Papillex ™

Understanding HPV

Key Points About HPV:

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes.
There are about 100 types of HPV. Approximately 30 of those are spread through genital contact (typically sexual intercourse). Around 12 – called "low-risk" types of HPV – can cause genital warts. In addition, there are approximately 15 "high-risk" types of HPV that appear to be associated with the development of cervical cancer.
It is estimated that 80 percent of all women – and 50 percent of men and women combined – will get one or more types of "genital" HPV at some point in their lives.
Although risk factors like smoking can contribute to your chance of developing cervical disease, HPV must first be present.
Some scientists believe infection with the most common types of "genital" HPV can be prevented with the HPV vaccine. However, the effectiveness of vaccination is highly debated, and may only be fully effective if administered before a girl or young woman has been exposed to those types of HPV through sexual contact. In addition, the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer (see HPV Cancer in the FAQ section). Thus, it is important to get a regular Pap and – if you're over 30 – an HPV test, even if you've been vaccinated. A Pap can identify abnormal cells and help make sure abnormal cells are diagnosed and treated early.
The most common forms of the virus produce warts (papilloma's) on the hands, arms, legs, and other areas of the skin and genitals. The wart-like growths appear like small, cauliflower-type growths on the skin. Most HPV warts of this type are common and non-cancerous. Genital warts are generally associated with two HPV types, numbers 6 and 11 and manifest in both men and women (see HPV Men and HPV Women in the FAQ section).
Conventional HPV treatment includes the following surgical procedures: Conization. This procedure, also known as a cone biopsy, removes the abnormal areas, LEEP or Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure. The abnormal cells are removed with an electrical current, Cryotherapy. This involves freezing the abnormal cells with liquid nitrogen.
Naturopathic Doctors have been successfully treating HPV symptoms for over a decade.
Cervical dysplasia literally means abnormal development of tissue (dysplasia) covering the cervix (cervical). Detecting and treating dysplasia early on is an essential step towards preventing cancer. HPV(human papillomavirus) is strongly associated with cervical dysplasia and with cervical cancer. Over 90% of people with cervical cancer carry the HPV virus. Although we are not certain of how cancerous growth is initiated we do know that untreated HPV can result in recurrent, persistent cervical dysplasia; where flare-ups of HPV are matched by abnormal growth of cervical cells.