Monday, February 27, 2023, 6:00 a.m.
HPV, the evil virus that is the main cause of cervical cancer Many people mistakenly believe that this virus is an STD only for women who have sexual partners. make many singles People feel relieved that they are safe. But the truth is not so.
Phannalada Chanthasatrasamee, M.D. Obstetrician and gynecologist at Vimut Hospital informed that HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) has many strains. There are about 14 cancer-causing strains, of which 16 and 18 are most commonly associated with cervical cancer. Most Thai people still have incorrect beliefs about this virus. leading to long-term infection and disease
Is the HPV virus transmitted only through sex?
Sex is not the cause. HPV is transmitted through contact with the infection. But when talking about the genitals, it’s all stereotyped as sex. using any device vaginal penetration Or even vaginal douching, so single people who have never had sex. or people who have not changed their sexual partners Yes, it’s completely safe. In addition, if touched or having sex Anal or oral sex (Oral sex) is also likely to be infected.
Women are at higher risk than men.
For women, exposure to the cancer-causing types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer, which is the most common. to vaginal cancer Genital cancer of women, etc., but it’s not that men who have been infected are safe because HPV can cause penile cancer. Or among men who have sex with men, there is a chance of anal infection causing anal cancer. or oral cancer as well If there is a high risk, such as changing sexual partners frequently having sex at a young age Or in people with low immunity, such as people with underlying diseases related to the immune system, there is a greater chance of infection.
Other factors that increase the risk of HPV infection
In addition to changing sexual partners frequently and having underlying diseases mentioned above for women Using birth control pills can change the cells in your cervix and make it more susceptible to infection. Another reason that reinforces the first is that Women who take birth control pills are often thought to have prevented pregnancy. Therefore, it is not strictly for men to wear condoms. Therefore, the more risk of direct contact with the infection.
How do I know if I’m infected with HPV and how do I get screened?
This is because HPV infection in the early stages usually has no symptoms or only mild symptoms, such as abnormal vaginal bleeding after infection. It may take several years for abnormal cells to develop. Some studies indicate it may last up to 20 years. One method is to screen for cervical cancer by testing for the HPV virus because HPV causes the most cervical cancer. As for screening in men, there are still no clear guidelines, so vaccination against HPV infection. Probably the best way to deal with HPV today.
Injection method and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine
We can start vaccination from the age of 9 until the age of 26, which can be injected for both men and women. If it’s a woman, it can be up to 45 years. Currently, there are 3 types of vaccines: 2, 4 and 9 strains, which should be injected before having sex for the first time. That is, before we are at risk of HPV infection in order for the vaccine to work most effectively. which does not require internal examination or screening If we are ready, we can come and get vaccinated right away. or even those who have previously detected the virus HPV came before Getting vaccinated can also help prevent infection with other HPV strains, thus reducing the chances of developing other diseases. in the future greatly
Those who are interested want to consult a doctor or get a cervical cancer screening test. You can contact us at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Center, 3rd floor, Vimut Phaholyothin Hospital or call to make an appointment 02-0790066 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.