The introduction of the Gardasil vaccine against HPV has been accompanied by a mix of good and bad news. The good news is that the arrival of the vaccine virus has been highlighted by the press it deserves. But the bad news is that myths and misconceptions about the virus and the vaccine abound, and they can and have caused considerable damage. For example, is a widespread myth that promiscuity is the main reason why people are HPV infections. The fact is, it is possible for an HPV infection, even in a monogamous relationship. Here are some frequently asked questions about HPV, the vaccine, and how they affect the lives of adolescents. The facts of HPV: So what is HPV, really? HPV is human papilloma virus. This is not the most common sexually transmitted virus. It is the same as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) or HSV (herpes simplex virus), and not a new virus – it is often overlooked in discussions of common sexually transmitted diseases. There are over 100 types of HPV, because a variety of diseases, but we will concentrate on its most important manifestation – genital HPV. Sexual contact is the most common type of HPV genital diseases, including not only sex but also sexual contact without penetration and oral sex. HPV infection is silent, which means that many people are unaware they are infected and can transmit the virus to their sexual partners without even knowing. What is HPV? Anyone can get HPV infections. It is estimated that at least 50 percent of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. Most infections are clear on their own without medical treatment in 12-24 months. Those most at risk of HPV infection, those at high risk to engage in sexual behavior such as multiple partners, unprotected sex, sex and began at an early age to have. Even with a weakened immune system due to poor diet, stress and smoking, HPV infections are still existing in the body over a longer time and cause HPV disease. Many of my patients asked me if two people can get in a monogamous relationship with HPV. The short answer is, unfortunately, yes. Even if you’re currently in a monogamous relationship, you or your partner have acquired HPV from a previous sexual relationship, the disease can lie dormant in the body for many years and can move at any time. The only way to prevent against HPV is available for both partners in a monogamous relationship, had never faced sexual partners or sexual contact us to refrain entirely. What are the consequences of the use of HPV? There are three possible outcomes of infection with HPV. First, it is possible to become a carrier of HPV and never show symptoms for the rest of your life. Secondly, we could develop genital warts, which are a nuisance, visually unpleasant, embarrassing, and often require repeated treatments to get rid of. Third, you could have a HPV related cancer, the most serious is cervical cancer to develop. In addition, HPV is a cause of enormous emotional problems, such as feelings of guilt to guilt and shame. If you get the vaccine? There are now two vaccines available to prevent most HPV disease. one, Gardasil, is currently in the United States. The vaccine is preventive in nature, it can only be said to prevent, treat and not existing HPV infections. The vaccine protects against four types of HPV that cause 70% including two cases of cancer of the cervix, and two that cause most genital warts. The CDC recommends the vaccine for girls aged 11-12 years for maximum benefit. If you have not received the vaccine at this age, you can always up to the age of 26 years, even if you are sexually active. This is because even if you already have some types of HPV has been exposed, the vaccine is still one of the four types that you can not avoid. It is important to note that the transfer of the vaccine protects against pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases like HIV / AIDS, chlamydia or gonorrhea prevention. It is therefore important to continue abstinence or safer sex practices, even after receiving the vaccine. If the Pap test? A Pap test (also called Pap smear) abnormal cell changes found in the cervix, which some, if not dealt with is, can lead to cancer. Therefore, if lesions are detected, they may need close monitoring of high and uncomfortable procedures. Pap tests, without doubt, significantly reduced the price of cancer of the cervix uteri in this country. But the vaccine the other hand, prevents these abnormal changes occur in the first place. Obviously, the best prevention, detection and treatment. But because the vaccine only protects against 70 percent of cancer of the cervix, it is important to have Pap tests to detect the other 30 percent. Consult your doctor about when should we start, the Pap test. What are the possibilities for prevention and control of HPV infections? There are some basic tips to follow to stay healthy and HPV infection prevented. Follow the “ABCDE” rules of prevention: abstinence, monogamy, condom use, delayed sexual activity and education. Avoid drugs and excessive alcohol: These activities can be a risky sexual behavior that more and more often lead to HPV. vaccinated: Get the Gardasil vaccine Check before they become sexually active from strains of HPV that are protected 90% of genital warts and 70% of all cases, the cause of cervical cancer of the uterus. If you are already sexually active and have not been vaccinated you should always be considered, even vaccinated, as may be vaccine strains to protect you not been exposed. Boost your immune system: · Stop smoking: Smoking weakens the immune system and makes HPV hang longer in your body, then a cause disease. • Reduce stress can: Add Food Search techniques such as exercises that relax and make you feel good about themselves to help. · Eat healthy: rich in vitamin C and E, such as fruits and vegetables, anti-cancer properties to your nutrition. He is also a good idea to take a daily multivitamin. HPV may have a potentially severe and chronic, the enormous medical consequences, psychological and sexual. It is your life Turn on the head during the night. A chance encounter is all it takes to be potentially infected with HPV. In seeking specific information and therefore more productive things you can prevent the spread of HPV. knowledge and education about HPV infection is contributing to the spread of infection – ignorance is not. Shobha S. © 2008 Krishnan, MD Author BioShobha S. Krishnan, MD, is a consultant gynecologist and dentist at Barnard College, Columbia University. His new book, “The vaccine against HPV Controversy: Sex, Cancer, God and politics: A guide for parents, women, men and adolescents, was released August 30, 2008, by Greenwood Publications . The book presents the latest information about the vaccine without the influence of pharmaceutical companies or other interest groups.
