Human Papillomavirus Prophylaxis

Human Papillomavirus General Information

The medical condition that is known to be triggered by the presence of this pathogen (the Human Papillomavirus, very commonly abbreviated as HPV) is known to affect the patient’s mucous membranes and his or her skin. In some cases, the presence of this type of papillomavirus leads to the developing of verrucae (commonly known as warts) or even to that of cancer. However, other individuals who are infected with this virus do not present any symptoms at all. Studies have shown that about 30-40 types of this virus (commonly abbreviated as HPV) are generally transmitted from one individual to another through sexual contact (especially through unprotected sexual experiences). In most cases, the virus infects the patient’s anogenital region. In some cases, sexually transmitted forms of this virus lead to the developing of genital warts. However, some individuals who are infected with this disorder do not present any noticeable clinical manifestations.

If the patient is suffering from a persistent (recurring) infection with the types of HPV (Human Papillomavirus) who are considered to be of a "high-risk" (not those that lead to the development of warts), the infection may develop into precancerous lesions, and later on, in a specific form of an invasive cancer. Almost all known cases of cervical cancer are caused by an infection with one of the dangerous forms of the HPV virus.

Human Papillomavirus Prophylaxis

In the previous chapter we have provided you with a set of general information regarding the most common information that one should know about this particular pathogen (the HPV virus). We will now describe you the most effective ways in which you can avoid becoming infected with this medical condition and avoid experiencing the unpleasant, disturbing and sometimes severe complications of this infectious clinical illness. In other words, you will find here a set of specific information regarding the Human Papillomavirus Prophylaxis methods.

Because we think that in order to effectively prevent becoming infected with a certain medical condition (including the infection with the HPV virus) one should be well acquainted with the most common ways in which this medical disorder transmits from one individual to another, we will start by presenting you the most common causes of this clinical illness, as well as the most widely spread transmission methods (these factors are also an important part of the Human Papillomavirus Prophylaxis). The most common way in which the HPV virus transmits from one person to another is through sexual contact. For this reason, we strongly recommend all sexually active individuals not to have any type of sexual relations with a person about which they do not know anything.

Although the best way in which one can prevent becoming infected with the HPV virus as well as with most other disorders which can be sexually transmitted is through abstinence, the use of protection is known to generally reduce the patient’s risk of developing them. However, all patients should be well aware that the use of birth control pills, diaphragm, and so on will not help them in any way prevent an infection with any medical disorder that can be sexually transmitted. The only contraceptive method that may prove some efficiency is the use of condoms. For this reason, scientists consider condoms the main Human Papillomavirus Prophylaxis prevention when it comes to genital infections with the HPV virus.

When it comes to the other types of HPV infections (apart from the genital ones), scientists have proven that they are highly contagious, as they can be easily spread from one individual to another through direct skin to skin contact. Furthermore, the use of inanimate objects may also help the disease spread from one patient to another. You should know that the Human Papillomavirus Prophylaxis does not only refer to the ways in which you can prevent becoming infected with this disorder, but also to the ways in which you can avoid transmitting the disease to your friends, family, and so on.

Human Papillomavirus Treatment

The most common types of warts that are located on the patient’s skin may be easily treated through cryosurgery (the medical term for freezing) or through the use of salicylic acid products (the most common of them are Occlusal, Duofilm, TransVer-Sal, and Viranol). If the patient has been diagnosed with a severe form of an infection with the Human Papillomavirus may experience frequent recurrences. In some cases, laser therapy may be employed. It is a known fact that lesions such as genital warts generally appear in clusters. They are able to gradually accumulate into large masses on the patient’s genital area. After therapy, the individual may often experience recurrences of his or her unpleasant disorder. There are various ways in which genital warts that appear due to the presence of an infectious medical condition with the Human Papillomavirus may be treated; the therapy option of choice depends on several factors including the location and size of the warts, the patient’s age and general health condition, and so on.