Essay on Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is published for informational purposes only. The free papers are not written by our writers, they are contributed by users, so we are not responsible for the content of this free sample paper. If you want to buy a quality Essay on Essay on Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Genital Human Papillomavirus (HPV) at affordable prices please use our essay writing services offered by EssayEmpire.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are those diseases transmitted primarily through sexual means, which may include oral, anal, or genital contact; osculation (kissing); or manual stimulation. STDs are also referred to as sexually transmitted infection (STI), venereal diseases (VD), and reproductive tract infections (RTI). Though other diseases may also be transmitted through sexual contact, the term STD is reserved for an infection spread primarily through sexual means. The source of infection may be bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitical. Depending upon the infecting agent, the resulting disease may remain localized at the site of infection (such as the genitalia or sex organs) or may spread to other parts of the body. Though symptoms may vary, both men and women are susceptible to STDs.

The most reliable method for the prevention of all STDs is abstinence or limiting sexual activity to monogamous, long-term relationships with partners who have been tested and are free of infection. Consistent and correct use of latex condoms may help to prevent the transmission of many STDs but may be ineffective in preventing others.

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) (genital warts, condylomata) infection is caused by a group of more than 100 strains of viruses, of which more than thirty may be sexually transmitted. At least 50 percent of sexually active persons will contract HPV infection, and by the age of fifty, at least 80 percent of all women will have been infected with HPV making this one of the most widespread STDs. Strains of the virus that result in STDs are mainly transmitted through sexual contact of the genitals. Most people who become infected with HPV do not present symptoms yet can continue unknowingly to transmit the virus to uninfected sexual partners. Pregnant women can, though rarely, infect their babies with the virus during vaginal childbirth.

Genital HPV may infect the penis, vulva, anus, lining of the vagina, cervix, or rectum. Though most people with genital HPV remain asymptomatic of disease, some develop genital warts or precancerous changes in the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, or anus. Depending on the strain of virus, infections may be high risk and cause abnormal Pap tests and lead to cancers of the reproductive tract, including cancers of the genital or anal regions. Persistent infection of high-risk types of HPV is the main risk factor for developing cervical cancer. Low-risk strains may cause genital warts (venereal wart) or mild changes in Pap tests. Genital warts appear as moist, soft, pink or skin-colored growths that may be raised or flat and may manifest singly or multiply in cauliflower-shaped eruptions called condylomata. Genital warts may be found in or around the vagina, anus, cervix, penis, scrotum, groin region, or upper thigh.

Though there is no cure for HPV, most infections will clear up without treatment (90% of infected people will clear the virus within two years if not reinfected). A small group of people carries the virus chronically. Visible genital warts and changes to the skin or mucous membranes may be treated by a variety of methods, including application of topical medications or by treatments such as cautery, cryotherapy, or laser therapy. Routine Pap tests are helpful in detecting precancerous and cancerous cells on the cervix and in preventing the disease from becoming life threatening.

The most reliable way to eliminate risk for genital HPV infection is to refrain from any genital contact with another individual or remain in a mutually monogamous, long-term relationship with an uninfected partner (though it is difficult to determine whether or not that partner has been infected in the past). Because HPV infection may affect areas outside those normally covered by a condom, even consistent and correct use of latex condoms provides only a limited degree of protection. Nevertheless, regular condom use is associated with a decrease in the incidence of cervical cancer, suggesting that some measure of protection is conveyed. A vaccine for the most virulent strains of HPV is available and is recommended for women age nine to twenty-six. The length of immunity imparted by the vaccine is still unknown, and boosters may be necessary.

Reference:

Holmes, King K.; P. Frederick Sparling; Per-Anders Mardh; et al., eds. 1999. Sexually Transmitted Diseases. 3rd edition. New York: McGraw-Hill.

Free essays are not written to satisfy your specific instructions. You can order a term paper, research paper or custom TOPIC at our site which offers professional essay writing services. Get your high quality custom paper at relatively cheap prices. EssayEmpire is the best solution for those who seek help in essay writing related to TOPIC and other relevant topics.