What is it?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus spread through sexual contact that can cause various types of warts, most commonly, genital warts. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and diseases. There are over 100 types of the infection, some of the types cause warts, while others cause different types of cancer.

Where are the Warts Located?

Warts caused from HPV can show up on a person’s mouth, hands, feet, and on genitals and the surrounding areas.

Can anyone contract HPV?

HPV sometimes can go undetected; sometimes people have no signs or symptoms, or even mild symptoms. It is always important to remember that the infection is very contagious.

Who is at Risk for Infection?

People who are at risk for the spread of the infection are:

• Those who use unsafe sex practices. For many, those who have unprotected sex. Also those who have multiple partners and who have a partner who has also had multiple partners as well. The higher number of partners, the more the risk is increased.
• Those who become sexually active at a young age. It is more likely that a younger person can become infected because of their sexual contact early on which may mean they might be more likely to have more sex partners. Younger people may also be more likely to contract the infection because their immune systems are not as strong as older people.
• Those who have weak immune systems.
• Those who have sexual contact within not only the genitals, but also the anal area, the mouth, and those who share sexual toys.

What are the continuing effects of HPV?

Human papillomavirus can cause certain forms of cancer. This includes cancers of the cervix, genitals, anus, mouth and throat. HPV also can cause a change in the cervix and also can leave scars from the warts.

What can I do to get rid of HPV?

Currently, there is no cure for HPV. The infections and warts can go away within two years if gone untreated, although they can also return. If the infection and warts are treated by a doctor, the warts can be removed or treated, causing the warts to disappear much faster than if nothing was done at all. The virus will remain within a person’s body with or without treatment.

What are some ways to stop the spread of HPV?

There are approximately 25 million people in the United States with HPV, and an unknown number who are not even aware that they have the virus/infection. There are many ways to avoid and prevent the spread of HPV.

Both men and women should be tested regularly for sexual transmitted infections and diseases, especially when changing sex partners. Also, if a sexual partner happens to have HPV and/or genital warts, avoid contact with that person in the infected area when an outbreak occurs until after it has been treated or healed. The best way possible is to only have one disease-free partner or to not have sexual contact with someone who has the virus or any sexually transmitted disease.

Learn more about ways to boost your immune system naturally here.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/hw-popup/human-papillomavirus-hpv
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hpv-infection/DS00906/DSECTION=1
http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/hpv-genital-warts/tc/genital-warts-human-papillomavirus-topic-overview
http://health.discovery.com/encyclopedias/illnesses.html?chrome=None&article=2029&page=1