Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

We’re normally exposed to many viruses that differ in their effects on us, and HPV is a virus that might have simple or severe effects, depending on its type.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) affects different parts in the body, depending on its type. There are more than 100 types of HPV that cause warts in the face, hands, feet, and other parts. Moreover, there are about 30 HPV strains that affect the genitals and cause warts, and some of them cause cancer.

HPV could affect anyone, but it’s more dangerous for women because it could cause cervical cancer.

Causes of human papillomavirus (HPV)

• HPV is transmitted by touching the skin of an infected person if the skin is crocked or cut (skin-to-skin transmission).
• HPV is transmitted through sexual connection with an infected person or touching the genitals of an infected person.
• HPV might transmit from the pregnant mother to her fetus.
• HPV can transmit if you touch something that’s contaminated with it.
• The risk of having HPV increases if your immune system is weak.

Symptoms of human papillomavirus (HPV)

• The main symptom of HPV is warts in the skin or genitals, depending on the type. In many cases, the immune system can get rid of the virus before the warts appear. However, in case the virus remains, the warts might appear weeks, months, or even years after getting infected.
• Usually, dangerous strains of HPV don’t cause symptoms until they cause a cancer, and the most common type of HPV-related cancer is cervical cancer, which might take up to 20 years or more to develop.

Diagnosis of human papillomavirus (HPV)

• Physical examination for the warts.
• Pap smear test to look for cervical cancer, if it existed.

Management of human papillomavirus (HPV)

• There isn’t a cure for HPV, and in most of the cases, the warts wear off alone.
• If needed, there are specific treatments for the warts, and sometimes they might need to be removed surgically.

Prevention of human papillomavirus (HPV)

• Avoid having sexual intercourse with an infected person.
• If there are skin warts, don’t touch or try to remove them.
• Women must do pap smear tests regularly.
• There are vaccines for genital HPV.