HPV or Human Papilloma Virus is also commonly known as Genital Warts. This virus causes infections that are sexually transmitted. These warts will appear about one to eight months after you’ve been infected and the serious consequences are that these harmless looking warts can turn cancerous. These warts are not restricted to the area in and around your genitals, but can spread to your feet, and hands. HPV being sexually transmitted spreads through contact that happens through mucous membranes, bodily fluids and infected genital skin.
Oral sex and intercourse are the two sexual acts through which HPV passes from one person to another. HPV lives in the epithelial cells of the body. The cells are thin, flat and normally found on the surface of the skin and on the vagina, cervix, vulva, penis head, anus, mouth and throat. There are more than 100 types of HPV viruses. When first infected with HPV, many people remain unaware of the infection because its symptoms remain hidden and fail to surface for months.
HPV can even affect the skin that remains uncovered by a condom during the sexual act. There are high risk HPV types that lead to cancer and low risk HPV types too. HPVs can be characterized by the growths that appear like bumps on their surface, shaped like cauliflower florets.
According to CDC, over 20 million people in the U.S. are infected with HPV, and such infections are most common in people between the ages of 15 and 45, who are the easy targets. People who are most exposed to contracting HPV are those who start their sex life early, have unprotected sex, multiple sex partners, or have a partner who in turn has multiple partners.
Preventive Measures for HPV
HPV is always transmitted through sexual contact. If you are sexually very active, then you should know the preventive measures to prevent infection.
- Always use condoms during sex as it acts as a protective cover and even if your partner is infected, you are less likely to get infected. Use latex condoms.
- Avoid sex with partners who have other partners. Chances of contacting HPV are much higher if you do so.
- Always avoid oral and anal sex as people indulging in such sexual acts are at a higher risk of contacting the viruses.
- If you detect a sudden appearance of warts in and around your private parts, seek medical help immediately.
- Women, especially, require going in for Pap smear tests to detect early cancer.
- Always practice safe sex for protection, not only for yourself, but also your partner. The risk of unknowingly passing on the virus to your partner could happen. Lower this risk by using good quality condoms.
- It’s much safer to have a single partner to satisfy all your sexual requirements. Multiple partners can increase your risk of contracting the disease, and your chances of contacting the HPV from a single partner are comparatively lower. Enjoy a monogamous sexual relationship and sleep in peace. The temptation to have multiple partners to satisfy your sexual urges could be high, but think of the risks. It’s certainly not worth the trouble. Have a single sex partner and enjoy life in peace.
- Vaccines like Cervarix and Gardasil are available in the prevention of some strains of HPV infections. Take them as a precautionary measure, if you feel you cannot abstain from sex with multiple partners. The two injections are given over a six month period.
- HPV causes the appearance of common warts, and if you do have them, it’s rather safe not to pick at them or even scratch them with your nails to prevent further spreading.
- HPV also increases the risk of plantar warts, so always keep your feet dry and clean, wear socks for protection whenever you use public pools and locker rooms.
HPV is a serious infection and can lead to cancer which can result in death. If you have contacted HPV, then medical attention and treatment are the only options available.
You certainly cannot make the viruses disappear overnight even if you wish they would. However you can seek medical help and act according to your doctor’s advice. Practice safe sex and avoid unsafe practices, although they might be fun. Sex may be pleasurable but the aftermath can be really dangerous. Prevention is better than cure!
