Sexual desire and pleasure are basic human body traits. Have you ever considered the fact that HPV(Human Papilloma Virus) could infect you? Yes, that is right! While having sex, or during any unprotected intercourse, there is a great chance of you contracting this virus, which could further develop into cancerous cells.
What is HPV?
HPV refers to the Human Papilloma Virus that causes infection resulting in the skin or mucous membrane growths (warts). There are over 100 varieties of the virus which cause warts, while some of them can even cause cancer. It is usually incurable, but if detected at an early stage, cancer is preventable. The only method for protection against the virus is the HPV vaccine.
Now, India has made a big breakthrough by launching an indigenous HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer. The vaccine has been developed by the Serum Institute of India (SII) in collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). But, what is it that makes the cervical cancer vaccine essential?
Different strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause Cervical Cancer. WHO (World Health Organisation) reports cite India as being the fifth country with the most number of cervical cancer cases in the world. Though the HPV virus causes cervical cancer, sometimes it can take up to 20 years or longer for cancer to develop. It usually occurs as warts or rashes on the genitals. Getting the vaccine could be the only way to protect oneself against the infection.
Causes of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer can occur when healthy cervix cells undergo DNA changes. After changing, healthy cells multiply rapidly developing at a particular rate before they die. The mutations make the cells replicate and grow erratically when alive. These abnormal cells develop to accumulate into a tumor.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) plays a part in cancer, but, lifestyle choices and environmental factors play a more important role. Multiple sexual partners, early sexual activity, long-term use of hormonal contraceptives, or exposure to any STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) could increase the risk of Cervical Cancer.
Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Early stages of cervical cancer show no signs, but in more advanced stages, the symptoms could be:
- Vaginal bleeding following intercourse, before or after periods, or after menopause.
- Watery, or bloody vaginal discharge with a foul odor.
- Painful intercourse, especially in the pelvis region
When to take the HPV vaccine?
The age recommendation for the initiation of the HPV vaccine is 9-12 years. But, catch-up vaccination can be taken up to 26 years of age. Women can take the dose at 0,2, and 6 months respectively. In case of any interruptions in the schedule, the vaccination series does not need to restart. Vaccinating all young females against HPV, and screening and treating any precancerous lesions can help prevent cervical cancer.
Women tend to ignore the early signs and symptoms or any irregularities in their menstruation cycle, considering it to be something normal. It is healthy to keep tracking the menstrual cycles and getting regular immunization because this habit can prevent many complications. So, it is necessary to have an aiding mechanism. That is why Zyephr is here!
Why Zyephr?
‘Health is wealth’, but do you track your health and wellness like you track your bills and expenses? Certainly, it is a ‘No’. This is the main purpose of Zyephr’s existence. While many organizations have easy access to your health information - but you don’t get that same access, nor can you check if it is accurate.
What if there was something to make you aware of, and informed you about the most important thing to you- your body and its well-being? Zyephr which is an app, keeps a track of all your health data, just for you, in one place.
It is a place for you to keep and create all your health records, saving your body’s history as you grow old. You can keep uploading your information and access it at any stage of your life to receive the proper diagnosis whenever needed. With Zyephr, even women can keep a track of their menstrual cycle, weight, diet, nutrition, etc. So, what should you do? Download the app now and register!
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