Human papilloma virus
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 100 types of viruses that mostly present with warts on the hands and feet. However, there are some with a special ability to infect the genital area and are transmitted through sexual contact.
We can classify it according to its virulence:
- No risk: no deleterious effects at all
- Low risk: can cause genital warts
- High risk: they can cause cellular changes that can induce a cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina and anus. In men, they can cause cancer of the anus and penis.
The majority of human papillomavirus infections disappear by themselves within 8-13 months of infestation. However there are certain infections that do not disappear and remain latent in the body for years without being detected. It is for this reason that it is often very difficult to determine the source of infection. It is for this reason that it is often very difficult to determine the source of infection.
Since most HPV infections do not cause symptomatology, cervical scrapings (Papanicolau) are recommended, as well as routine specific tests for prevention and early detection of possible cervical cancer. Especially in people considered to be at high risk:
- High-risk sexual behavior – without prevention
- Smokers
- Women with a high number of pregnancies
- Malnutrition
- Depressed immune system
Although there is no specific antiviral medical treatment at present, genital warts are usually treated with topical applications, cryotherapy or with laser treatment.