Xiao Hu (a pseudonym), 29, was diagnosed with high-grade cervical lesions during a physical.
The doctor told her that this was caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), and if left untreated, it could develop into cervical cancer.
Xiao Hu was stunned. She had heard of HPV but always thought it had nothing to do with her. She never imagined she had been secretly being targeted by the virus for years.
Xiao Hu's experience is not uncommon. Most sexually active people worldwide will be infected with HPV at least once in their lives. But why do some people survive while others develop lesions? The reasons are more complex.
1. The cunning of the virus: High-risk HPV works in secret
There are over a hundred types of HPV, most of which are merely "acne-causing" and insignificant.
But high-risk types (types 16 and 18) are extremely insidious.
They infiltrate our cells, disrupting our genes and causing them to divide endlessly instead of dying obediently. If the human body is a city, then high-risk HPV is like a hacker, invading the system, disabling security programs, and allowing bad cells to flourish.
2. The Body's Defenses: Immunity is Key
For most people, the immune system clears HPV within a few months.
But if there's a breach in the body's defenses, the virus can remain dormant for a long time, slowly causing disease.
People with weakened immune systems (due to prolonged late nights, high stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption) are more susceptible to infection.
Comorbidities (other inflammatory conditions, recurrent infections, early childbearing, multiple births, and long-term use of hormonal contraceptives) increase the risk.
The longer the infection persists, the more dangerous it is.
Simply put: HPV is the driving force; what really drives the disease forward is our own immune system and lifestyle.
3. Social Silence: Ignorance and Shame Affect It
Many people believe HPV is "other people's" problem, something they won't encounter;
Many are embarrassed to get screened, fearing misunderstandings;
And some don't even understand the role of the HPV vaccine. As a result, lesions that could have been detected and resolved at a reversible stage are delayed until the cancer stage.
4. The Real Solution
Vaccination: It covers the most dangerous virus types and is the most effective protection.
Regular screening: Pap smears and HPV DNA tests can detect lesions early.
A scientific mindset: HPV is very common and there's no need for panic or shame. Just like the flu, knowing about it and preventing it can significantly reduce your risk.
5. What can I eat to help fight HPV?
Vaccines and screening are key, but diet and lifestyle also play a role in boosting immunity.
✅ Common "HPV-friendly" foods:
Dark green vegetables (spinach, kale, broccoli): Rich in folate and vitamin C, which help repair DNA damage.
Carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes: Rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A, which help maintain healthy epithelial cells.
Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, and grapefruit): Vitamin C provides antioxidant benefits and boosts immunity.
Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage): Contain indole-3-carbinol, which is believed to protect against abnormal cervical epithelial cells.
Garlic and onions: Rich in natural anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
Green tea: Contains tea polyphenols, which help inhibit viral replication.
Nuts and seeds (walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds): Rich in vitamin E and selenium, which are beneficial for immune function.
❌ Foods and habits to avoid:
High-sugar, fried, and processed foods: They weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to eliminate the virus.
Excessive drinking and smoking: They accelerate persistent HPV infection and progression.
๐ก Final Note:
The true cause of HPV lesions isn't simply "infection"; it's the result of a complex interplay of forces: the virus, the body, and society.
By understanding the truth and breaking the silence, you've taken the first step toward protecting yourself.
