Sharing washing machines and toilets can actually lead to HPV infection?

Cervical cancer is too cunning.

It has a low profile and likes to sneak in without making any noise;

It is adept at ambushes and is extremely patient, sometimes even lurking for decades.

Cervical cancer is too scary.

Globally, more than 200,000 women die from cervical cancer every year; in my country, there are 131,500 new cases every year.

99% of cervical cancers are related to a virus, which is persistent infection with high-risk HPV.

Therefore, in order to protect ourselves, we need to fight the HPV virus with wisdom and courage.

Some people may ask, how can we prevent cervical cancer?

Some people even worry whether they will be infected with the HPV virus if splashed by toilet water?

Let’s answer these questions one by one today.

1

Will I get cervical cancer if I get splashed by toilet water?

When we go out, we can't avoid using public toilets. If we are accidentally splashed with dirty water in the toilet, not only will we feel disgusted, but we will also have to worry about whether we will be infected with the HPV virus.

Speaking of which, HPV virus may indeed exist in toilet water and may be contagious, but the probability is very low. If you are accidentally splashed by toilet water, you can clean your genitals with warm water in time.

Of course, low-probability events do occur. There have been news reports before that some people may be infected with HPV by being splashed by toilet water.

So just in case, try not to use a "dirty and messy" bathroom when you go out. Regardless of whether the toilet looks clean or not, it is recommended to flush it before use.

2

Will I get cervical cancer if I share a washing machine?

Not long ago, a student became a hot topic for being suspected of being infected with HPV because of using a public washing machine.

Generally speaking, the possibility of spreading HPV when using public washing machines is extremely low.

Because HPV virus can be killed by most disinfectants. Soapy water and chlorine-containing disinfectants can easily kill HPV virus. Therefore, the chance of HPV transmission through washing machines will be smaller.

Of course, to be on the safe side, try not to share a washing machine with other people.

3

Can public swimming pools or toilets transmit cervical cancer?

If a toilet seat is used by a patient infected with HPV and is not disinfected, the virus may be transmitted to the next user.

In a public swimming pool, if you sit in a tub contaminated with HPV and your hands touch an area contaminated with the virus, and you happen to have a scratch on your body, it is possible that the virus will be transmitted, but the chance is very small.

The probability of contracting HPV through the above behaviors is very small, so the probability of contracting cervical cancer is even smaller. Because cervical cancer is mainly caused by persistent high-risk HPV virus infection, it is not so easy to get infected. There is no need to be paranoid about this kind of transient infection. If you are really worried, you can take disinfectant with you when going out, disinfect when necessary, or cover the surface of the skin contact with a tissue.

In addition to persistent infection with high-risk HPV, there are some other inducing factors for cervical cancer, so our female compatriots also need to pay attention.

1

Having sex too early and having multiple sexual partners

Having multiple sexual partners, unclean sexual life, frequent pregnancies and miscarriages can damage the vaginal and cervical mucosa and increase the chance of HPV infection.

2

Smokers and drug addicts

Nicotine, cotinine and other harmful substances in cigarettes lead to reduced cervical immunity; tobacco metabolites can cause cervical cell mutations, thereby inducing cervical cancer.

3

Will I get cervical cancer if I get splashed by toilet water?

Women with chronic uterine diseases, such as cervical polyps, chronic uterine inflammation, cervical warts, etc., have an increased risk of cervical cancer.

Therefore, women should pay attention to maintaining a regular, healthy and hygienic sex life, not too early or too frequent, especially during menstruation and postpartum period. In daily life, they should quit smoking, exercise more, and improve the body's immunity and anti-cancer ability.

Cervical cancer does not develop all at once. It is the persistent high-risk HPV infection that may cause cancer. This process may take several years or even decades. In addition, there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages of cervical cancer. Therefore, it is important to prevent this disease and screen early.

In July 2020, the American Cancer Society issued the latest cervical cancer screening guidelines:

Between the ages of 25 and 65, primary HPV testing should be done every 5 years, combined screening every 5 years, or cytology every 3 years.[2]

my country's cervical cancer screening guidelines recommend that women who have had sex after the age of 25 undergo cervical cancer screening once a year. Timely detection and timely treatment.

Currently, HPV vaccines can effectively prevent more than 70%-90% of cervical cancer, and it is recommended that women of appropriate age receive HPV vaccines as early as possible. However, regardless of whether or not you receive the vaccine, you still need to undergo regular HPV screening.

If HPV vaccination is the primary prevention of cervical cancer, cervical cancer screening is the secondary prevention. A two-pronged approach will have a better preventive effect.

Author: Lina

Source: Doctor Youlai