Genital Warts In Women (cont.)
Precancerous changes (dysplasia) of the cervix
Women who have evidence of moderate or severe precancerous changes in the uterine
cervix require treatment to ensure that these cells do not progress to
cancer. In this case, treatment usually involves surgical removal or destruction
of the involved tissue.
Conization is a
procedure that removes the precancerous area of the cervix using a knife, a
laser, or by a procedure known as LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision
procedure, which uses an electric current passing through a thin wire that
acts as a knife). LEEP is also referred to as LLETZ (large loop excision of the
transformation zone). Cryotherapy (freezing) or laser therapy may also be used
to destroy tissue areas that contain potentially precancerous changes.
Can HPV infection be prevented?
Recent advances in the study of the body's immunological
response to HPV have led to the development of a vaccine against four common HPV
types associated with the development of genital warts and cervical and
anogenital cancers. This vaccine (Gardasil) has received FDA approval for use in women
between 9 and 26 years of age and confers immunity against HPV types 6, 11, 16
and 18. Another vaccine directed at HPV types 16 and 18 is currently being
tested, and initial trials with the vaccine have shown that the HPV-16/18
vaccine is safe and induces a high degree of protection against HPV-16/18
infection. These encouraging results suggest that widespread vaccination for HPV
types could begin in the near future.
Abstinence from sexual
activity can prevent the spread of HPVs that are transmitted via sexual contact,
but a person who abstains from sex may still become infected with other HPV
types, such as those that cause common skin warts. Some researchers have
postulated that HPV infection might be transmitted from the mother to her infant
in the birth canal,
since some studies have identified genital HPV infection in populations of young
children and cloistered nuns. Hand-genital and oral-genital transmission of HPV
has also been documented and is another means of transmission.
HPV is transmitted by direct genital contact during
sexual activity. The virus is not found in or spread by bodily fluids, and HPV
is not found in blood or organs
harvested for transplantation. Condom use seems to
decrease the risk of transmission of HPV during sexual activity but does not
completely prevent HPV infection. Spermicides and
hormonal birth control methods cannot prevent the
spread of HPV infection.
Next: What should one do if exposed to a person with genital warts? »
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