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HPV causes many potential diseases, which can seriously affect your health and mental well-being. So, let’s learn about this virus and about who is at risk:
1) There are 200 Types of HPV Divided into 2 Risk Groups
HPV stands for human papillomavirus and there are over 200 different types of this virus. Accordingly, HPV is divided into 2 main groups, high-risk and low-risk, including:
–Low-risk HPV (including types 06 and 11): Cause of disease for warts and genital warts.
–High-risk HPV (types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68): Potentially carcinogenic to the genitals. Among them, types 16 and 18 are the main causes of cervical cancer.
2) The HPV Virus Is Not Genetically Infectious
The HPV virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, usually sexual intercourse, including vaginal-penis, penis-anal, vaginal-oral, or the use of other objects. In particular, the highest possibility of infection is through the anus or vagina and can occur even if the person carrying the virus does not have any symptoms. Although HPV does not cause genetic diseases, pregnant women infected with HPV will be at risk of miscarriage, premature birth, placental abnormalities, and fetal growth restriction.
Sexual intercourse with multiple partners and with people at risk of HPV infection will increase your likelihood of contracting HPV.
3) HPV Infection Can Lead to 6 Types of Cancer
Six types of cancer may arise from infection by the HPV virus:
Cervical cancer: Although the exact mechanism that causes cervical cancer by HPV is still being studied, HPV is still the leading cause of this disease. Accordingly, after entering the epithelial cells of the cervix, the virus will cause genetic mutations, leading to the cells growing beyond the control of the body and forming tumors.
Oropharyngeal cancer: HPV infection in the oropharynx can cause cancers of the oropharynx, base of the tongue, and tonsils. However, nasopharyngeal cancer is often detected only in the late stages, making it difficult to treat.
Anal cancer: According to statistics in the United States, more than 90% of anal cancer cases are related to HPV, with twice as many women as men.
Penile cancer: In the United States, the majority of penile cancers (60%) are caused by HPV.
Vaginal cancer: A rare type of cancer, with almost 75% of vaginal cancers being caused by HPV.
Vulvar cancer: About 70% of vulvar cancers are caused by infection with HPV.
4) You Can Still Get HPV Even If You’re Fully Vaccinated
One of the ways to prevent HPV infection is through vaccination. However, vaccines cannot completely prevent HPV infection because they only work against certain types of viruses, while there are more than 200 types of HPV that are capable of causing disease in humans.
5) HPV Infections Usually Show No Symptoms
Although most HPV infections will clear up on their own, 10% of them will become chronic infections that pose a risk of developing into cervical cancer. In addition, as HPV often causes no symptoms, screening through HPV testing is recommended by the World Health Organization, especially in developing countries.
Specifically, there are 3 types of tests that help screen to limit the formation of cancers, especially cervical cancer, as follows:
– HPV test: Helps screen and detect HPV infection early (a high-risk factor for cancer formation with about 95% of cervical cancers caused by HPV.
– Pap test: Helps to check the changes of cervical cells caused by HPV by taking a sample of cells from the cervix and observing under a microscope to detect abnormal cells.
– Combined HPV/PAP test: Helps check both the risk of HPV infection and changes in cervical cells.
In particular, screening through HPV testing is recommended because it is less invasive, simple to operate and saves time.
>> You can read more: How to Read Indicators & Meaning of HPV Test Results
6) You Can Screen for Cervical Cancer At Home
Currently, cervical cancer screening by HPV testing can be done at home without having to go to the hospital or clinic, ensuring privacy with a quick and safe process by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. Get an HPV Sample at Diag. Accordingly, the product has improved the screening process to help prevent cervical cancer in women effectively, with the following 4 outstanding features:
– 40 types of HPV virus: Identified and detected at a reasonable cost.
– Comprehensive digitization: Ensure privacy when registering information by QR code.
– 48 hours: Get results online quickly and accurately.
– Discreet, easy: Access through 30+ branches or online (Diag website, Shopee, Lazada, Tiki) and sample at home.
80% of women are infected with HPV and this virus causes up to 95% of cases of cervical cancer. Therefore, we need to screen for HPV to actively monitor our health and detect cervical cancer early in order to allow timely treatment. Do not hesitate to call 1900 1717 for 24/7 consultation with dedicated staff from Diag or visit us for more detailed information about the HPV Self-Sampling Kit.
* The article is based on consultation with the medical experts of Diag. However, the above information is for reference only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Before taking any action based on the information provided, please get advice from a medical professional.