JANUARY Cervical Health Awareness Month
HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted virus in the United States with over 79 million people per year infected. While HPV can cause an assortment of health issues, both physically and internally (warts, cancer), these conditions and the infection can be avoided by certain vaccines. (CDC, 2017)
HPV can be transmitted in a variety of ways through sexual means, but it also has a trait unlike many other infections - it can be passed even if the person infected has yet to show any symptoms. This trait is one of the many reasons it is crucial to see a physician about testing, and to seriously consider getting the vaccine to prevent the difficulties that come with HPV.
As mentioned, HPV can leads serious affections, a main danger being Cervical Cancer. All things considered, what can we do to prevent becoming infected with HPV? Here are a few steps you take to avoid affliction:
Use condoms, always. While condoms do not cover the entire area that is possibly infected, they can help lower the chances of HPV. Regardless, it is always extremely important to wear condoms during sexual activities.
Having a mutually monogamous relationship will deter attracting HPV.
Talk to your Doctor about getting vaccinated. Children as young as 11 can be vaccinated, and those who weren’t when they were younger still have the opportunity to get said vaccine.
It is extremely crucial, especially in this time of breakthroughs for feasible vaccines, to take charge of your health and get the testing and prevention you need. Education is first and foremost in regards to your well-being, and your Doctors are there to help! Consider making an appointment soon to see all of the viable options for HPV and Cervical Cancer prevention.
- B. Thalhammer
Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC) - Web - 2017 https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm