WILL MOST WOMEN WITH MORE THAN ONE SEX PARTNER GET CERVICAL CANCER?
CAN HPV TAKE UP TO 20 YEARS TO CAUSE A RELATED DISEASE?
True. HPV (Human Papillomavirus) can remain in the human body for years before causing health problems. In most people, the immune system is able to fight the virus and eliminate it from the body, but in some cases HPV can persist and cause lesions on the skin or mucous membranes, such as genital warts and precancerous lesions. The progression of these lesions to cancer can take several years or even decades, and it usually occurs slowly over time. Therefore, it is important that people, especially those at higher risk of infection, undergo routine examinations and follow medical recommendations to prevent and detect HPV-related diseases early.
CAN HPV BE CURED?
Myth. There is no definitive cure for HPV, but there are treatments available for the diseases and conditions the virus can cause, such as genital warts and precancerous lesions. Also, the immune system can eliminate the virus from the body in many cases. The best way to prevent HPV-related diseases is through vaccination and the correct use of condoms during sexual intercourse. It is important for people, especially those at higher risk of infection, to have routine checkups and follow medical advice to prevent and detect HPV-related illnesses early.
DO ALL WOMEN WHO HAVE HPV DEVELOP CERVICAL CANCER?
Myth. Not all women who have HPV develop cervical cancer. In most cases, the immune system is able to fight the HPV infection and eliminate it from the body. However, in some cases, the virus can persist and cause changes in the cells of the cervix that, if left untreated, can develop into cervical cancer. It is important to remember that cervical cancer is a rare condition and that the vast majority of women with HPV infection do not develop cancer. Regular follow-up with routine tests, such as a Pap smear, can help detect changes in the cervix early and prevent cervical cancer.
DOES THE HPV INFECTION GENERALLY HAVE NO SYMPTOMS?
True. In most cases, HPV infection has no symptoms and can be asymptomatic. Therefore, many people can be infected by the virus without knowing it. In some cases, HPV can cause genital warts or precancerous lesions on the cervix, which may be visible and cause discomfort or itchiness. However, most HPV infections have no symptoms and can only be detected through specific tests, such as Pap smears in women and HPV screening tests in men and women. Therefore, it is important that people are regularly evaluated by health professionals to detect HPV infection and prevent the illnesses that can be caused by the virus.
DON'T MEN DEVELOP HPV-RELATED DISEASES?
Myth. Men can also develop HPV-related illnesses, although this is less common than in women. HPV infection can cause genital warts in men, as well as penile and anal cancer. In addition, men can also transmit HPV to their sexual partners. It is important for men, especially those at higher risk of infection, to have routine exams and follow medical recommendations to prevent and detect HPV-related diseases early. Vaccination against HPV is recommended for both men and women, as it helps prevent diseases caused by the virus.
IS HAVING GENITAL WARTS COMMON?
True. The presence of genital warts is not as common as HPV infection, but it is still a relatively common condition. Genital warts are caused by some low-risk types of HPV and can appear in both men and women. It is believed that most people who are sexually active at some point in their lives will be infected with HPV, but not all will develop genital warts. HPV vaccination can help prevent infection with the types of HPV that cause genital warts. If you suspect you have genital warts, it's important to see a healthcare professional to receive the correct diagnosis and proper treatment.
CAN GENITAL WARTS DISAPPEAR NATURALLY, WITHOUT ANY KIND OF TREATMENT?
True. In some cases, genital warts can disappear naturally without the need for specific treatment. However, this can take months or even years to happen, during which time warts can continue to grow or multiply and are highly contagious. Therefore, even if the warts disappear naturally, the HPV infection can remain in the body and be transmitted to other people. Therefore, it is important to seek medical treatment for genital warts, either through medication or surgical procedures, to speed up the removal of warts and reduce the possibility of transmitting the virus.
I HAVE NO FAMILY HISTORY OF CERVICAL CANCER. DON'T I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT THAT?
Myth. Although a family history of cervical cancer can increase the risk of developing the disease, most cases of cervical cancer occur in women with no family history of the disease. There are other risk factors for cervical cancer, such as HPV infection, smoking, having multiple sexual partners, having a weakened immune system, among others.
Therefore, it is important that all women, regardless of family history, undergo regular gynecological examinations to detect any changes in the cervix early, and follow medical recommendations to prevent HPV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. Early detection of cervical cancer increases the chances of successful treatment and cure.
I DON'T HAVE SYMPTOMS, SO I DON'T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT HAVING A PAPANICOLA TEST?
Myth. Cervical cancer can be asymptomatic in its early stages, which means that it has no symptoms that a woman can notice. Therefore, the regular performance of the Papanicolaou exam is essential to detect possible changes in the cervix early, even before the appearance of symptoms. In addition, other sexually transmitted diseases, such as HPV infection, can also be asymptomatic, and early detection of these diseases is important to prevent more serious complications and prevent transmission to others.
Therefore, it is recommended that all women who have already started their sexual life perform the Papanicolaou exam periodically, according to medical recommendations, even if they do not have symptoms. The Pap smear is simple, quick and painless, and can help prevent and detect early cervical cancer and other gynecological diseases.
CERVICAL CANCER CAN BE EFFECTIVELY TREATED IF IT IS DIAGNOSED EARLY, BUT IS IT NOT PREVENTABLE?
Myth. While cervical cancer can be treated effectively if caught early, the disease is also preventable by preventing HPV infection, which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. There are several preventive measures to avoid HPV infection, such as vaccination against the virus, the use of condoms during sexual intercourse and the regular performance of the Papanicolaou exam, which can early detect possible changes in the cervix even before the appearance of the virus. cancer.
In addition, other risk factors for cervical cancer, such as smoking, can also be prevented through lifestyle changes. Therefore, although cervical cancer can be treated effectively if diagnosed early, prevention of HPV infection and other risk factors is critical to preventing the disease from developing.
DOES THE VACCINE ONLY PROTECT AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER, WHY MEN DON'T NEED TO TAKE IT?
Myth. The HPV vaccine protects both men and women against infection with the virus, which is the main cause of cervical cancer in women and can also cause other types of cancer, such as cancer of the anus, penis, throat and mouth, plus genital warts. Although cervical cancer is a disease that only affects women, men can also be infected with HPV and transmit it to others, including their sexual partners. In addition, HPV infection can also cause health complications in men, such as genital warts and some types of cancer.
Therefore, HPV vaccination is recommended for both sexes, both to prevent cervical cancer in women and to prevent other HPV-related diseases in men and women.
0 Comentários