What is the connection between HPV and colposcopy?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease that occurs in about 40 different strains and is known to cause cervical cancer. Colposcopy is a thorough vaginal test that includes the use of samples of cells from the cervix. The connection between HPV and colposcopy is that doctors can use the test to confirm changes in cervical cells that have been or may have been caused by HPV. Doctors use long swabs to collect samples of cells from vagina and cervix. Laboratory experts examine cell samples to check abnormalities. If the results are abnormal, the next step is colposcopy.
Most women naturally fight the HPV virus. Some women's bodies can't do it and the virus for years. If HPV remains in the body for a longer period of time, it can cause cell changes.
doctors classify the level of cell changes on a scale of 1-5, with level 1 is normal and level 5 is cancer. Women who generally have level 2 results are generally not requestedto undergo colposcopy, because level 2 changes often exclude themselves when women fight HPV or how the cervix is healing from other minor injuries. Changes in cervical cells are again checked by one or more subsequent tests of pap. Colposcopy is recommended at level 3, as cellular changes at this level are often associated with HPV and increased risk of cancer.
During colposcopy, the doctor wash the inside of the vagina and the cervix with a very mild acetic solution. The acidity of the solution causes areas that have abnormal cells embody. The doctor then examines the white areas with a colossoscope that is like a microscope. Biopsy is often taken over from areas that are worrying.
HPV is -generate a conventional virus; About half of all sexually active men and women will get it at some point. Of those who have a virus, about 90 percent fight infection under two years and have no symptoms. The percentage of women for whom HPV and colposcopy are needed is therefore relatively low, although the virus prevails. Only about 1 percent of women who have the result of level 3 for PAP test and subsequent colposcopy will develop cervical cancer over two years. However, the likelihood of a contract with HPV and colposcopy will be needed to increase with increased sexual activity, because only sexual abstinence can guarantee that the person will not close HPV.
The connection between HPV and colposcopy is clear, but not all women who need colposcopy have HPV. A separate HPV test is necessary to determine whether a woman has HPV. Although a woman has HPV and colposcopy is recommended for cervical changes, this does not necessarily mean that HPV has led to those changes, because there are other causes of cervical cancer. Examples of these causes include inheritance or genetic predisposition; smoking; and the widespread use of oral contraceptives.