Finding out that you are a carrier of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can generate a bit of fear when thinking about the risks of the disease. One of the most frequent questions is related to the possibility of dying from the virus.
If you are an HPV carrier and have doubts about the risks that may arise, keep reading, we bring you all the information you need.
Índice
Is there a possibility of dying from HPV?
The risks of dying from HPV will depend on the type of virus you have, whether you suffer from a pre-existing pathology or reinfection by another virus, and the condition of your immune system.
Although HPV infection is very common among sexually active people, most cases are asymptomatic. Therefore, you can be a carrier of the disease and not be aware of its presence.
An important aspect to keep in mind is that there are over 200 types of HPV, which can be low and high risk. There is a low probability of complications in low-risk ones. And some high-risk ones can cause cancer.
Therefore, carriers of high-risk HPV with a weakened immune system have a lesser capacity to fight against the virus and more chances of presenting complications. We recommend you to boost your immune system in order to get rid of HPV.
Risks of suffering from HPV: How likely is it I have cancer from HPV?
Most types of HPV are low-risk, typically presenting visible warts as a symptom. Although these lesions are very contagious and generate discomfort, they will not cause death.
Approximately 40 out of the 200 types of HPV are high-risk, and although they do not present symptoms, they can cause cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile, or oropharyngeal cancer. It is known as “genital HPV.”
Complications from high-risk HPV infection decrease with a strong immune system as the body will be able to fight the virus.
People who have recurrent infection with different types of HPV can turn their body’s normal cells into pre-cancerous lesions or cancer.
Cancer usually occurs years after infection with HPV. Some of the symptoms are:
- pain during sexual intercourse,
- irregular bleeding after sexual intercourse or between menstrual periods,
- unusual vaginal discharge.
Although the only way to detect changes in cells and prevent complications is through a medical examination, there is no certain way to know who will develop cancer.
How long does it take for HPV to turn into cancer?
The timeline from HPV infection to the development of cancer can vary greatly, and not all types of HPV will lead to cancer. However, if a high-risk HPV infection does lead to cancer, it is usually a process that takes many years, often decades.
However, most HPV infections, including high-risk types, do not lead to cancer because the body’s immune system often successfully suppresses or eliminates the virus over time.
Measures to avoid complications from HPV
If you are a sexually active person, you should know that you can get HPV at any time. You have the possibility to avoid infection by taking these recommendations into account:
- Get vaccinated against HPV. Consult your doctor to see if you can get it.
- Go to your annual medical check-up and have the routine tests indicated.
- Avoid high-risk sexual relationships.
- Use condoms during your sexual activities.
- Follow an anti-HPV diet full of foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This way you will strengthen your immune system and be able to fight the virus.
These were some tips to help you know how to deal with HPV. However, there is much more you need to do if you really want to get rid of HPV and warts forever.
What you need to do is GET RID OF THE ROOT of the problem.
For that reason, I recommend you to look into Dr. Kirkland's story and how he was able to cure HPV and get rid of warts for good.
I wish you great success in your recovery!
Sources:
- https://www.mountsinai.org/care/cancer/services/gynecologic/conditions/cervical/myths-facts
- https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/hpv/basic_info/index.htm
- https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer
Medically reviewed by Dr. John Wellington. Dr. John Wellington is a board-certified physician specializing in urology. With over 15 years of experience, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge through a popular health blog. Dr. Wellington holds an MD from Ivy League University and is a member of prestigious medical associations.
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