Information About HPV
Human papillomavirus typically infects the skin and mucous membranes. These viruses are most well-known for their ability to be transmitted sexually and cause genital warts.
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Types
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 40 types of HPV that are typically transmitted sexually. According to the International Journal of Cancer, HPV types 16, 18, 31 and 45 are considered high-risk types because they are the most likely to cause cervical cancer.
Frequency
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most of the sexually active population in the U.S. will acquire HPV at some point. Approximately one percent of these people will have genital warts at any time.
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Symptoms
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People with HPV normally don't exhibit any symptoms and genital warts are the most common symptoms. HPV can also cause cancers of the anus and genitals in rare cases.
Diagnosis
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Most cases of HPV are diagnosed clinically, based on the appearance of the genital warts. A screening test may also performed in women when a Pap smear shows cervical cells with abnormal characteristics.
Transmission
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HPV is almost always transmitted sexually, often without either partner knowing. In addition to being asymptomatic in many cases, HPV can remain infectious for years after the last outbreak of genital warts.
Prevention/Solution
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a vaccine called Gardasil is effective in preventing the HPV infections most likely to cause genital warts and cervical cancer. This vaccine is recommended for females who are 11 and 12 years of age.
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