Can you still have sexual intercourse after being infected with HPV?
Q: Can I still have sexual intercourse with my husband after being infected with HPV?
A: There is no need to completely close the door to "sexual happiness" just because of HPV infection, but safe sex should be ensured .
First of all, it's important to adjust your mindset. There is no need to be overly nervous about HPV infection. As long as a woman has sexual intercourse, there is a possibility of being infected with the HPV virus. Research reports that more than 70% of women will be infected with the HPV virus at least once in their lifetime. The vast majority of HPV infections can be naturally cleared by the body's own immune system after a certain period (usually 7 - 19 months, with an average of 13.3 months). Only about 1% - 4% of HPV-infected individuals will gradually develop precancerous lesions or cancer of the cervix.
Can wearing a condom during sex prevent the transmission of HPV to the partner?
The use of condoms cannot completely prevent HPV infection, but it can greatly reduce the risk of infection. Whether one of the partners has already been infected with HPV or not, practicing safe sex is a primary measure for preventing cervical cancer. For men, HPV infection often shows no obvious symptoms. A man may not know whether he has been infected with HPV, but the virus may quietly transfer to a woman during sexual intercourse. Thus, it can be seen that wearing a condom during sexual behavior is very important.
For women who have already been infected with HPV, wearing a condom during sex is not only to protect their partners but also to protect themselves. Research shows that for cases already diagnosed with precancerous lesions (CIN) grade 2 or CIN grade 3, the proportion of cases where the lesions reverse to CIN1 or return to normal is higher in those who continuously use condoms compared to those who do not.
Under what circumstances is HPV infection likely to lead to precancerous lesions or cancer of the cervix?
There are more than 160 different types of HPV viruses. There is no need to be overly concerned if infected with low - risk HPV, as 80% of such infections will turn negative on their own. However, if infected with high - risk HPV viruses, it's a different story. Persistent high - risk HPV infection is the cause of cervical cancer. Epidemiological studies in China have found that in the mainland region, HPV types 16/18 account for 84.5% of cervical squamous cell carcinomas. If high - risk HPV viruses cause long - term infection, it is likely to lead to CIN. If this is not taken seriously and treated in a timely manner during this period, it will eventually develop into cervical cancer.
Therefore, there is no need to close the door to "sexual happiness" due to HPV infection, but safe sex should be emphasized. In addition, regardless of whether one has received the HPV vaccine or not, regular cervical cancer screenings should be carried out. Finally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can enhance the body's immunity. Avoid staying up late, have a balanced diet, and keep a happy mood to maximize the chance of HPV turning negative and safeguard your own health.
Whatever the reason, the loss of this small condom is not a good thing for the health of both people. The moment the condom slips off, it causes the mixing of the body fluids of the two people, greatly increasing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, which is equivalent to an unprotected sexual intercourse.
