HPV Transmission and Its Effects on Your Body
At any given time in the United States it is estimated that an estimated 26% of the population between the ages of 13 and 60 have some form of human papillomavirus. It is also estimated that most sexually active adults have this virus at some time in their lives. Most of the people who do contract a strain of HPV never know that they have ever has the virus. This is because the virus generally forms in the body without causing any type of noticeable forming from it. Many of those who develop the virus will clear it from their systems within a period of two years.
Some of the people who develop some forms of HPV can develop symptoms. Some of those who develop symptoms are at risk of having lesions form and even cancer in some cases. Both men and women can be at risk of developing these types of affects from HPV. All of this indicates how important it is for everyone to know how HPV is transmitted from one person to another.
Sexual Contact
HPV can be spread through a few forms of casual contact although it is rare for it to be transmitted in this way. The most common form of transmission of HPV is through sexual contact. Medical professionals estimate that 90% of the people who develop cancer from HPV are those who have developed genital or anal warts from sexual contact. This is another health related reason for those who are sexually active to practice forms of safe sex.
Condom Use
It is recommended that those who are sexually active use condoms. Condoms are recommended for vaginal, anal and oral sex to reduce the spread of forms of HPV. Condoms are also recommended for use on any form sexual toys or devices which are used for penetration.
Oral Sex
One of the other forms of safe sex which is recommended to reduce the spread of HPV during sex is dental dams and condoms. These dams are to be used when oral sex is being performed on a female. The dam can reduce a person’s chance of developing HPV warts and cancer in the mouth, throat, and lungs.
Other Forms of Sexual Contact
Another form of the spread of HPV can be by the fingers after they have been in contact with infected genitals. This form of spreading HPV is rare, but it still should be prevented against. The use of latex or rubber gloves is recommended for those whose hands will come in contact with genitals in sexual situations. If a person’s hands to come into direct contact with genitals, they should be washed before they touch any other part of their body, other people, or items.
Contact with Warts
In some very rare cases HPV can be spread by a person coming in contact with common, flat, or even planter’s warts which have been caused by HPV. While the strains of HPV which are associated with these types of warts are generally not cancerous, it is still recommend that they be treated with caution. People should avoid touch any of these forms of warts on other individuals. Those who have these warts should be careful not to get them into direct contact with others to prevent the spread of the virus.
Take Action
People who may think that they have contracted HPV should see a medical professional. A doctor can develop a plan of action to determine if you do in fact have some forms of HPV. Early detection can often help in the prevention of cancer from HPV in some patients who have one the rare cancer causing strains of the virus.
Fact:
Each year, 1,500 women are diagnosed with HPV-associated vulvar cancer.