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| Human Papillomavirus/ Photo courtesy of Ed Uthman |
Human Papillomavirus, better known as HPV, was a hot issue for a while. People were being vaccinated for it on a daily basis.
However, it seems that now that it is not in the spotlight, people are forgetting about it. According to many physicians, this is a huge mistake.
HPV is a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) that occurs in the genital area, mouth and throat. Similarly to Chlamydia, it is a “silent” infection—one that most people do not even know they have.
There are more than 40 types of HPV.
Antelope Valley physicians are saying that HPV is becoming a growing epidemic in our area and should be treated as such.
As stated, HPV does not have a lot of symptoms. In 90 percent of cases, the immune system of the infected person will naturally clear HPV from the body.
Because of this, many people do not see a reason to see a doctor for the infection. This is dangerous because the disease spreads and one can continuously become re-infected.
When symptoms do appear, one may notice genital warts (which look like small flat or cauliflower shaped bumps), warts in the throat and certain cancers. These symptoms can appear anytime from a week to a few months after being infected.
The types of HPV that cause genital warts do not cause cancer.
According to the CDC, there is a test to diagnose HPV in women, but not in men. There is no cure, but there are treatments to help relieve the visible signs of HPV.
There are two vaccines available to prevent HPV, but abstinence is the only 100 percent prevention method.
Using condoms and staying in a monogamous relationship with someone who has been tested is another way to try to prevent HPV.
“Get tested now,” a local physician who wishes to remain anonymous stated. “You never know what you might have. This STI is snowballing in the AV.”
