Human Papillomavirus Infection in Females
Alternate Names : Genital HPV, Venereal Wart Infection
What can be done to prevent the infection?
Safer sex practices can help lower a woman's risk of HPV infection. The use of
male
condoms or female
condoms can reduce, but does not always prevent, catching or
spreading the human papilloma virus. The virus may be outside the "field of
protection," such as on the scrotum or the outer area of the vagina. Avoiding
sexual intercourse is the only definite way of avoiding genital warts. Having
sex with only one partner, who is disease-free, is the most
practical way of avoiding STDs.
To prevent spreading the virus to other areas of the body, hands should be washed after
touching the area where the warts are located. A hair dryer can be used to keep the area dry.
Sexual contact should be avoided until all warts are healed after treatment.
Scratching of warts should be avoided because they may bleed and spread.
What are the long-term effects of the infection?
Certain types of human papilloma virus are associated with genital warts and
have a small chance of causing cancer. Several other types of HPV are
associated with cervical
dysplasia and even
cancer of
the cervix, vagina, and vulva. A woman who has an HPV infection
combined with genital
herpes may further increase the risk of cervical
cancer. If a woman with HPV smokes, her chance of developing
cervical dysplasia is also much higher.
During pregnancy,
genital
warts of HPV may grow to an extremely large size. This may result in heavy
bleeding during a vaginal delivery of the child. There is also a risk of
transmitting the virus to the infant's vocal cords. Extensive growth of warts during
pregnancy may require a cesarean section for these
reasons.
What are the risks to others?
Human papilloma virus is highly contagious and can be spread through sexual
intercourse and other intimate contact. It can also be transmitted to the vocal
cords of a newborn during delivery.
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