Sunday, January 15, 2023
00:55
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV or HPV) is a family of viruses that very frequently affects both women and men. There are about 100 types of HPV, of which 40 affect the genital and anal area.
Why we chose this topic?
Because it is estimated that 8 out of 10 people will contract one or more of the types of HPV at some point in their lives.
We consulted with Dr. María Eugenia Montivero, obstetrician and gynecologist, to obtain more information on this topic.
HPV viruses are classified into 2 large groups:
the so-called “low oncogenic risk” HPVs, which are generally associated with benign lesions, such as warts and low-grade lesions.
HPVs called “high oncogenic risk”. These are mostly linked to cervical cancer.
How is it transmitted?
HPV is transmitted through sexual contact. It is a virus that is easily transmitted and is very common.
Although the use of a condom reduces the chances of contagion, it does not always prevent it because it does not cover the entire genital area.
If there is contact between an injured person and another who is not, contagion can occur.
The good news
There is the HPV vaccine. The objective of vaccination includes reducing the incidence and mortality from cervical cancer and the burden of HPV-associated disease, its complications and mortality.
Vaccination strategy
1st dose: 11 years.
2nd dose: with a minimum interval of 6 months, after the 1st. dose.
As an additional strategy, vaccination against HPV is recommended for women and men between 11 and 26 years of age living with HIV and transplant recipients with a 3-dose schedule (0, 2, and 6 months).
“Fortunately, most of the injuries that are contracted are transient and can be cured even thanks to our own immunity favored by the vaccine.
Other times they require treatment.”
When to start with the controls?
It is important to stress the importance of a medical check-up to prevent the progression of the disease. This is why it is recommended to do it from the beginning of the patient’s sexual life.
It should be noted that, although it is much more widespread in women, this disease also affects men and can cause cancer if not treated properly.
Treatment
The treatment will depend on the degree of the lesions. If they are mild, the treatment will be local. When the lesions are precancerous, the treatment includes the participation of oncologists and surgeons.
