Dr Doireann O’Leary has shared three tips to help clear up the HPV virus, and they are worth taking note of.
HPV may not be something that we like talking about, but it can have a serious impact if left untreated.
What is HPV?
HPV is the human papillomavirus, and it is a very common virus among sexually active people. In fact, it is estimated that around 80 per cent of people will contract it at some point in their lives, according to the Marie Keating Foundation.
According to the HSE, some strains of the virus can lead to cell changes and cancer, which is why it is so important to attend your regular cervical screenings or smear tests.
If you test positive, your same test sample will be checked to see if you have any abnormal or pre-cancerous cells in your cervix. If they are found, then you will have a colposcopy. This is a detailed examination of your cervix and it is when specialist doctor or nurse, known as a colposcopist, checks to confirm if cells in your cervix are abnormal. It also helps them decide if you need treatment to remove the cells.
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If HPV is not found during your smear test, you will not be checked for abnormal cells because your risk of developing cervical cancer is very low.
Irish doctor shares three ways to help clear the virus
According to Dr Doireann O’Leary, a Cork GP who shares medical advice for women across her social media platforms, there are three things that you can do to help clear both HPV and ‘low-grade cervical cell changes’.
A follower asked the doctor the question and was happy to share the helpful information.
1. Papilocare – This is an over-the-counter vaginal gel treatment, according to Dr O’Leary which increases rates of clearance of HPV and low-grade cell changes.’ It supports the cervical microbiome, helping your immune system to clear the virus.
2. The HPV vaccine – This can stop you from contracting the virus but it ‘can also help to clear’ it. You should ‘discuss this with your gynaecologist if you’re interested’ says Doireann.
3. Quitting smoking – According to the HSE, smoking actually increases the risk that HPV will cause cell abnormalities and reduces the chance of your body clearing HPV on its own. So, according to Dr Doireann, ‘this will definitely help you to clear the virus and cell changes.’
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‘As always, the queen bee of cervical cancer prevention is staying up to date with your cervical screening tests,’ Dr Doireann finished.
People thanked the doctor in the comments for sharing such accessible information about a topic that is often taboo. ‘Thanks for sharing. I have tested positive for the second time after previously clearing HPV in 2023,’ said one follower.
‘Wish you were my doctor! No body shared this with me and it would have been very helpful. Thank you for sharing the knowledge!’ said someone else.
Meanwhile, a third added a simple ‘thank you’ to the comments.
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