Here is Nurse D. With a New Post!!

Hey Girls/Ladies we have Nurse D. here again to discuss another topic with us. Nurse D. is a nurse at an OB/GYN office and she knows her stuff! If you have any questions about this topic or other topics please leave a comment below. Nurse D. will be active in answering questions and discussing new topics that YOU want to know more about. If you have any questions about women's health please ask that is why she is here. Love yourself and stay healthy! Today Nurse D. is going to discuss the topic about HPV.

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus is a very common infection that can be passed from person to person. Some types of HPV are spread through sexual contact. Studies suggest that at least 3 out of every 4 people will get and HPV infection during their lifetime. Sexually transmitted HPV can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

More than 30 types of HPV can infect the genital areas of a woman or a man. Like many sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), there often are no signs of genital HPV. However, a few types of HPV cause warts. Warts that grow in the genital area are called condyloma acuminata. These growths may appear on the outside or inside of the vagina or on the penis and can spread to nearby skin. Genital warts also can grow around the anus, and on the vulva, on the cervix. Warts often are easily treated and usually are not linked with cancer.

HPV and Cancer Risk

Some types of HPV are linked to cancer in both women and men. Certain types are known to be a major cause of cancer of the cervix. HPV also may be linked to cancer of the anus, vulva, vagina, and penis.

Cervical cancer develops over a long period of time. HPV causes cells on or around the cervix to become abnormal. In some cases these cells may progress to precancer (changes in the cells that may, but not always, become cancer) or cancer. Most of the time, however, abnormal cells go away without treatment. A pap test, sometimes called cervical cytology screening, is the best way to detect cell changes that may be an early sign of precacner of the cervix.

Although certain types of HPV  can cause cancer of the cervix, very few women with HPV develop this type of cancer. Cancer of the cervix can be prevented with early detection and treatment. Talk with your doctor if you think you are at risk.

Diagnosis

Routine Pap tests help diagnose an HPV infection. If a Pap test shows certain abnormal cells, your doctor may suggest and HPV test.

           

An HPV test checks for the types of HPV that may lead to cancer. For both a Pap test and HPV test, a swab (like a big Q-Tip) is used to collect a sample of cells. These cells are then sent to a lab to be checked more closely.

           

If you are older than 30 years of age your doctor may suggest you be screened for both a Pap test and an HPV test. Getting both tests at the same time makes it more likely that any abnormal cells changes will be found. Routine HPV testing in women younger than 30 years of age because HPV is very common in this age group and cervical cancer is rare. In these women, having an HPV test with a Pap might lead to unnecessary treatment.

Prevention

Currently, there is no cure for HPV, although a vaccine is available. You can decrease your risk of infection by avoiding contact with the virus. To lower the chance of infection:

* Limit your number of sexual partners. The more partners you have the greater your risk of infection.

* Use condoms to reduce the risk of infection when you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Condoms also help prevent against other STDs.

           

Condoms cannot fully protect you against HPV infection. HPV can be passed from person to person by touching infected areas not covered by a condom. These areas may include skin in the genital or anal areas. If you have HPV, take steps to protect your health and the health of your partner.

-Nurse D.