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- HPV Virus - Facts - HPV is the abbreviation for Human Papillomavirus, which is the name of a group of viruses consisting of more than 100 different strains. Most of them are harmless and don’t lead to any health problem in people, some cause minor disorders, such as common warts, and about 30 strains are sexually transmitted and rather dangerous. They infect the genital area of both men and women and without proper treatment can lead to serious disorders.
Sexually transmitted viruses are subdivided into “low-risk” types that cause mild Pap smear test abnormalities or warts in the genital area and “high-risk” types that cause abnormal Pap smear tests and can even lead to cancer. HPV is very guileful and people who are infected with it are unaware of it and transmit the virus further to their partners. In some cases the symptoms of the disorder disappear on their own, but more often HPV requires long treatment, especially during the outbreaks. The virus itself cannot be destroyed, but its symptoms can be reduced.
- HPV Virus - Research - Bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis are two of the most commonly encountered vaginal diseases. Although risk factors for both vaginal conditions have been identified, there continues to be lack of knowledge in regard to their role in association with other sexually transmitted diseases. Vaginal pH is an essential ingredient in the defense and control of the vaginal environment. The alteration of pH with the sequelae of such pregnancy complications as preterm delivery, preterm labor and premature rupture of the membranes; amniotic fluid infection; postpartum endometritis and surgical infections; and the role of bacterial vaginosis are discussed. Treatment modalities in both the nonpregnant and pregnant woman, as well as treatment of resistant cases of both vaginal conditions, are recommended.
- Human Papilloma Virus - OBJECTIVE: To assess colposcopy patients' knowledge of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the role of smoking in cervical neoplasia and, if patients were current smokers, their willingness to quit smoking. STUDY DESIGN: Between January and June 2001, 250 women seen in a colposcopy clinic for the evaluation of an abnormal Pap smear or previously diagnosed cervical neoplasia participated in a survey designed to evaluate knowledge of HPV infection, smoking and neoplasia. Participants who smoked were questioned regarding their smoking behaviors and readiness to quit. In the analysis, the population was stratified by age (< 25 years versus > or = 25 years) to determine differences in knowledge, perception of risk and behaviors. RESULTS: The study population was in general young and racially/ethnically diverse. Fifty-seven percent (143 of 250) thought that HPV was a risk factor in cervical neoplasia, and 58% (146 of 250) associated smoking with neoplasia. Among smokers who discussed risk reduction with their providers, 75% (50 of 66) were advised to stop smoking. Of the 39% (98 of 250) who were current smokers, 63% (62 of 98) agreed that having an abnormal Pap smear would make them consider smoking cessation, and 58% (57 of 98) reported that they would use medical therapy (nicotine replacement or medication) to aid in that process. There were age-related differences in smoking behaviors and attitudes toward cessation (e.g., younger smokers were less likely to desire nicotine replacement). CONCLUSION: Given the high prevalence of smoking and a demonstrated desire by many of the colposcopy patients to stop smoking in the context of a cervical abnormality, further efforts at encouraging cessation are warranted.
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