HPV (human papillomavirus) infection is a common sexually transmitted disease that can cause a variety of illnesses, including genital warts and cervical cancer. HPV infection can be divided into different stages depending on the degree of infection. During sexual life, women are easily infected with the HPV virus and develop cervical cancer. In order to better prevent and treat HPV infection, we need to understand the different stages of HPV infection and intervention and treatment methods. This article will introduce in detail the different stages, symptoms, preventive measures and treatment methods of HPV infection.
Figure 1. The possible ways for prevention and eradication of the HPV infections. (Source: Naveed Shahzad, et al., 2016)
HPV Infection Process
Incubation period: The incubation period refers to the period after HPV invades the body and replicates in cells, but clinical symptoms have not yet appeared. The incubation period varies in length, usually from 3 months to 1 year.
Progressive stage: Based on the incubation period, the HPV virus will continue to invade the body, causing cell mutation and proliferation, resulting in clinical symptoms. Common symptoms include increased vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, vulvar itching, etc.
Remission period: After the progression period, as the body’s immunity improves, virus proliferation is inhibited, gradually reduces until it disappears, and symptoms are gradually relieved.
Relapse period: After the remission period, if the body’s immunity declines, the HPV virus may reproduce again, causing symptoms to reappear.
HPV Infection Symptoms
Asymptomatic infection: Most HPV infections have no obvious symptoms, and patients usually do not feel any discomfort or abnormality. In this case, regular gynecological examinations are recommended to screen for changes in cervical cells.
Genital warts: Certain HPV subtypes can cause genital warts, which are visible skin lesions that usually grow in the genital area. Genital warts do not usually cause cervical cancer, but they can be spread to others through sexual contact. Treatment options include topical medications, cryotherapy, surgery or laser therapy.
Atypical squamous cell hyperplasia (ASCUS): ASCUS on a cervical smear may indicate mild HPV infection, which usually does not cause serious lesions. Treatment includes regular follow-up visits and monitoring of the infection to ensure that the condition does not progress further.
High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL): HSIL is an abnormal result on a cervical smear test that may indicate moderate to severe HPV infection, which can cause cervical cancer. Treatment options include cryotherapy, surgical excision, laser therapy, cervical curettage and conization, among others.
HPV Prevention Measures
To prevent HPV infection, we should take the following measures:
Avoid bad sexual behavior: Bad sexual behavior is one of the main ways of HPV infection. It is recommended to avoid unclean sex and use condoms and other measures to effectively reduce the risk of infection.
Pay attention to hygiene: keep the vulva clean, change underwear frequently, and avoid public baths, swimming pools and other places.
Improve immunity: Immunity is an important factor in resisting HPV infection. It is recommended to exercise more, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and improve immunity.
Vaccination: HPV vaccine can effectively prevent HPV infection. It is recommended that women of appropriate age get vaccinated in time.
HPV Treatments
Drug treatment: Drug treatment mainly uses antiviral drugs for treatment. Commonly used drugs include interferon, antibiotics, etc. The advantage of drug treatment is that it has fewer side effects, but the course of treatment is longer and requires consistent treatment.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy mainly removes warts through laser, freezing, electrocautery and other methods. The advantage of physical therapy is that it works quickly, but it may leave scars.
Surgical treatment: Surgical treatment mainly involves surgical removal of warts and diseased tissue. The advantage of surgical treatment is that it is effective, but it is more invasive and requires hospitalization.
HPV Intervention Methods
HPV vaccination: HPV vaccine can prevent infection by specific HPV subtypes, including high-risk HPV subtypes (causing cervical cancer) and low-risk HPV subtypes (causing genital warts). Vaccination is usually given before young people begin sexual activity, preferably at 11-12 years of age, or at any age before sexual contact begins.
Regular gynecological examinations: Women should undergo regular cervical smears to screen for early cervical cell abnormalities. Early detection of abnormal cells allows doctors to intervene promptly and prevent further progression of the disease.
Regular follow-up and treatment: For individuals who have been found to be infected with HPV, regular follow-up and treatment are key. Depending on the extent of an individual's infection, your doctor may recommend topical treatments, surgical removal, or other methods to control the infection.
Good living habits: Maintaining good living habits can enhance immunity and reduce the risk of HPV infection. This includes quitting smoking, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
Reference
Naveed Shahzad, et al., Preventive Strategies against Human Papillomaviruses. Human Papillomavirus - Research in a Global Perspective (pp.291-310) Chapter:12. InTech. 2016.
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Figure 1. The possible ways for prevention and eradication of the HPV infections. (Source: Naveed Shahzad, et al., 2016)
