with Cervical Cancer, it still kills thousands of women each year. Don’t forget your PAP smear. It could save your life!