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The hidden journey of HPV infection: Why do 90% of cases disappear on their own within two years?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a disease caused by DNA viruses of the Papillomaviridae family. Although many HPV infections cause no symptoms, research shows that about 90% of infections clear up on their own within two years. How did this happen? The medical community has conducted in-depth research on the reasons behind this phenomenon.
Not all HPV infections cause ongoing health problems. Most people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives, and most infections will clear up naturally.
There are many types of HPV, with more than 200 known types, of which more than 40 may be spread through sexual contact. Some individuals may be at longer-term risk for viral infection depending on risk factors, including early sexual intercourse for the first time, multiple sex partners, smoking, and poor immune function. In these cases, HPV may persist and cause genital warts or precancerous lesions.
HPV transmission and mutation
HPV is mainly spread through direct skin-to-skin contact. The most common modes of transmission are vaginal and anal intercourse. Although HPV is mainly spread through sexual intercourse, in rare cases it can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy. Although sharing items such as toilet seats is not considered a transmission route for the virus, some HPV types can be spread through surfaces such as floors.
HPV vaccine can effectively prevent the most common types of HPV infection. The best time to get vaccinated is before sexual intercourse begins.
The role of the immune system
Most HPV infections can be cleared by the body's immune system. Research shows that a healthy immune system can effectively inhibit the replication and spread of HPV, which also explains why most people can successfully fight off the virus without symptoms. An immune response usually develops within months of infection and helps eliminate the virus.
Persistent infections and lesions
Although most HPV infections are cleared by the immune system, a small number of people experience persistent infection. This persistent infection is associated with an increased risk of cancer, especially among certain high-risk types, such as HPV 16 and 18. These virus types contain oncogenes that promote uncontrolled proliferation and survival of cells, ultimately causing cancer.
HPV plays a key pathogenic role in some types of tumors related to sexual intercourse transmission, and relative to other infections, the risk of cancer increases as the virus persists.
The relationship between cancer and HPV
According to the World Health Organization, almost all cases of cervical cancer are directly related to HPV infection. Reports show that HPV is one of the main causes of cancer in women worldwide, especially HPV types 16 and 18, which account for 70% of all cervical cancer cases. In addition, HPV can also affect tumors in other parts of the body, such as the mouth, throat, and anus.
The importance of early screening
Early screening tests such as Pap smears can effectively detect precancerous lesions, allowing for early treatment and improved prognosis. With the expansion of screening technology, mortality from cervical cancer has dropped significantly worldwide.
Conclusion
With the deepening of medical research and deepening understanding of HPV, we are in an era where we are better able to prevent and control HPV lesions. Society's understanding of transmission routes and vaccination can reduce the impact of the virus. Faced with this virus that spreads widely but disappears on its own in most cases, have you mastered how to protect yourself and others?
