Sexual flu

Human Papilloma virus (HPV) can attack 50% of adults who are sexually active. The disease is so common that Alex Ferenczy, a professor of pathology and obstetrics at MacGill University in Canada, called it the sex flu.

Human Papilloma virus
(Photo: medicalprogress)

There are over 100 strains of HPV, all of which are spread by contact between skin and skin. Some strains cause rice grains, genital warts and can be cured. But that does not mean that HPV is benign, because it is the culprit of 70% of cervical cancer cases. In Asia, a woman dies every 4 minutes from this disease.

Usually, HPV does not cause any symptoms. Therefore, it is difficult to know who is infected. Professor Alex Ferenczy advises, the best way to prevent HPV is to be monogamous and perform safe sex. HPV vaccine to reduce the risk of cervical cancer is available but only for women and has no effect on an infected person.

There is currently no medicine to treat diseases caused by HPV infection. Therefore, to prevent "sex flu" and its consequence of cancer of cervical cancer, you need:

No smoking : Women who smoke more than 15 cigarettes a day will double the risk of cervical cancer.

Doing annual vaginal cell test is the most reliable way to discover cervical cells that can be infected with cancer.

Condoms should be used when having sex: Women who use birth control pills sometimes have more rice grains and warts than those who use other contraceptives.

Boost your immune system : A strong immune system can help you manage your infection. A healthy diet should be used, taking multivitamin and regular exercise supplements.