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Human
Papillomavirus is a sexually transmitted infection that is very
common among sexually active individuals. It is often misunderstood.
Approximately 5.5 million new cases of sexually transmitted HPV
ccur in the U.S. each year. At least 20 million people are currently
infected. The majority of Americans are unaware of the link between
certain types of HPV and cervical cancer. In one national survey,
70% of women were unable to name the cause of cervical cancer, and
76% had never heard of HPV. Nearly 3 out of 4 Americans between
the ages of 15 and 39 have been infected with genital HPV in their
lifetimes.
THere
are over 70 HPV types, 30 of which are sexually transmitted and
can cause genital infections and related diseases. Genital HPV is
spread by skin-to-skin contact. I cannot be entirely prevented by
condom use, because condoms do not cover all the genital skin that
can come into contact with an infected sexual partner's skin. HPV
can be contracted from one partner, remain dormant for several months
up to several years, and later cause disease and/or be unknowingly
transmitted to another sexual partner.
Cervical
cancer is caused by certain types of HPV. About 14,000 cases of
cervical cancer are diagnosed each year in the U.S. The best way
to prevent cervical cancer is to have a Pap smear. Pap smears can
detect HPV-related conditions that, if not treated, can eventually
turn into cervical cancer.
The
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that
sexually active women and women 18 and older should have an annual
Pap smear and pelvic exam.
This
information was obtained from ASHA. For more indepth information,
please click on: http://www.ashastd.org/stdfaqs/index.html.
How
can I reduce my risk of cervical cancer?
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Effectiveness
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| Abstain
from sex -- this is the ONLY sure way to prevent being infected
with the sexually transmitted virus that causes most cervical
cancer |
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If you have sex:
-have sex with only one partner who has never had sex with anyone
else
- do not have sex with anyone who might have a STD
- always use a condom
- limit the number of sexual partners |
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Consider decisions about sex VERY carefully -- the younger you
begin having sex, the greater your risk of cervical canceer
because a young cervix is more vulnerable to HPV |
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Get a Pap smear every year or as often as recommended by your
healthcare provider |
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Do NOT smoke -- smoking increases your chance of developing
a cancer precursor if you acquire an HPV infection |
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Eat healthy foods -- including dark green leafy vegetables,
red/orange/yellow fruits & vegetables, and whole grain foods.
These foods will help your cervix stay healthy and recover from
an HPV infection |
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Maintained
by: studenthealth@virginia.edu
Last Modified:
Tuesday, 01-Nov-2005 11:15:06 EST
© 2002 by the Rector
and Visitors of the University of Virginia
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