The first thing I would like to mention about human papillomavirus is there is a lot of conflicting information out there about this disease. In doing extensive research and speaking with a number of doctors throughout the years, I can only conclude that the medical community is still not in agreement on this issue. So the first thing I would like to tell you is that if you have been diagnosed with this disease do not panic. HPV is in a lot of ways still a big “mystery.” What I have come to discover I would like to share with you. I caution you to use this for informational purposes only and I suggest that you speak with your gynecologist or several of them to discuss your case further.
How Did I Get HPV?
It is generally agreed upon that sexual contact is the main cause of HPV. However, some doctors believe other forms of contact such as skin to skin in certain instances will lead to HPV. Generally, people with HPV can walk around for years without symptoms and never know they have it. Is it common? Absolutely, in fact one thing the medical community is in agreement upon is that it is the most common sexually transmitted disease today. In speaking with my doctor, I was told that she thought tanning booths were a good way to pick it up. Another of my doctors, believes that if you carry HPV warts on the bottom of your feet that another person going barefoot can develope it.
Why Do I Need A Pap Smear?
Apparently there are over 100 types of HPV. Some of them are harmless, while still others. will lead to dysplasia (abnormal cells). Some of these cells if left untreated will lead to cervical cancer or other types of cancer of the genitals. Whatever the real truth is of this disease, the only thing I can tell you is that if you are sexually active at all, and a woman, you must schedule your annual pap smear. Cervical cancer in most cases is slow in development. The cases that become terminal are the ones where women waited years to get a pap smear. Some types are more aggressive. Pap smears and pelvic exams are your best way to combat this disease. Please get yours yearly.
Who Is At Risk for HPV
As our article on cervical cancer states, certain factors do put you at higher risk, such as; multiple sex partners, sex at an early age, smoking, existing immune disorders and a whole host of other things. Some of you who have been diagnosed with HPV will not be on this list at all. If you have HPV or cervical cancer this does not mean you did anything wrong. We simply do not have all the facts yet.
The Problem With HPV Diagnosis
Some doctors aren’t even in agreement on diagnosis. The reason being that different doctors looking at cell samples may diagnose them differently. One doctor may feel it looks like HPV while another may think it does not. I believe that any good doctor who is in doubt will get a second opinion from a colleague.
Can HPV Be Prevented?
The only way to be 100% sure you do not get HPV is to avoid all sexual contact. Doctors are generally saying now that condoms do not protect you from this disease. Frankly, I don’t see how they could hurt. Some doctors believe certain types of latex condoms will reduce the number of cases. Again, this is all a mystery. My advise, as I stated previously is to see your doctor for your yearly screening. If you are upset with a diagnosis of HPV, please research it through qualified physicians and not through an unreliable source. HPV is treatable. You do not have to get cervical cancer.
HPV Treatment
There are many treatment options available. Some of these options are discussed in our article on “Cervical Cancer.” You will want to discuss these options with your doctor to see which one may be right for you.
