Human Papillomavirus and Its Impact on Health: A Comprehensive Guide

With more than 100 types of viruses, HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common group of viruses that can cause warts and cancers. The HPV virus is responsible for the starking deaths of 74000 people annually in India. When a person’s body is infected with the human papillomavirus, it does not showcase any evident symptoms. The human papillomavirus poses a greater threat to women than to men. When the virus infects a person, they often do not realise it until it causes serious disease. Usually, a human papillomavirus infection only manifests as warts, painful growths or lumps around the genital area. 

Human papillomavirus is extremely common, and most people get some sort of infection through it once in their lifetime. This blog will help you gain a thorough understanding of the human papillomavirus. We will also discuss its symptoms and treatment methods. Read on! 

How is the Human Papillomavirus Spread? 

The human papillomavirus is mainly spread through skin-to-skin contact, and a genital HPV infection occurs through anal, vaginal or oral means of direct sexual contact. 

The human papillomavirus can also spread through non-sexual means, like childbirth. A mother infected with the virus can spread it to her unborn child, and the child may present symptoms at birth. However, the chances of transmission in this way are very low, and the body clears off the virus by itself. 

HPV Symptoms: 

In most cases, the human papillomavirus goes away without causing any trouble. But sometimes, the infection can be spread to another person even if it doesn’t disturb the host’s health. If the virus doesn’t exit the body by itself, it can cause different types of warts, such as genital warts, lesions in the mouth, and even dangerous types of cancer. These cancers can only be detected when they become too advanced. Until then, they stay undetected. 

HPV Risk Factors: 

Several factors increase the chances of acquiring this virus from others. Some of these factors are as follows: 

• Having sex with multiple partners increases the risk of getting the human papillomavirus. 
• Having unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex can also be a risk factor. 
• Coming into contact with warts that carry the virus or being exposed to places and areas or surfaces through which HPV infection can occur. 
• A weakened immune system is also vulnerable to the human papillomavirus. 
• Other than all of these risk factors, if a person already has some other kind of sexually transmitted disease like chlamydia, gonorrhoea, herpes, etc, the risk of getting a human papillomavirus infection is also higher.
• A person who incessantly uses tobacco products is also at a greater risk of contracting the human papillomavirus infection. 

These risk factors can give rise to many different types of cancer. In India, cervical cancer is widespread and is the second most common kind of cancer that affects women. India contributes to 25% of global cervical cancer deaths. 

How to Test for Human Papillomavirus? 

1. Pap Smear Test: A PAP smear test, also called a cervical smear test, involves collecting cells from the cervical surface. This test can reveal the presence of the human papillomavirus by checking for cellular abnormalities. Finding abnormal cells beforehand can help prevent the cancer from progressing. 
2. HPV Test: The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) test finds high-risk strains of HPV that have been connected to cervical cancer. It entails taking cervical cell samples frequently during a pap smear. The test is usually performed every five years on women between the ages of thirty and sixty-five, either by itself or in conjunction with a Pap smear (co-testing). It assists in the early detection of any cancer risks, enabling prompt intervention and treatment.
3. Colposcopy and Biopsy: Usually, after the pap smear and HPV test, if abnormal cells are found, the next test that the doctor performs is the colposcopy. In this test, the doctor closely examines the cervix, vagina and vulva to look for the symptoms of the human papillomavirus infection. For this test, a device called the colposcope, which is a magnifying device, is used. Further, a biopsy is performed by collecting a small tissue sample. 
4. Acetic Acid Test: One of the most cost-effective and simple HPV tests is the acetic acid test. In this screening method, diluted acetic acid is applied to the cervix. This makes the abnormal cells turn white and become easily visible if they are present. This visual inspection procedure provides immediate results and is particularly helpful in low-resource environments where more sophisticated testing, such as HPV or pap smears, might not be accessible.

HPV Treatment Methods: 

• Although there isn’t a cure for the human papillomavirus infection, most cases clear up on their own and don’t lead to major issues. Related health issues can, however, be managed through various HPV treatment methods. 
• Topical creams, cryotherapy (freezing), surgical excision, or interferon injections are among the HPV treatment methods available for genital warts. Procedures such as cryotherapy, cone biopsy, or LEEP (removal of aberrant tissue) are used to treat precancerous cervical abnormalities. HPV treatment options for HPV-related cervical cancer include surgery (ranging from a partial cervix excision to a hysterectomy), chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy.

Ways to Protect Yourself from the Human Papillomavirus: 

• The best HPV prevention method is the HPV vaccination. It is highly effective in preventing the most dangerous strains of the virus. The vaccination can be given to people as young as 11-12 and up to 26 years of age. 
• The next prevention method is to use condoms while having sex. Correct use of condoms and practising safe sex can prevent the transmission of the human papillomavirus.  Limit sexual partners. This decreases the exposure to human papillomavirus. 
• Apart from this, if you are a smoker, avoiding and ultimately stopping it can help prevent HPV infection, as smoking reduces one’s immunity. 
• Boosting your immune system through proper diet, exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques can help the body clear off the human papillomavirus. 

Conclusion: 

Although most HPV infections are harmless and are cleared off by the body’s immune system, sometimes, they can cause serious medical issues. To prevent the disease, one must get vaccinated, follow safe sex practices and make sure they get themselves regularly checked. Stay informed and keep yourself safe from HPV infections.