What is HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections, affecting millions of people worldwide. It is a group of more than 100 related viruses, some of which can cause health issues, including genital warts and various cancers such as cervical, rectum, and throat cancer. HPV can be contracted through direct skin-to-skin contact, typically during sexual activity.
Types of HPV:
- Low-Risk HPV: These types generally cause warts on the genital or surrounding areas. They are non-cancerous but can be unsightly and uncomfortable.
- High-Risk HPV: These types can lead to cancer, particularly cervical cancer in women. Over 70% of cervical cancer cases are linked to two high-risk types of HPV (HPV 16 and HPV 18).
Transmission:
HPV spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, rectum, or oral sex. It can affect anyone who is sexually active, and even people with no symptoms can spread the virus. The virus can remain dormant for years, making it difficult to know when it was contracted.
Symptoms:
HPV infections often don’t show symptoms, and many people don’t know they are infected. However, some types of HPV can cause visible symptoms such as:
- Genital warts (small, cauliflower-like growths)
- Changes in cervical cells (which can be detected via Pap smears)
- In more severe cases, persistent HPV infections can lead to cancers in areas like the cervix, throat, rectum, and penis.
Prevention:
The most effective way to prevent HPV is through vaccination. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls starting from age 11 or 12, but it can be administered to individuals up to age 45. Other preventive measures include:
- Safe sex practices: Using condoms and dental dams can lower the risk of HPV transmission.
- Regular screenings: For women, Pap smears and HPV tests are crucial for detecting early changes in cervical cells.
HPV Vaccination:
The HPV vaccine is a preventive measure that helps protect against the most common cancer-causing strains. The vaccine is administered in two or three doses, depending on the age at which a person starts the vaccination process. It has proven to be nearly 100% effective in preventing cervical pre-cancers and genital warts caused by HPV strains 16 and 18.
Treatment:
While there is no cure for HPV itself, treatment is available for the health issues it causes:
- Genital warts can be treated with topical medications, cryotherapy, or surgical removal.
- Precancerous cervical lesions detected through screenings can be treated early to prevent cervical cancer.
Protect Yourself with the HPV Vaccine!
Get 3 injections to boost your immunity against 9 strains of HPV,
which cause genital warts and cancers of the throat, mouth, rectum, and cervix.
7,500 baht per injection or 21,500 baht for all three injections
(2nd injection after 2 months, 3rd injection after 6 months from the 2nd)
Prepayment is required, and 3-5 days to prepare the vaccine.
Act now to safeguard your health for nearly a lifetime!
Contact us MECB
