Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are a significant public health problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 20 million new STD cases are reported each year in the United States.

One STD that is often overlooked is the human papillomavirus (HPV). While HPV can cause genital warts and cervical cancer, recent research has revealed that it can also increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

What is HPV?

HPV is a common virus that is spread through sexual contact. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and many of them have no symptoms. In most cases, the body’s immune system fights off the virus naturally within two years without any treatment.

However, some types of HPV can cause genital warts or cancer.

How Does HPV Cause Ovarian Cancer?

The link between HPV and ovarian cancer is not fully understood. However, studies have shown that women with certain types of HPV are more likely to develop ovarian cancer.

When HPV infects the cervix, it can cause changes in the cells that can lead to cancer. The virus can also travel to the ovaries and damage the cells there, increasing the risk of ovarian cancer.

Who is at Risk for HPV?

Anyone who is sexually active can contract HPV. However, there are certain factors that increase the risk of infection:.

Having multiple sexual partners
Having sex at an early age
Having a weakened immune system
Having other sexually transmitted infections

What Are the Symptoms of HPV?

Most people with HPV have no symptoms. In some cases, the virus can cause genital warts or abnormal cell growth in the cervix. These changes can be detected through a Pap smear, which is a test that checks for abnormal cells in the cervix.

How is HPV Treated?

There is no cure for HPV, but most cases do not require treatment. In many cases, the virus goes away on its own within two years. However, if the virus is causing abnormal cells in the cervix, treatment may be necessary. Treatment options include:.

Cryotherapy: freezing the abnormal cells with liquid nitrogen
Laser therapy: using a laser to burn off the abnormal cells
Cone biopsy: removing a cone-shaped piece of tissue containing the abnormal cells

How Can HPV be Prevented?

The best way to prevent HPV is to get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is recommended for all boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 26. The vaccine protects against the types of HPV that are most likely to cause cancer.

The vaccine is most effective when given before a person becomes sexually active. Condoms can also reduce the risk of getting or spreading HPV, but they are not 100% effective.

What Are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent killer” because it has few symptoms in its early stages. However, as the cancer grows, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:.

Abdominal bloating or swelling
Pain in the pelvic area
Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly
Urgency or frequency of urination
Changes in bowel habits

How is Ovarian Cancer Treated?

Like many other types of cancer, ovarian cancer is treated with surgery, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. The type of treatment depends on the stage of the cancer and other factors, such as the woman’s age and general health.

Surgery is usually the first line of treatment, and the goal is to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Conclusion

HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that can lead to a variety of health problems, including cervical cancer and genital warts. Recent research has also shown that certain types of HPV can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

While there is no cure for HPV, getting vaccinated and practicing safe sex can reduce the risk of infection. If you have any symptoms of ovarian cancer or have a family history of the disease, talk to your doctor about getting screened.