- 1. HPV is curable
- 2. HPV is an STI
- 3. Using a condom prevents transmission
- 4. Can pick up using towels and other objects
- 5. HPV does not normally show signs or symptoms
- 6. Genital warts can disappear
- 7. The vaccine protects against all types of viruses
- 8. Genital warts appear frequently
- 9. HPV does not cause disease in man
- 10. All women with HPV have cancer
The human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is a virus that can be transmitted sexually and reach the skin and mucous membranes of men and women. More than 120 different types of the HPV virus have been described, 40 of which preferentially affect the genitals, with types 16 and 18 at high risk, which are responsible for 75% of the most serious injuries, such as cervical cancer.
Most of the time, HPV infection does not lead to the appearance of signs and / or symptoms of infection, but in others it can be noticed some changes such as genital warts, cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus and penis. In addition, they can also cause tumors on the inside of the mouth and throat.
1. HPV is curable
TRUTH. Normally, HPV infections are controlled by the immune system and the virus is normally eliminated by the body. However, as long as the virus is not eliminated, even in the absence of signs or symptoms, there may be a risk of spreading it to others. In any case, it is important that any injury caused by HPV is regularly evaluated in order to treat and prevent more serious diseases, in addition to strengthening the immune system.
2. HPV is an STI
TRUTH. HPV is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) can be transmitted very easily during any type of sexual contact, genital or oral, so the use of condoms is very important. Learn more about how to get HPV.
3. Using a condom prevents transmission
MYTH. Despite being the most widely used contraceptive method, condoms cannot fully prevent HPV infection, because the lesions may be present in regions that are not protected by the condom, such as the pubic area and the scrotum. However, condom use is very important, as it reduces the risk of contagion and the occurrence of other sexually transmitted infections such as AIDS, hepatitis and syphilis.
4. Can pick up using towels and other objects
TRUTH. Although much more rare than direct contact during sexual intercourse, contamination by objects can also happen, especially those that come into contact with the skin. Therefore, one should avoid sharing towels, underwear and be careful when using the toilet.
5. HPV does not normally show signs or symptoms
TRUTH. People can carry the virus and show no signs or symptoms, so most women discover that they have this virus only at the Pap smear, so it is very important to have this test regularly. Here's how to recognize HPV symptoms.
6. Genital warts can disappear
TRUTH. Warts can disappear naturally, without any treatment. However, depending on the size and location, there are several ways to treat it, such as applying a cream and / or a solution that removes them slowly, by freezing, cauterization or laser, or even through surgery.
In some cases, warts may reappear even after treatment. Check out how to treat genital warts.
7. The vaccine protects against all types of viruses
MYTH. The vaccines that are available only protect against the most frequent types of HPV, so if the infection is caused by another type of virus, it could give rise to a disease. Thus, it is very important to take other preventive measures such as the use of condoms, and in the case of women, have pap smears for cervical cancer screening. Learn more about the HPV vaccine.
8. Genital warts appear frequently
TRUTH. One in 10 people, whether male or female, will have genital warts throughout their lives, which may appear weeks or months after sexual contact with infected people. Here's how to identify genital warts.
9. HPV does not cause disease in man
MYTH. As in women, genital warts may also appear in men infected with HPV. In addition, the virus can also cause cancer of the penis and anus. See more about how to identify and treat HPV in men.
10. All women with HPV have cancer
MYTH. In most cases the immune system clears the virus, however, some types of HPV can lead to the formation of genital warts and / or benign changes in the cervix. Therefore, it is very important to strengthen the immune system, eating well, sleeping well and exercising.
If these abnormal cells are not treated, they can cause cancer, and it can take several years to develop, so early detection is very important.
