HPV

Genital human papillomavirus or HPV causes genital warts and can be transmitted sexually from one partner to another. It is in fact the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).It is so common that some experts suggest that every sexually active person may get infected with it at some point in their life, even if they have had sex with only one partner. However, the probability of contracting HPV increases proportionally with an increase in promiscuity. Age may also play a part in HPV infection since young adults are at higher risk for the infection for most types of HPV. The virus can also enter the body through cuts in the skin or wounds, or touching someone else’s warts without protection.

Sexual Contact and HPV

As many as 40 types of HPV can affect both men and women, leading to ailments such as genital warts and sometimes, cancer. It is generally caused by genital to genital contact, that is, vaginal or anal intercourse. Instances of people getting infected through oral sex have also been reported.

HPV and Health Problems

HPV infection can be high or low risk. In some cases it may cause genital warts and in others it may not have any visible symptoms. High risk HPV infection can lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina and the anus in women, while in men it can cause cancer in the penis and the anus. Another very serious condition associated with HPV is recurrent respiratory papillomatosis where warts grow in the throat. This infection may also occur in children if it is passed on from mother to child at birth. In this disease, warts in the airways may cause discomfort in breathing. Importantly though, the types of HPV that cause warts are generally not the same as the types that cause cancer.

Treatment and Prevention 

If you develop genital warts, your doctor will be able to remove the warts with relative ease. As for the threat of cancer, pap smears in women can determine whether there are malignant changes in cervix or the vagina or not. HPV vaccines are also available that can help guard against an infection.