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. Makes many single people feel relieved that they are safe. But the truth is not so!
“HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) comes in many strains. There are about 14 cancer-causing strains, of which 16 and 18 are the most closely related to cervical cancer.” Obstetrician and gynecologist Vimut Hospital said, “Most Thai people still have incorrect beliefs about this virus. Until leading to infection and long-term disease” And today, Dr. Ping will come to help correct misconceptions and doubts of women in order to make Thai people safer from HPV.
Is the HPV virus transmitted only through sex?
Sex is not the whole cause. HPV is transmitted by contact with the virus. But when talking about the genitals, it’s all assumed to be 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 there is a touch or having sex Anal or oral sex (Oral sex), there is a chance of infection at all, “said Dr. Ping.
Women are at higher risk than men.
“For women infected with HPV Cancer-causing strains may also 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 have a greater chance of infection
Other Factors That Increase Your Risk of Getting HPV
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 being infected It may take several years for abnormal cells to develop. Some studies indicate that it can last as long as 20 years. One method is to screen for cervical cancer by testing for the HPV virus as well, 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.
For Vimut Hospital, there are 4 and 9 strains of services, that is, in addition to covering strains 16 and 18 that are most associated with cervical cancer as mentioned above, the 4 strains of the vaccine also cover 2 strains ( ie, strains 6 and 11 which cause genital warts) and for the 9-strain vaccine, it will cover an additional 5 strains that can cause cancer. If a child is under 15 years old, it is recommended to inject 2 injections, if over 15 years old, inject 3 injections.
“Actually, we don’t need an internal examination or screening. If we are ready, we can come and get vaccinated right away. or even For those who have been diagnosed with the virus HPV came before Getting vaccinated can also help prevent infection with other HPV strains, which will greatly reduce the chance of developing other diseases in the future,” concluded Dr. Ping.
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 make an appointment by phone number 02-079-0066 from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.