What is the HPV virus in women?

HPV is human papillomavirus. Common clinical subtypes such as HPV type 6 and 11 are low-risk types that can cause skin changes, while HPV types 16 and 18 are high-risk types that are more harmful and can seriously cause cervical cancer. Low-risk HPV infections in women can occur on the face, hands, soles of the feet and genital organs. The lesions on the face and hands are called common warts, the lesions on the soles of the feet are called plantar warts, and more commonly, warts on the genitals. Condyloma acuminatum mainly occurs on the clitoris, labia majora and minora, vagina, and even around the cervix and anus. It starts as a small red papule and increases in size as the disease progresses, turning into a cauliflower-shaped or papilla-like growth with a white, red or gray color. High-risk HPV infection in women can cause cervical erosion and even cervical cancer. Therefore, if a woman is found to have HPV infection, she should undergo a gynecological examination to confirm whether it is a low-risk or high-risk infection, and if it is a high-risk infection, she should undergo colposcopy to clarify the extent of cervical lesions and then undergo targeted treatment. In addition, women can prevent HPV-related diseases by getting HPV preventive vaccine to block HPV infection. Also, women should pay attention to perineal hygiene and avoid high-risk sexual behavior to reduce the chance of HPV infection.