Viruses typically jump from host to host, resulting in consequences from as minor as a runny nose to as devastating as the recent COVID pandemic or even AIDS. However, there is one virus that is rather insidious. Not only does it affect individuals around the globe silently, but it has the potential to evolve into deadly cancer.
That silent yet deadly culprit is known as HPV (Human Papillomavirus).
HPV spreads through sexual contact with an HPV-positive individual. At least one out of three people are affected by GPV at some point in their lives. The virus is typically eradicated by the host’s immune system. However, there are occasions where the virus gains the upper hand, sparking off a cancerous anomaly.
HPV consists of over 100 different viruses, 14 of which are cancer-causing. 99% of cervical cancer is a result of HPV. While there are HPV vaccinations available, they do not protect the individual against every HPV type. Hence, they will not prevent every case of cervical cancer; it is essential for women to conduct regular cervical cancer screenings.
It is also crucial to note that there are communities around the world who do not have access to vaccinations and screenings and, as such, remain unprotected and unvaccinated.
With the latest HIV study showing that teenage girls are most at risk, the combination of grave implications, high prevalence, and stealth transmission poses a significant danger to youths all around the world.
The quiet cancer-causing pandemic
There are over 100 HPV variants, most of which are easily eradicated by our active immune system, resulting in little to no harm, such as genital warts. However, there are 14 strains of dangerous HPV variants that can have detrimental impacts on our health. They are HPV type 68, 66, 59, 58, 56, 52, 51, 45, 39, 35, 33, 31, 18, and 16.
Variants 18 and 16 are at the top of the list when it comes to causing cervical, anal, penis, vagina, and vulva cancers. Additionally, under specific circumstances, they can also cause throat and mouth cancer.
The danger of HPV variants 18 and 16 is that the infections typically go away on their own in about 6 to 18 months. However, 10% of women who have HPV will develop cervix cancer, which is fatal if not detected early.
The spread of HPV is the reason why it has been coined as a silent pandemic. This is because most HPV-positive individuals do not develop any symptoms and, as such, remain oblivious to the infection. This is why getting an HPV vaccination is vital for men and women. And since HPV affects women more commonly than men, it is also essential to conduct regular PaP smears and cervical cancer screenings.
HPV affects both men too
While it affects women with a much more significant impact, it does not mean that men are off the hook. In fact, studies have shown that men experience higher rates of HPV infections as compared to women – 6.8% of men as compared to 1.2% of women.
Additionally, many HPV variants are more commonly found among men as compared to women. In rare cases, HPV variants, such as 18 and 16, can lead to severe consequences, such as anal, penile, and oral cancer.
With that being said, HPV impacts women much more severely than men.
Protection against HPV: Lifesaving, reliable vaccinations
Effective and reliable HPV vaccinations are available. While countries such as Singapore have added HPV vaccinations to their National Childhood and Adult Immunisation Schedules for every female aged 9 to 26, there are some nations that are still lagging behind, resulting in the undisturbed spread of the infection.
UNICEF released a report in 2023 stating that only 1 out of 8 girls around the world is HPV vaccinated. On the other hand, 600,000 new cases of cervical cancer were diagnosed in that same year, of which 340,000 lost the battle.
HPV vaccinations are not only for females. Males can get vaccinated, too. Most HPV vaccinations have close to 100% efficacy for high-risk HPV variants. However, for its effectiveness to be maximised, the vaccination has to be administered before the virus comes in contact with our immune system. That is why it is better to get vaccinated at an early age.
Conclusion
Staying safe and practising safe sex habits is how you can be responsible not only for your own well-being but also for your partner’s. Besides using contraceptives and getting vaccinated against every possible infection, conducting regular STD tests is crucial, even if you are in a monogamous relationship.
Contact Elyon Clinic or visit us during our operating hours to find out more about your sexual health status. Vaccination opportunities are also available for those are determined as approved candidates.
