HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
HPV is the most common viral STI ( Sexually Transmitted Infection). Currently three out of five sexually active persons are infected. It is also known as genital warts. This virus is one that infects the skin and mucous membranes, including those in and surrounding the genital area. There are 40 different types of HPV strains that infect the genital tract. About a dozen of those strains can eventually lead to cervical cancer.
Symptoms:
As with all STIs, symptoms may not be present, but you or your partner may still be infected and infecting others.
- People may develop genital warts that may be present on the vulva, in or around the vagina or anus, on the cervix, and on the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh.
- However, the cancer causing strains of HPV normally have no symptoms.
How it is Spread:
HPV is spread in two ways
- Through skin to skin contact
- Through sex play and sexual intercourse (anal, oral, and vaginal).
Side Effects:
In the last year more women died from cervical cancer caused by HPV than all the deaths caused by AIDS. HPV can also be passed to a child while passing through the birth canal.
Treatment:
There is no cure for HPV. The warts can be treated but there is no guarantee that they won't return.
How to Avoid:
Abstinence until a single, life-long, committed, and monogamous relationship is the only sure way to avoid being infected. If you are married, stay faithful. If you are sexually active, stop and get tested.
Sources:
Center of Disease Control and Prevention
The Medical Institute
The World Health Organization