Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus. There are over 100 types of HPV, some of which can cause genital warts and certain types of cancer, including cervical, anal, and oral cancer.
Causes:
HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person. It can also be spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected area, such as the genitals or anus. In rare cases, a mother can pass HPV to her baby during childbirth.
dosha:
In Ayurveda, HPV is considered a Pitta dosha disorder. An imbalance of Pitta dosha can lead to inflammation and irritation in the body, which can increase the risk of infection. Pitta imbalances can be caused by stress, poor diet, and other lifestyle factors.
Danger without treatment:
HPV can be dangerous if left untreated, particularly if it leads to cancer. Cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer caused by HPV, and it can be fatal if not detected and treated early.
Symptoms:
In many cases, HPV does not cause any symptoms, and the infection can clear up on its own without treatment. However, some types of HPV can cause genital warts, which may be small, flesh-colored bumps or clusters of bumps. In rare cases, HPV can lead to cancer, which may cause symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or changes in bowel or bladder habits.
Precautions:
- Practice safe sex by using condoms or other barrier methods.
- Get vaccinated against HPV, which can help prevent infection with certain types of the virus.
- Get regular Pap tests or HPV tests, which can detect abnormal cells in the cervix before they become cancerous.
- Quit smoking, which can increase the risk of HPV-related cancers.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to support immune function.
- Avoid sexual activity with people who have visible warts or other signs of infection.
- Practice good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding contact with infected areas.
- Avoid douching, which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and increase the risk of infection.
- Limit the number of sexual partners to reduce the risk of exposure to HPV.
- Educate yourself and your partner about the risks and prevention of HPV and other sexually transmitted infections.
WHO Facts:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world, with an estimated 570 million people infected globally. The organization recommends that girls be vaccinated against HPV at ages 9-14 to help prevent infection and reduce the risk of cervical cancer later in life. The WHO also emphasizes the importance of regular cervical cancer screening to detect and treat abnormal cells before they become cancerous.