Do you also have questions about HPV? Let's talk about it simply (Human Papillomavirus)

Many people get a little scared when they hear the name HPV , don't they? Some people think it's a direct cancer. Others think it only causes warts . What exactly is HPV? Did you know that most sexually active people will get this virus at some point in their lives? So before you get scared, let's answer all your questions about it in a simple, understandable way.

What exactly is HPV?

Simply put, HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus. There is not just one type of this virus , but more than 100 types. Some types cause common warts on your hands, feet, and face. But the main topic we are talking about today is the types of HPV that affect the genital area.

There are about 30 types of HPV. They can infect your vagina , cervix , penis , testicles , and anus. Genital warts are caused by this type of HPV.

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the world. It is so common that most sexually active people who have not been vaccinated against HPV will be infected with the virus at some point in their lives. However, many people do not even know they have it because the body's immune system clears it.

What is the relationship between HPV and cervical cancer?

This is where many people get scared. Yes, there is a link between some types of HPV and cancer. But not all types of HPV cause cancer.

Some “high-risk” types of HPV, especially types 16 and 18, can cause abnormal changes in the cells of your cervix. We medically call this condition cervical dysplasia . If these cell changes are not treated properly, over time, they can potentially develop into cervical cancer .

That's why we always say it's important to have regular tests like Pap smears . These tests can detect abnormal cells long before they turn into cancer. Then, with very simple treatments, it can be completely prevented.

Having HPV or having changes in your cervical cells doesn't mean you'll get cancer. It just means you need to be more careful and get tested as your doctor recommends.

What are the symptoms of an HPV infection?

Most of the time, HPV infections in the genital area do not cause any symptoms , which is the main reason why it spreads silently.

But if symptoms do appear, the most common are genital warts .

• These are rough, small cauliflower-like growths on the skin.
• Sometimes it can look like a small piece of flesh hanging from the skin.
• These can appear weeks, months, or even years after infection with the virus.
• Genital warts are contagious and can sometimes cause itching and discomfort.

On the other hand, high-risk HPV types that can cause cancer usually don't cause any symptoms, not even warts. They are only detected through a test like a Pap smear.

How is HPV spread?

HPV is a very contagious virus. The main reason for this is that it spreads through skin-to-skin contact . It can be spread by touching your genitals with the genitals of an infected person during sexual intercourse, oral sex, or anal sex.

That's why it's said that even using a condom doesn't provide 100% protection against HPV. Because the virus can still be present on areas of skin not covered by the condom. However, using a condom correctly and consistently can greatly reduce the risk .

How to diagnose an HPV infection?

If you have something like genital warts, a doctor can identify it immediately. But to identify high-risk types that don't have symptoms, you need to get tested.

• Pap Smear: This does not directly detect the HPV virus. It looks for abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer. These changes are often caused by HPV.
• HPV Test: This uses DNA testing to directly test a sample of cervical cells for the presence of high-risk HPV types that can cause cancer.
• Colposcopy: If your Pap test results are abnormal, your doctor may recommend this test. This involves using a special instrument to magnify the cervix. If abnormal cells are found, a very small piece of tissue is taken and sent to a lab for testing. This is called a biopsy .

What are the treatments for HPV?

This is also very important. No cure has yet been found to completely eliminate the HPV virus from the body.

However, our body's immune system is very good at fighting this virus. About 90% of HPV infections clear up on their own within a year or two without any treatment.

Treatment is for the symptoms caused by the virus. That means:

• To remove genital warts: Warts can be removed with things like freezing them with liquid nitrogen (cryosurgery), special creams, and laser treatment.
• To remove abnormal cells from the cervix: There are several methods for this. The most common method is LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure) . This involves cutting out the part of the cervix that contains the abnormal cells with a special wire loop that is electrically powered. These are usually simple, outpatient procedures.

How to protect yourself from HPV?

There are several things you can do to avoid HPV.

1. Get the HPV vaccine: This is the most important and effective way. It is recommended to get the vaccine before you become sexually active, usually around the age of 11-12. But even if you are already sexually active, the vaccine can help protect you from HPV types that you have not yet been infected with. Talk to your doctor about this and get advice.

2. Get regular checkups: It is essential for women, especially after the age of 21, to get regular Pap tests. This can prevent 99% of cervical cancers.

3. Safe sex: Using a condom correctly every time you have sex can reduce your risk. But remember that it is not 100% safe.

4. Talking openly with your partner: If you have HPV, telling your partner about it is important for both of you're health.

HPV, Human Papillomavirus, cervical cancer, Pap smear, genital warts, HPV vaccine