There are over 100 different types of the viral infection known as the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can affect the mouth, throat, and genitalia.

Even if they have few sexual partners, it will happen to the majority of sexually active people at some point because it is so prevalent.

The development of genital warts and even cancers of the cervix, anus, and throat can result from some types of genital HPV infection, though some cases of genital HPV infection may not result in any health issues.

Causes of Human Papillomavirus

Most people contract genital HPV through direct sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, as the virus that causes the infection is spread through skin-to-skin contact.

The transmission of HPV does not require sexual contact because it is a skin-to-skin infection.

It’s possible to have multiple types of HPV, and many people who have it are unaware of it, making it possible for you to contract it even if your partner shows no symptoms.

The baby may experience recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, a condition where HPV-related warts appear inside the child’s throat or airways, as a result of the mother’s transmission of the virus to her baby during delivery in rare cases.

Symptoms of Human Papillomavirus

HPV in men

Despite some men developing genital warts, strange bumps, or lesions on their penis, scrotum, or anus, many men with HPV infection do not exhibit any symptoms.

Some men may be more at risk for developing HPV-related cancers, including men who receive anal sex and men with a compromised immune system. Some strains of HPV can cause penile, anal, and throat cancer in men.

HPV in women

Similar to men, many women who contract HPV don’t exhibit any symptoms, and the infection usually goes away without posing any health risks. It is estimated that women will contract at least one type of HPV during their lifetime.

Genital warts, which can appear on the cervix or vulva as well as in the vagina, the anus, or both, may be discovered by some women.

Regular screening can help identify changes linked to cervical cancer in women, and DNA tests on cervical cells can identify HPV strains linked to genital cancers. Some strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer or cancers of the vagina, anus, or throat.

HPV tests

Men and women require different types of HPV testing.

Women

Pap smear or test at age 21, no matter when sexual activity first begins.

Women can identify abnormal cells with the aid of routine Pap tests, which can indicate problems with HPV or cervical cancer.

Women should only undergo a Pap test every three years between the ages of 21 and 29, and one of the following screenings between the ages of 30 and 65:

• three years, have a Pap test.
• every five years, you should have an HPV test done to check for high-risk HPV (hrHPV).
• co-testing means obtaining both exams concurrently every five years.

The USPSTF advises against co-testing and in favor of standalone tests.

If your Pap results are abnormal and you are under the age of 30, your doctor or gynecologist may also ask for an HPV test.

Men

It is significant to note that there is currently no FDA-approved test available for the diagnosis of HPV in men, and the HPV DNA test is only available for the diagnosis of HPV in women.

Men are not currently advised to undergo regular screening for anal, throat, or penile cancer.

Men who receive anal sex, have anal sex frequently, or who have HIV may have an anal Pap test performed by some doctors.

Risk Factor

A person is at risk for HPV infection if they have ever engaged in sexual skin-to-skin contact, as well as the following other factors:

• more people engaging in sexual activity
• oral, vaginal, or anal sex that is not protected
• a weakened immune system
• possessing an HPV-positive partner

The following things can increase the likelihood that an infection with a high-risk HPV type will persist and possibly lead to cancer:

• a weakened immune system
• possessing additional STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, or herpes simplex
• chronic inflammation
• (Cervical cancer) having a lot of kids
• cervical cancer caused by long-term use of oral contraceptives
• mouth or throat cancer as a result of tobacco use
• being exposed to anal sex (anal cancer)

Prevention of Human Papillomavirus

Use of condoms and safe sex practices are the most straightforward ways to prevent HPV.

Make sure to have Pap smears, screenings, and other regular medical exams to avoid HPV-related health issues.

HPV and pregnancy

Even though having HPV doesn’t lower your chances of getting pregnant, if you do get it while you’re expecting, you might want to wait to start treatment until after the baby is born.

In some cases, genital warts may bleed due to hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy, which could make vaginal delivery challenging if the warts are widespread.

A C-section might be necessary if genital warts prevent the birth canal from opening.

Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, a rare but serious condition in which children develop HPV-related growths in their airways, may result from the rare but possible transmission of HPV from a mother to her fetus.

Because cervical changes can still happen while you’re pregnant, you should continue your regular HPV and cervical cancer screenings.

Homeopathic Treatment of Human Papillomavirus

The selection of the remedy is based on the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using a holistic approach, which is one of the most well-liked holistic systems of medicine. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the signs and symptoms from which the patient is suffering.

Calcarea-Carbonica– genital polyps, cystic growths, papillomata growths (HPV), soft, spongy growths that bleed easily, burning soreness, sensitivity to cold air, weakness, made worse by exercise.

Lycopodium Clavatum-The uterus and ovaries become inflamed, the vagina burns during and after sex, the menses are suppressed, the patient craves fresh air, and they become weak after exertion.

Mercurius– vaginal inflammation, ulcers and chancres, inflammation of the external genitals with rawness and excoriated spots; female genital ulceration, itching from contact with urine; symptoms are worse at night and in the warmth of the bed.

Nitric Acid-Condylomata on the genitalia that are burning, itchy, and bleeding; growths on the cervix; vaginal burning; itching that is aggravated by cold and touch; thirstlessness; and pricking pains as if there were a splinter in the affected area

Sepia Officinalis-Symptoms that are better for violent exertion include cervix ulceration and congestion, warts on the genitalia, uterine pain, and a pressing sensation in the pelvic organs.

Thuja Occidentalis– cauliflower-like growths on the cervix, around the anus, the labia, and mucous membranes; moist, obnoxious warts on the female genitalia; an offensive honey-sweet odor from the genitalia; warts that itch and bleed when clothing rubs against them, mostly on the left side; etc.