Brazil is well known for its vibrant culture, beautiful people, and stunning beaches. However, there is a dark side hiding in this tropical paradise; it is the high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections.

The Brazilian viral STD that is currently spreading through sex is human papillomavirus or HPV.

What is Human Papillomavirus HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is an incredibly common sexually transmitted infection that is caused by a virus. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact, most commonly through vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

HPV can lead to various health conditions ranging from genital warts to cervical cancer.

The Prevalence of HPV in Brazil

Brazil currently tops the list in Latin America for the highest prevalence of HPV. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year in Brazil, 16 thousand women are diagnosed with cervical cancer, which is caused by HPV.

This virus is so common in Brazil, affecting about one in three people, that it is considered a public health crisis.

How is HPV Contracted?

The primary mode of transmission for HPV is skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It is usually spread through sexual contact such as vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Condom use can reduce the risk of contracting HPV, but it does not provide complete protection, as there are areas on the skin not covered by the condom. HPV can also be spread through skin contact, where the virus is present, such as in genital warts.

Symptoms of HPV

The majority of people infected with HPV do not experience any symptoms, hence making it a silent epidemic. Unlike many other sexually transmitted infections, HPV infections do not generate immediate signs or symptoms.

However, when they do appear, they can include:.

Recurrent genital warts
Anogenital cancers (cervical cancer)
Penile cancer
Oropharyngeal cancers, including throat and mouth cancer

Prevention of HPV

Although there is no cure for HPV, measures can be taken to reduce the risk of transmission and infection.

The most effective way to prevent HPV infection is to get vaccinated. The vaccine is recommended for both girls and boys from nine years and above.

The HPV vaccine protects against the most common HPV strains that lead to cervical cancers, genital warts as well as other cancers.

Using condoms can also help to reduce the transmission risk of HPV. However, since HPV can still be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in infected areas that are not covered by a condom, it is recommended to get vaccinated.

Cervical Cancer in Brazil

Cervical cancer is a severe problem in Brazil, accounting for the largest percentage of all cancers in women, and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Brazilian women over the age of 14.

As previously mentioned, cervical cancer is usually caused by HPV types 16 and 18. The disease is preventable through vaccination, regular pap smear tests to detect abnormal cervical cells leading to a diagnosis before reaching the cancer stage, and early treatment alone can be sufficient to cure it.

Conclusion

Sexually transmitted infections, particularly HPV, represent a significant health problem in Brazil.

The prevalence of HPV in Brazil emphasizes the importance of prevention measures such as vaccination and regular screening for individuals sexually active. Early detection and treatment is important as most of the HPV infections do not manifest symptoms until further health damage is done.

Preventing HPV infection potentially saves individuals from dealing with the many health-related complications that can ensue from contracting this viral infection.