Understanding HPV Correctly
Facing the Disease Scientifically for Prevention
When it comes to HPV, many people first think of HPV vaccines and cervical cancer, which all seem to be labeled as female issues. Therefore, mistakenly assuming that HPV is a female-exclusive “sexually transmitted disease” has brought a heavy psychological burden to some HPV-infected patients.
Misconception 1: HPV Infection = STD
HPV, also known as human papillomavirus, is a common virus that infects humans, with approximately an 80% chance of HPV infection in one’s lifetime.
Sexual contact is the main route of HPV infection, but not the only one. HPV can be transmitted through mother-to-child, direct contact such as skin-mucosa contact, or contact with HPV-contaminated towels, underwear, etc. Additionally, a decrease in individual immunity can also increase the risk of infection.
Even though HPV virus infection is not considered an STD, female friends should still pay attention, undergo regular HPV and cytology tests, detect lesions promptly, and seek early treatment.
Misconception 2: HPV Infection = Cervical Cancer
The HPV virus is categorized into low-risk and high-risk types.
Low-risk HPV infection may cause benign changes, mainly resulting in symptoms like genital warts; whereas persistent infection with high-risk HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer in women, with this persistent infection generally lasting for more than 2 years.
Misconception 3: Only females can be infected with HPV
Males can also be infected with HPV. HPV infection is not gender-specific; as long as the skin or mucosa is damaged, or immunity is low, there is a possibility of getting infected when exposed to the source of infection.
The probability of malignant tumor occurrence in males infected with HPV is relatively low, but the carried HPV virus is likely to be transmitted to sexual partners through sexual contact. If you suspect that you are infected with HPV, promptly visit a reputable hospital for examination and treatment, while also avoiding sexual contact to reduce transmission risks.
How to Deal With It: Actively Prevent HPV Infection
1. Vaccination: HPV vaccines can prevent the majority of HPV type infections, thereby reducing the risk of disease occurrence. Currently, there are three types of vaccines available in the market: 2-valent, 4-valent, and 9-valent. Before vaccination, carefully understand the recommended age groups for vaccination.
2. Avoiding Unsafe Sexual Activities: Since sexual contact is the main transmission route of the HPV virus, avoiding unsafe sexual behaviors is crucial for preventing human papillomavirus infections.
3. Maintaining Personal Hygiene: Pay attention to personal hygiene in daily life, practice proper cleansing of genital organs, and change underwear regularly.
4. Preventing Indirect Contact: Do not touch items used by patients, such as basins, bathtubs, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc., to effectively reduce the risk of infection.
5. Maintaining Good Lifestyle Habits, Strengthening Immunity: Self-immune cells can effectively combat viruses, so when preventing this virus infection, it is advisable to exercise regularly, maintain a regular daily routine, supplement nutrition, and enhance immunity.
*Experts remind: HPV infection is not incurable. Many infected individuals can clear the virus naturally through their own immune system. Even in cases of persistent infection, do not panic excessively, seek medical treatment early, and actively pursue therapy.
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Source: Yiwu Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital
Editor: Luo Ying
