Health for All says
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses that cause infections in humans** and mucous membranes. HPV infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, but it is not spread only through sexual contact. A correct understanding of the transmission route and pathogenic mechanism of HPV is of great significance for the prevention and development of related diseases.
The first thing to be clear is that people who are not sexually active can also be infected with HPV. The HPV virus can be transmitted through non-sexual means, such as close contact, sharing objects, etc. For example, sharing bath utensils, bath towels, underwear, etc., with multiple people, may increase the risk of infection. In addition, mother-to-child transmission is a common route, and HPV infection from pregnant women can be transmitted to their newborns during delivery.
The question of whether HPV infection necessarily leads to cervical cancer needs to be scientifically explained. In fact, HPV infection is one of the main causes of cervical cancer, but not all infected people will develop cervical cancer. According to studies, more than 90% of HPV infections resolve spontaneously within 2 years, and only a small percentage of infections persist and gradually develop into cervical precancerous lesions and then further cervical cancer. Therefore, HPV infection itself is not the same as cervical cancer, but it is an important risk factor for cervical cancer.
Traditional Chinese medicine also has its own unique views on the prevention and treatment of HPV infection and cervical cancer. According to TCM theory, cervical cancer belongs to the category of "cancer" and is often referred to as "cancer miscellaneous disease" in TCM classics. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the importance of "yin and yang balance" and "qi circulation" in the human body, and believes that pathological factors such as dampness, heat, and congestion are important causes of cancer. Therefore, TCM emphasizes regulating the balance of yin and yang in the body and reducing the accumulation of pathological factors such as dampness, heat and congestion, so as to prevent and improve cervical cancer.
In traditional Chinese medicine, there are many ancient and modern prescriptions that can be used to treat cervical lesions and prevent cervical cancer. For example, the ancient medical master Wang Shuhe's "Fetal and Blood Activating Soup" can regulate cervical lesions, and Liu Qihuai's "Dampness and Blood Stasis Soup" can alleviate pathological conditions such as dampness, heat and congestion. At the same time, traditional Chinese medicine also emphasizes individualized methods, and formulates targeted programs according to each person's specific situation, including acupuncture, moxibustion, traditional Chinese medicine and other comprehensive applications.
To sum up, HPV infection is not limited to sexual transmission, and people who are not sexually active can also be infected with HPV. HPV infection does not necessarily cause cervical cancer, but HPV infection is one of the important risk factors for cervical cancer. Traditional Chinese medicine can prevent cervical lesions and cervical cancer by regulating the balance of yin and yang in the body and regulating pathological conditions such as dampness, heat, and congestion.
Health References:
1. schiffman m, wentzensen n, wacholder s, et al. human papillom**irus testing in the prevention of cervical cancer. j natl cancer inst. 2011;103(5):368-383.