HPV prevention
04 February 2021
YOU are the best judge of your own body. You are the one most sensitive to any changes.
However, how often do we look "down below" or pay attention to the genital area to ensure the body is functioning well?
There are always reservations about seeking help or discussing health issues related to the genital area, but it's important to know how HPV can be transmitted from one person to another and what steps can reduce the chances of transmission.
Globally, HPV is responsible for up to 99 per cent of cervical cancer cases, 85-90 per cent of anal cancer, 70-78 per cent of vaginal cancer and about 90 per cent of genital warts.
Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) fertility specialist and consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Ashley Chung Soo Bee says there are 40 types of genital HPV and a majority of these strains do not cause problems, with low-risk HPV infections usually clearing up without intervention within months.
However, there are 14 types of HPV classified as oncogenic and are associated with anogenital cancer.
"Through our experience with patients and other research, we are aware that cervical cancer is a consequence of long term or persistent oncogenic HPV infection," she says.
HPV is sexually transmitted, however, penetrative sexual intercourse is not required for transmission. HPV can be transmitted from one person to another through skin to skin genital contact as well.
HPV affects both men and women differently, so do set up a gynaecology consultation if you experience certain clinical symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual vaginal discharge, postcoital bleeding (bleeding after sex), postmenopausal bleeding and painful sex, as these may be early signs of pre-cancerous or cancerous conditions.
TAKING ACTION
Once an infection has been identified, there are several ways to improve your health.
SMCV consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Elyana Noordin says abstaining from sexual activities is the best way to avoid any form of infection, but this is not realistic.
If you are sexually active, there are ways to lower your chances of getting or spreading HPV.
The first is to get the HPV vaccine but it is important to note that the HPV vaccine does not protect one against HPV infections that are already present at the time of vaccination, but can reduce the occurrence of genital warts and development of cervical cancer and other HPV related cancers.
Dr Chung says routine check-ups and screenings are important, especially for women, such as pap smears for sexually active women from 25-65 years of age.
"Routine screening is recommended for females. Cell changes could indicate HPV infection and in the long term it might progress to cervical cancer. If there are cell changes in the pap smear (abnormal pap smear result), regular follow-up or further intervention may be required as per protocols," says Dr Chung.
Unfortunately, no screening is available for men at the moment, but it is important to monitor general wellbeing and seek help from a healthcare provider if there are unusual lesions such as warts, unusual growths, lumps or sores on the penis, scrotum, anus, mouth or throat.
"Most individuals are shy when they face these sorts of issues, and there is also a stigma attached to it so they only come to the hospital or clinic when the symptoms are unbearable or when the warts increase in size and affect more areas. However, one should not be shy about seeking medical advice as this problem is common and all consultations with your doctors are confidential," says Dr Elyana.
As for patients who have contracted the HPV virus, there are various treatments and keeping a healthy lifestyle is key to ensuring general wellbeing.
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