Is it true that HPV 16 and 18 are more likely to cause cervical cancer?

What is HPV?

HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus, a type of virus that causes warts and genital warts in humans. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus and is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. HPV can also be passed from mother to baby during childbirth and may persist in the body for a long time before developing into a disease. There are over 100 types of HPV, and more than 10 of these can lead to cancer. Among them, HPV types 16 and 18 are considered high-risk and are responsible for a significant proportion of cervical and other cancers.

How is HPV transmitted?

HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, and it can be spread during sexual intercourse or oral sex. HPV can be passed from one person to another even when the infected person has no symptoms. It can also be transmitted non-sexually through contact with contaminated objects, such as shared personal items like nail clippers or biopsies. Additionally, during childbirth, a mother can pass HPV to her newborn, potentially causing respiratory papillomatosis in infants.

Using condoms can help reduce the risk of HPV transmission during sexual contact, but it is not a foolproof method, as the virus can infect areas not covered by the condom. HPV can also be transmitted non-sexually through shared objects and does not have a genetic component.

How many types of HPV are there? Which types are the main causes of cervical cancer?

There are approximately 100 different types of HPV, with around 40 types affecting the genital area. Among these, about 10 types are considered high-risk for causing various diseases. The two most dangerous types, HPV 16 and 18, can deeply infect a woman’s cervix, leading to changes in cervical tissue and causing cervical cancer. These high-risk types of HPV are also associated with other cancers such as vaginal, anal, penile, and throat cancers.

Virus HPV

The HPV vaccine is an important tool in preventing HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer and genital warts. HPV types 16 and 18 are the most significant types associated with cervical cancer. HPV types 6 and 11 can cause genital warts, especially in males. However, not everyone who is infected with HPV will develop symptoms or disease. Most HPV infections clear on their own, while some may progress to disease, particularly when other risk factors, such as early sexual activity and multiple sexual partners, are involved.

Detection and prevention of HPV involve several strategies:

1. Vaccination: HPV vaccines are available to protect against the most common high-risk HPV types. These vaccines are most effective in individuals who have not been previously exposed to the virus, but they can also offer some protection in those who have been previously infected.

2. Regular Screenings: Cervical cancer screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, are crucial for early detection of precancerous or cancerous changes in the cervix. Regular screenings can help identify and treat cervical abnormalities before they progress to cancer.

3. Safe Sexual Practices: Practicing safe sex, such as using condoms, can reduce the risk of HPV transmission. Reducing the number of sexual partners and delaying sexual activity can also lower the risk of infection.

4. Vaccination of Young Individuals: HPV vaccination is most effective when administered to adolescents, typically before they become sexually active.

While there is no universal test to detect HPV infection, these measures can help prevent and manage HPV-related conditions effectively.

Tiêm phòng HPV

Prevention is still the most effective approach

In fact, in Vietnam, sexual health education is not yet widely spread. Parents should be more open and comfortable in educating their children about sex. At the same time, there are prevention measures to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases to their children.

Cervical cancer does not currently have a specific treatment, so to reduce the risk of the disease, the only way is to prevent HPV infection by vaccination.

At present, the two types of vaccines commonly used are Gardasil, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2006, becoming the first vaccine that can help prevent cervical cancer. Gardasil protects the body against four human papillomavirus (HPV) strains, which are 6, 11, 16, and 18.

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