Causing few symptoms but can cause cancer, the papillomavirus is a threat that we must protect ourselves from.
The papillomavirus is from a large family of regarding 200 viruses. This can be mild and without serious consequences. But he can also cause cancer. What is the papillomavirus? What are the causes of this virus? What regarding the symptoms? How long does it take to declare? How to detect it?
Here’s what to stay informed regarding the papillomavirus.
What is the papillomavirus?
As its name suggests, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus. This is very contagious and affects both men and women.
Symptoms vary from individual to individual. They can be mild and without serious consequences, just as they cause certain cancers. This is why it is necessary to know this virus well in order to act as quickly as possible in the event of contamination.
For several years now, a vaccine has been in place to combat the risk of infection. Of course, you should always protect yourself once morest this sexually transmitted disease. All young people between the ages of 11 and 14 can be vaccinated. A catch-up is even planned for all those aged 19 and under.
What are the causes and symptoms of HPV?
To protect yourself from the papillomavirus, you need to know its causes and symptoms.
The causes
The papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It is therefore transmitted following vaginal, anal or oral intercourse. When infected mucosa comes into contact with healthy mucosa, the infection spreads.
Unfortunately, the condom is not enough to protect once morest this infection. It does not cover the entire genital area. More rarely, the papillomavirus can be transmitted via underwear, spas (jacuzzi for example) and hands.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary from individual to individual. Studies have shown that approximately 80% of the sexually active population is at risk of HPV infection. Rest assured, in many cases, the symptoms are very mild. It is even possible that the body eliminates the virus on its own, without you even noticing it.
But depending on the type of papillomavirus that affects you, it is possible that symptoms appear.
- Condyloma: the HPV6 and HPV11 strains are the cause of the appearance of these genital warts. Although unpleasant, they heal very well. Often they go away on their own. In all cases, the doctor provides treatment appropriate to the type of lesion. From simple cream to electrocautery, it all depends on the condition of the wart. Rare are the cases of persistence of condyloma. Be careful, the presence of warts greatly increases the risk of anal cancer.
- Cancer : other strains have far more severe effects. Indeed, genomes 16 and 18 are at the origin of most cancers of the cervix. Cancer of the anus, throat, penis, vagina and vulva are caused by other strains of HPV.
If you have any doubts regarding potential contamination, consult quickly. Late treatment might have serious consequences for your health.
How long does the papillomavirus take to break out?
Most of the time, the infection is asymptomatic. No signs appear and the virus takes regarding 2 years to evaporate from your body.
In the case of condyloma, they occur 3 months to several years following contamination. They can take up to 2 years to disappear completely. As for cancer, it can take 10 to 20 years to declare itself.
How to detect the papillomavirus?
If the papillomavirus is asymptomatic, it is impossible to detect it. Moreover, this absolutely does not prevent you from having sexual intercourse. When warts appear, have them examined by a healthcare professional. This will give you all the advice you need.
A screening system has been put in place for cervical cancer. Every 3 years, women are invited to take a smear. This exam is practiced by your gynecologist. The healthcare professional takes cells for examination. An HPV-HR test is performed from this smear for women over 30 years old.
Even if you are vaccinated, it is strongly recommended to take a smear. The sooner possible cancer is detected, the more likely you are to be cured.
Conclusion
In most cases, the papillomavirus goes unnoticed. However, it is an extremely contagious virus that affects a lot of people. Some people eventually develop symptoms:
- warts: 3 months to several years following infection
- cancer: in particular cancer of the cervix in women, 10 to 20 years following contamination
Means of screening and vaccination have been put in place to fight once morest the papillomavirus. Do not hesitate to inquire and act to fight once morest the risk of affection.
