What is HPV and Why You Should Wear Protection All the Time?

We’ve always thought that condoms will protect us from any kind of infections that can be transmitted sexually. Aside from the fact that it can also protect us from unwanted pregnancy, these have been everyone’s resort in order to keep themselves healthy and safe from any kind of disease. Needless to say, these condoms have significantly helped minimize transmission rates of the most dangerous viruses such as AIDS, Hepatitis B and C and HIV. 

What is HPV?

Unknown to many, these condoms are not fool-proof. In one of the cancer specialists meeting at Nairobi University, reproductive health expert Nelly Mugo had expressed his concern about most STIs, as well as AIDS/HIV. However, Mugo warned about Human Papilloma Virus or HPV, he said: “Condoms offer 60 per cent of HPV thus the virus can spread through skin-to-skin contact with infected areas of the skin not covered by the condom such as the scrotum, anus, or vulva.” 

Risks of Unprotected Intercourse

As released in a survey last week, male condoms are the most popular contraceptives, especially for active single women. This is the same for unmarried men, in order to protect themselves from STIs. However, for a asymptomatic viral disease, condoms’ inefficacy enables quicker and broader spread especially for those who have more than one partner.

Why Wearing Protection is Important?

The truth is the only way to be 100% safe is to remain abstinent. Make sure that you are in a monogamous relationship and always prep yourself from vaccination and screening especially for women. However, the probability of females infecting their partners is lesser than men affecting their partners. Around less than 5% even. In fact, there are more than 100 types of HPV and about 13 of these are cancer causing, with HPV types 16 and 18 causing approximately 70 per cent of all cervical cancers worldwide. 

Symptoms of HPV

Unfortunately, it isn’t easy to tell whether your partner has HPV virus or not. They would only know it when they have private part warts or if they get tested. Another amazing fact is that for this specific virus, there is no need for one to engage in an intercourse to transmit it to another. The HPV can exist in the manhood, scrotum, vagina, vulva or anus of the person. So, one can actually get transmitted infection when one kisses or touches someone who has the HPV. In the end, honesty is very important, your partner can get the disease if you engage in intercourse with others. So, be faithful and loyal to your partner so you won’t get any infection. Prevent yourself from any kind of disease.