The genital human papillomavirus, called HPV, is a common type of sexually transmitted disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 6 million people are infected yearly with this disease. HPV is a group of different viruses that may cause additional conditions such as genital warts and cancer. There is no cure for the infection, but the body normally eliminates the virus after a few years.
Causes
Human papillomavirus is transferred by skin-to-skin contact between people. The genital form of the virus is transferred during oral, vaginal or anal sexual intercourse. The virus may spread even if the infected person has no symptoms of an active infection.
Risk Factors
Unprotected sexual intercourse is the easiest way to get an HPV infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, females younger than 25 are more likely to have the infection diagnosed during a routine pap screen. Young men are also at a greater risk, but there is no test for HPV in males. People with multiple sexual partners increase their chance of contracting the virus. People with a lowered immune system also have a greater chance of catching HPV.
Symptoms
Many people infected with HPV have no symptoms. The virus may cause visible symptoms, such as genital warts and cancer. The genital warts appear alone or in groups. The warts may be flat, raised or look like cauliflower. They may cause pain or be unsightly but do not pose a health threat. HPV may cause cervical, vulvar, anal, vaginal or penile cancer. These cancers may have no symptoms associated with them until in advanced stages. The cancer may appear as a discoloration in the skin or as a tumor.
Treatment
There is no treatment for the HPV itself, but the conditions caused by the virus are sometimes treatable. Treating the conditions doesn't get rid of the HPV infection. Genital warts may be treated medically with treatments such as creams, acid, surgery and electricity. The warts may be left alone. Treatment for cancer may include surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
Prevention
Some factors may help in preventing an HPV infection. Limiting sexual partners, practicing safe sex by using condoms and taking the HPV vaccine all help prevent HPV. The vaccine available is administered to adolescent females around age 11 or 12. The vaccine helps prevent genital warts and cervical cancers. The same vaccine administered to young males helps prevent genital warts.
