What is HPV?

Human Pavillovmavirus (HPV) is a condition that is not fully understood by most men, but the fact that it is becoming more and more prominent in men is good enough reason to start educating yourself on this condition, especially if you are a man over the age of 55.

This condition is found in the oral cavity and is occurring more and more in men over 55. Currently, it is estimated that 10 percent of American men have this condition. And, alarmingly, mouth and throat cancer cases directly related to this condition have increased by about 200 percent over the last 15 years. Sadly, most men that have this condition are not even aware of the fact they have it until it is too late.

HPV Symptoms

As mentioned above, the symptoms of this condition can be tricky to spot, mostly because they are deep in the throat, but there are a few things you can keep an eye out for that could help you catch the condition before it is too late:

·Sore throat

·Hoarse cough

·Lumps on throat

·Lumps on neck

·Lumps on base of tongue

·Difficulty eating and/or swallowing

·Unexpected weight loss

Primary Cause of HPV

While doctors still seem to be just a bit baffled as to exact causes of this condition, they are focusing on oral sex activity. In recent years, they have seen an influx of this condition in men from 14 to 44 who indulged in oral sexual activities, which leads them to believe this could be at the root of the sudden surge.

Preventing HPV

There are several ways to help prevent this condition:

·Using condoms or rubber dams

·Using a daily oral rinse with peroxide incorporated into it

·The CDC recommends a Gardasil vaccination

·Seeing your dentist for routine oral cancer screenings once a year (at a minimum) as well as having a thorough examination of your throat and tongue

While this condition can cause severe problems, the good news is that if it is caught early enough, there is a very good chance of full recovery. Because the symptoms are often hidden, though, it will take some due diligence on your part to ensure you are not falling victim to HPV.

If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it does not make you a hypochondriac to insist your doctor or physician check you for this condition. Trust me, they will appreciate you being proactive and will be more than happy to do all relevant tests so they can give you a clean bill of health.

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