What is HPV?
HPV stands for the Human papillomavirus.
The Bad News:
There are many different types of the HPV virus and because HPV is a very common virus, chances are you will contract some form of HPV in your lifetime.
The Good News:
For most, the HPV virus will clear up on its own. There are no signs or symptoms and the virus is usually harmless.
What you need to know:
All types of the HPV virus can persist. Some types are considered "high risk" and "low risk" and can cause:
- Genital and anal warts - In women warts can appear on the vulva, urethra, cervix, vagina, anus or thighs; in men, warts can appear on the penis, scrotum, anus or thighs.
- Pre-cancerous lesions and cancer in the cervix, anus and other genital areas.
The HPV virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during a sexual encounter, even if there is no penetration. It is a bit like transmitting bacteria through your hands, most people who come in contact with your bacteria do not get sick and there are no signs or symptoms from this encounter.
Is there more than one type of HPV?
There are more than 100 different types of HPV viruses. Some types of HPV can cause common skin warts and plantar warts (warts on the soles of the feet).
There are over 40 types of HPV that are sexually transmitted and can affect the area on or between the genitals and the anus. Of these, only fifteen (15) types are considered "high risk" types of HPV.
How is HPV spread?
HPV can infect anyone who has ever had a sexual encounter even without penetration. The most common way to spread HPV is by skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity with the penis, scrotum, vagina, vulva, or anus of an infected person. Kissing or touching someone's genitals with the mouth can also transmit HPV.
Using a condom is an excellent protection against sexually transmitted infections. Because condoms do not cover all your skin around the genitals and anus, it does not guarantee complete protection against HPV. The virus can be transmitted from an area of the skin that is not covered by the condom. Clearly, the more sexual partners you have, the higher the risk of contracting HPV.
The truth is – the HPV virus is very common and very contagious but usually causes no problem. In most cases you will have no symptoms and the HPV virus will go away without you knowing you have it, and without any type of treatment.
There is a BUT ... Certain types of the HPV virus are "high risk" and can lead to cervical cancer – You have to know about this and know what to do about it.
