What is HPV virus?

HPV virus also known as human papillomavirus is the most common type of SIT ( sexually transmitted infection ). HPV is a non-enveloped virus. it basically infects the epithelial cells and the virus is categorized according to the type of epithelial cell it infects. it can infect the cutaneous cells of the skin, face hands, and feet causing warts. or it can infect respiratory tract mucous membranes i.e. pharynx, nasal, and oral cavity. Some types can cause benign tumors called papilloma or warts some can cause carcinomas Different variants of the HPV virus cause different diseases like warts and genital warts. cervical cancer, penile cancer, anal cancer oropharyngeal cancer, etc. There are almost 100 variants of the HPV virus

HPv virus mode of entrance

The epithelial lining is present on the outer surface of the organs and the blood vessels, it separates the anterior body from the external world. in areas like skin, anus, and genitals the epithelium is present in the form of layers in which the last layer is known as the basal layer whose main function is to multiply. when there is an abrasion or cut the HPV virus enters the epithelium and goes to the basal layer and multiples there either within the basal cell or outside the basal cell.

what is HPV virus type that causes warts?

Variants 6 and 11 of the HPV virus cause warts these variants are considered low-risk variants and they do not cause cancer but they can cause warts around the genital areas i.e penis, vulva, vagina, anus, and cervix

what is hpv virus type that causes cervical cancer?

Variants 16 and 18 cause around 70% of cervical cancer cases around the globe, cervical cancer is caused by the persistent infection with high-risk variant of the HPV virus which causes a change in the mucous membrane of the cervix

causes of HPv virus infection

Now that we know What is HPV virus? we should also know that what are the causes of HPV virus infection
1. Having multiple or new infected sexual partners
2. Delivery of a baby through an infected birth canal
3. Skin-to-skin touching with the infected person during sex

what are the HPV virus symptoms?

Many HPV viruses are asymptomatic but they can show symptoms depending on the type.
Non-genital cutaneous infection involves some kind of warts Like:
1. common skin warts
2. plantar warts on foot
3. flat warts on the face
4. filiform warts often on eyelids and face
infection of mucous membranes like that of the upper respiratory tract can cause the formation of papilloma and can also cause changes in the choice if the infection has spread to the larynx and changes in breath sounds.
Anal and genital infections can involve numerous warts called condylomata acuminate which have a cauliflower-like appearance they are skin colored and painless but can cause itching, bleeding, and burning.

Can men have hpv virus ?

yes, men can also have HPV virus-like women which can cause genital warts, penile cancer, and oropharyngeal cancer. Moreover, men can spread the infection to their female partners increasing the risk of cervical cancer.

symptoms of cervical cancer

HPV doesn’t cause any symptoms usually which is why regular screening is crucial but in some cases it can show following symptoms
1. vaginal bleeding
2. pain during sex
3. usual leg swelling
4. pain during urination
5. unusual vaginal discharge

treatment of vaginal cancer

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  1. surgery
  2. radiotherapy
  3. immunotherapy
  4. targeted therapy
  5. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by exercising
  6. sleeping well
  7. taking supplements


prevention of cervical cancer

  1. Vaccine: The most effective way to prevent cancers caused by the HPV virus is by vaccination the vaccination is most effective when done to individuals who are not sexually active yet both boys and girls between the ages of 9 to 26.
  2. Regular Pap Smears/Screening Tests
  3. Safe Sex Practices
  4. Limiting Sexual Partners
  5. Follow-Up and Treatment of Abnormal Test Results

If you want to know more about What is HPV virus ? you can click here to know about the STDs and sats shows how many people are getting affected , or you can read this article to get a better idea.

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