When women enter reproductive age, it is important to take care of their ‘internal health’. Because it is a part that is at risk of infection easily, especially ‘HPV‘, the cause of dangerous cervical cancer. Revealing warning symptoms and risk factors that should be watched out for
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus: HPV) is a type of virus that causes infection of mucous membranes. And becomes the cause of diseases in the genital and anal areas. It can occur in both men and women, but is most common in women. Today, there are more than 100 strains of HPV, เล่นเกมคาสิโน UFABET ทันสมัย ฝากถอนง่าย which are divided into 2 major groups:
- Low-risk strains are strains that do not cause cancer.
- High-risk strains are strains that cause abnormal cervical cell function, eventually leading to the onset of cervical cancer.
Risk factors for HPV infection in women
- Sexual intercourse: Most HPV infections occur through sexual intercourse, spreading through skin-to-skin contact or through scratches on the skin. The scary thing about the disease is that people who have HPV in their bodies often do not show any symptoms, so they have a high chance of spreading the infection to others without realizing it.
- Frequent pregnancies: Women who have had more than 4 pregnancies are considered another high-risk group that has a high chance of being infected with HPV. In addition, the virus can also be transmitted to the fetus.
- Women who smoke heavily or frequently inhale second-hand smoke are more likely to be infected with HPV and at risk of cervical cancer than women who have never smoked. This is because the toxins in cigarettes stimulate changes in the cells lining the cervix, which can lead to cancer.
- People with low immunity or weak immunity are considered another risk group that must be especially vigilant for HPV infection symptoms because this group of people are more likely to be infected and may have more severe symptoms than people with normal immunity.
Possible symptoms of HPV infection
- Genital warts occur on the genitals. The warts appear as small, painless bumps, but can sometimes be itchy.
- Abnormal vaginal discharge that has a foul odor or contains blood
Did you know? Most people infected with HPV do not have symptoms. Therefore, people at risk, especially women of reproductive age, must find ways to prevent and reduce the risk by the following methods.
- Regular cervical cancer screening and HPV testing
- If you experience even the slightest abnormality in your genitals, you should consult a gynecologist immediately.
- Get vaccinated against cervical cancer to boost your body’s immune system.
Cervical cancer vaccine
- Bivalent vaccine: This vaccine can protect against HPV types 16 and 18, which are the most severe types and cause cervical cancer.
- Quadrivalent vaccine: This vaccine can protect against all four types of HPV: types 6, 11, 16, and 18.
- 9-valent vaccine: This vaccine can prevent up to 9 types of HPV: types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. In addition to helping prevent HPV, it also helps prevent cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, anal cancer, and prevents genital warts.
However, those infected with HPV have a chance to recover normally if they receive prompt treatment. Treatment is divided into 2 types: in the case of warts, doctors will treat with medication, and in the case of severe infections that turn into cancer, they will be treated with radiation or surgery, depending on the symptoms.