Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of several (over 100) viruses, which 30 are sexually transmitted. It is a sexually transmitted infection, and one of the most common. These viruses can infect both women and men. Areas of infection can include the penis and surrounding skin, the vulva, cervix, lining of the vagina, rectum, or anus.

Why have I not heard of HPV?

HPV is not a new virus. Many people don’t know about it or haven’t heard of it. HPV can go away on its own, and not cause any major health problems.

Who can get HPV?

Anyone that has genital contact can get HPV. Both men and women can get it. Both can pass it on without even knowing it.

Is HPV Common?

Unfortunately, yes it is. It is said that about 20 million people are currently infected with HPV. About 50% of people that are active sexually obtain genital HPV at some point.

How can you get an HPV infection?

HPV is acquired by genital contact. Genital contact includes genital- genital, genital-anus, and sometime (but very rarely) oral. Most HPV infections show no signs, so it is easy to transfer to another partner. Most people are unaware they are even infected.

What are some signs of HPV?

Generally, most people don’t know they are infected. There are usually no signs, though some do get genital warts or have pap tests that detect pre-cancerous changes. Genital warts are very contagious, and generally described as Cauliflower looking, or mole shaped swellings. Diagnosed by visual inspection, Genital warts can be treated. Some treatments include applying medication, or health care administered procedures (typically cryosurgery, electrocautery, or laser treatment).

Is there a known cure for HPV?

There is no known “cure”. The infection typically goes away on its own in most cases.

What makes my chances great of getting HPV?

• Having sex at an earlier age.
• Having multiple sex partners.
• Having a sex partner that has many other partners.

How can I protect myself of getting HPV?

Several pre-cautionary measures can be taken to prevent HPV, such as:

• Refraining from genital contact (abstinence)
• Reduce the number of sexual partners
• Monogamous relationships
• Using latex condoms as protect

I’ve heard about a HPV vaccine? What is it and how does it work?

The HPV vaccine is called Gardasil. It works by mimicking the disease, and thus creates resistance against it. It is NOT a (live or dead) virus. It has shown to be safe, with minor side effects such as fever or redness and irritation on the skin where the shot was administered. The vaccine is 95% effective against certain strains of HPV.

Who should get the HPV vaccination?

The vaccine has been approved for females between the ages of 9-26. It is recommended to receive the shot prior to becoming sexually active.

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

Sources:
http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/healthscience/healthtopics/human_papillomavirus/li nks.htm http://www.cdc.gov/STD/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm
http://www.fda.gov/WOMENS/getthefacts/hpv.html