What is HPV?
HPV stands for “human papillomavirus” which is an infection that causes warts. There are over 100 different types of HPV virus types that cause warts on different body parts and can affect both women and men. This can vary from your hands to your feet to your genital area.
HPV is a common infection, and most HPV infections do not lead to cancer. In fact, in about 90% of cases the body is able to destroy all HPV within 24 months. However, there are a few known HPV types that cause cervical cancer. It should be noted that HPV types that lead to cancer are different from the ones that cause genital warts.
Depending on your age, some HPV types may be more common than others. Children are much more likely to be infected with “common warts”, whereas adults are more likely to be infected with “plantar warts”.
There were approximately 20 million people infected with HPV in the US in 2010. It is also the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD).
What are signs and symptoms of HPV?
Typically HPV is destroyed by the body before there are any clear signs or symptoms. However, when this is not the case, the HPV infection will cause warts to develop on body parts specific to the HPV type . For more information on types of warts follow this link:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hpvinfection/DS00906/DSECTION=symptoms
For the HPV types that cause cancer there are no clear signs (like warts or lesions). This is why it is important to get screened regularly.
What is the cause of HPV?
HPV is usually transmitted through skin to skin contact (typically through a cut or other opening). The types of HPV that cause cancer are sexually transmitted. This includes, but is not limited to, oral sex, anal sex and sexual intercourse. Also, although unlikely, mothers can infect their newborn babies during birth.
RISK FACTORS INCLUDE:
– Damaged skin and open wounds
– Weakened immune system
– Touching someone’s warts
– Age
– Number of sexual partners
What are ways to prevent HPV?
Many HPV types, such as ones causing common warts, are unavoidable. However, good hygiene, in general and for wounds, can help protect the body from infection.
For cancer causing HPV, there are a couple options:
1. Stay sexually monogamous:
Increasing the number of sexual partners increases your risk of being infected by cancer causing HPV.
2. Use latex condoms during sexual intercourse:
This can prevent some HPV types but not all!
3. Get the HPV Vaccine!
This is a vaccine that protects the body against most of the known cancer causing HPV types. More information can be found in the “What is the HPV vaccine?” section!
Additional Links:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hpv-infection/DS00906
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246670.php