Human papilloma virus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses. Some types can lead to cancer. Men and women can get cancer of mouth/ throat, and anus/rectum caused by HPV infections. Men can also get penile HPV cancer. In women, HPV infection can also cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar HPV cancers. But there are vaccines that can prevent infection with the types of HPV most likely to cause cancer.

Types of HPV

HPV types are often referred to as "low-risk" (warts) or "high-risk" (cancer), based on whether they put a person at risk for cancer. In 90% of cases, the body's immune system clears the HPV infection naturally within two years. This is true of both high-risk and low-risk types.

Transmission

HPV is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus.

Prevention

Vaccines can protect males and females against some of the most common types of HPV that can lead to disease and cancer. These vaccines are given in three shots.

Treatment

There is no treatment for the virus itself, but there are treatments for the diseases that HPV can cause:

• Visible genital warts can be removed by the patient him or herself with prescribed medications. They can also be treated by a healthcare provider.
• Cervical precancer can be treated. Women who get routine Pap tests and follow up as needed can identify problems before cancer develops.

See also

• Cervical cancer
• Genital warts
• HPV vaccine
• Pap test

Human papilloma virus Resources
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