Even so, having a high-risk strain does not mean someone will definitely get cancer. According to a study in the Journal of Virology , most infections with high-risk HPV strains will spontaneously clear up. Of the cases that progress to cancer, certain risk factors appear to contribute to their development, including:.
Getting a positive HPV diagnosis doesn't necessarily suggest anything other than the need to monitor for cancer or precancer.
Even then, the benefits of testing apply most to people with a cervix. For those with a cervix, an HPV genetic test can detect the virus in a cervical smear. It can be performed alongside a Pap test.
It is recommended in people 30 and over. However, it is generally not used for those in their 20s. That's because most infections in this age group will go away independently. However, doctors sometimes perform an anal Pap test in people at higher risk of anal cancer. People in a higher risk category include gay, bisexual, or HIV-positive men. The oral test's usefulness is uncertain at best. That's because testing positive does not indicate HPV persistence. Persistence is the problem—HPV often has to remain present for decades to lead to oral cancer.
Therefore, oral HPV testing isn't done. The best way to diagnose an oral HPV infection is through a visual exam by a doctor or dentist.
If your HPV test is positive, you can't necessarily determine how or when you contracted it. That's because symptoms if they occur at all can appear months or even years after infection. In fact, according to the CDC, it is presumed that nearly every sexually active unvaccinated person will acquire HPV at some point during their life. So, given the high infection rate, there is often little way of knowing when the exposure occurred.
While you can't completely protect yourself against HPV, there are things you can do to reduce your risk. Chief among these is vaccination.
In addition, they recommend vaccination for everyone through age 26 who is not adequately vaccinated. The CDC does not recommend routine vaccination for people over age 26 because most people have already been exposed to HPV by this age.
Therefore, the vaccine provides less benefit. However, certain people may choose vaccination based on their circumstances and in consultation with their doctor. If you are entering a new relationship where your partner has HPV, vaccination remains the primary means of protection against possible infection. However, it can not treat an existing infection.
Vaccination works best before exposure to HPV. They can be small or large, raised or flat or shaped like a cauliflower. Your health care provider can diagnose warts by looking at your genital area. Cervical and oral cancers are diagnosed via screening tests. Although there is no cure for the HPV virus itself yet, there are treatments available for the health problems that HPV can cause. Genital warts can be treated by your doctor with prescription medication.
If you leave your warts untreated, they may go away, stay the same or increase in size or number. HPV may lead to cervical cancer in some cases. We may also recommend another round of testing in a year to monitor your progress. Depending on the specific abnormalities present in your cervix, we recommend a procedure called a loop electrosurgical excision procedure LEEP to remove the areas of tissue that could eventually become cancerous.
You can find relief from warts with certain prescriptions or let them go away on their own depending on the kind of warts you have. If you want more information or would like to set up a consultation, contact our friendly staff or schedule an appointment online.
Find out more here. After many months of carrying and hours of labor you welcome your baby into the world. Now that you and your child are together in person, there are some things you should know about what life will be like at home after birth. Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy.
Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions. Our picks for Why is there still stigma around HPV? How often should you visit a sexual health clinic for a check-up? Can your pharmacist help you with your sexual health?
What you need to know about sexual fantasies. COVID how to look after your sexual health during coronavirus lockdown. Book a pharmacy appointment now Arrange a consultation with your local pharmacist and receive a course of vaccines to protect against cervical cancer. Book vaccine. Read next. What not to say to someone with HIV.
0コメント