Is HPV curable? Learn how to prevent and treat it

A survey by the American Society of Microbiology in Boston recently found that 70% of the US population contracted the HPV virus. The study also showed another more aggravating point: Among the 103 infected Americans, 4 had the risk of having some form of cancer due to the virus.

In the US, HPV remains the most common source of venereal infection. However, it is noteworthy that the problem is not unique to that country.

In Brazil, according to Barbara Murayama, gynecologist and obstetrician, specialist in Hysteroscopy by Unifesp, member of Febrasgo and clinical director of Gergin, it is the third most common tumor among women, second only to breast and colorectal cancer. , and the fourth leading cause of death of women due to cancer in Brazil.

Despite this alarming data, it is true that many people still know little about HPV, and especially how they can protect themselves from it.

Doubts such as "How HPV is curable", "What are the symptoms of HPV", among others are also very common and deserve to be clarified. Below are answers to these and other important questions about HPV, a problem that can affect both women and men.

Does HPV have a cure?

Perhaps this is the biggest doubt among people who have heard or been infected with HPV.

Barbara Murayama points out that HPV does cure in both men and women. "After two years of diagnosis and treatment, if there is no return of the lesion, this infection is considered cured," he says.

"But the person can get contaminated again and present new infection at any time," warns the gynecologist and obstetrician.

What is HPV?

Gynecologist and obstetrician Barbara Murayama explains that HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus, a sexually transmitted virus.

Alessandra Bedin Rubino, gynecologist at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, points out that HPV has more than 100 subtypes, "some more aggressive, some quieter".

HPV infection is very common in both women and men and does not always result in cancer. This does not mean, however, that it does not deserve much attention.

HPV in women X HPV in men

It is hard to tell if HPV reaches more men or women. "However, high-risk ones end up being more frequent in women, because they mainly take the cervix, which is hidden," says Alessandra Rubino.

Gynecologist and obstetrician Barbara stresses that in women HPV is detected more often. "The Pap smear is the exam that should be performed annually and this is the main prevention of cervical cancer," he says.

HPV Symptoms? in man and woman

Barbara Murayama emphasizes that there are several subtypes of HPV and that in men some cause genital warts and others can cause precancerous lesions and even genital cancer.

Gynecologist Alessandra Bedin Rubino adds that, for the most part, genital warts are the signs of HPV in men, but rarely itchiness can occur.

Barbara Murayama explains that, in the case of women, genital warts may appear on the outer vulva, perineum (region between the vagina and anus), the anus and also internally on the vagina and cervix. • The subtypes with the greatest cancer potential can cause pre-cancer lesions and even cancer in these organs. The most common is the cervix, he says.

Alessandra Bedin adds that often HPV gives no symptoms at all. "That's why it's hard to diagnose," he explains. Can it generally remain for up to 2 years without symptoms? in both men and women. But is that quite variable?

What few people know is that most people will have contact with the virus and never manifest any disease. "Around 8 out of 10 people will have contact without any manifestation," explains gynecologist and obstetrician Barbara.

HPV Causes

As already mentioned, HPV is a sexually transmitted virus, ie it is transmitted through sexual intercourse without a condom. For infection to occur, the infected person does not necessarily have to have symptoms (warts). But it is noteworthy that when the wart is visible, the risk of transmission is much higher.

The main risks HPV offers

As noted, HPV in men can cause genital warts and, in more severe cases, pre-cancerous lesions and even penile cancer.

The main risk is cancer of the penis and rectum anus. But it is much rarer than in women, since it has visible symptoms ?, explains gynecologist Alessandra Rubino.

In the case of women, the concern is greater and the main risk, no doubt, is cervical cancer, as highlighted by gynecologist Alessandra. "Anal and rectal cancer can also occur in the vulva and vagina," he says.

Barbara Murayama adds that warts are also a problem, as treatment can be time consuming and painful, depending on the amount of lesions and their location.

HPV treatment

Alessandra Rubino explains that to treat HPV, there is a need to remove the infected cell. If it is in the beginning, it may be destroying it (cauterization, local medicines etc.). If the case is more advanced, by surgery ?, says.

Barbara Murayma emphasizes that treatment depends on the type of injury, whether in men or women. "Warts, for example, should be eliminated by cauterization, medication or even conventional or laser surgery, depending on the location and extent of the lesions," explains Barbara Murayama. Pre-cancer lesions or cancer, in general, involve surgical treatment, depending on the stage of the disease.

HPV Prevention and Diagnosis

Alessandra Rubino points out that vaccination is undoubtedly fundamental for prevention. At any age, whether or not you have a previous history of HPV But of course in adolescents, before the beginning of sexual activity, is better ?, he says.

According to gynecologist Alessandra, condoms protect, but HPV is not always found in the penis. "If it is in the groin, it can be transmitted," says the doctor.

In addition, the doctor adds, the Pap smear picks up the lesions early on. "Although it does not prevent HPV, it prevents its evolution to cervical cancer," explains Alessandra Rubino, gynecologist at Albert Einstein.

Barbara Murayama reinforces the need to use condoms in all sexual contact. • It is also essential for women to have regular consultations with the gynecologist, Pap smear and other tests when indicated. And see the gynecologist at any time if you feel warts or other symptoms other than normal ?, concludes the doctor.

With all this information, it reinforces the need to always look for safe sex and, in the case of women, to consult regularly with your gynecologist, making all necessary examinations and taking close care of your health. But it is worth remembering that men should also always be alert and, at any suspicious sign, should seek a urologist as soon as possible.

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