Town Hall: HPV prevention and treatment
The human papilloma virus, commonly called HPV, is the single most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. While many people know about HPV’s connection to cervical cancer, there are plenty of facts you may not know about the disease, including other ways it can affect future health and how the HPV vaccine helps to protect adults and teens.
Prisma Health brought together a panel of experts to provide the latest information on HPV, including Dr. Benjie Mills, pediatric and adolescent gynecologist in the Upstate, Dr. Jill McLeod, OB/GYN in the Midlands and Dr. Divya Ahuja, infectious disease physician in the Midlands. They answered common questions about HPV, including:
- What is HPV and how does someone become infected with HPV?
- Does HPV have symptoms?
- What cancers can be caused by HPV?
- Do only certain kinds of HPV cause cancer?
- Can HPV cause cancer of the mouth and neck?
- How long after exposure will any sign of the infection appear?
- Can HPV resolve on its own?
- Can HPV cause cancer in men, too?
- Can men be tested for HPV infection?
- Is the HPV vaccine safe? What are the pros and cons of vaccination?
- At what age can you receive the HPV? Can adults be vaccinated against HPV?
- Is an HPV test more accurate than a Pap smear?
- Are there any benefits to HPV vaccination over age 45?
- Don’t condoms prevent HPV?
- And more
When it comes to your health, it’s important to stay informed and maintain regular well-check and routine preventative care. If there are questions about HPV that this video did not answer, considering speaking with your doctor about HPV infection, the HPV vaccine or any other questions you have about your sexual health.
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