How Can HPV Be Transmitted?
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HPV--The Source of Genital Warts
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Human papilloma viruses (HPV) are the source of genital warts. There are over 30 varieties, passed from individual to individual through sexual contact. The warts and the virus are superficially harmless, occasionally causing discomfort and raising an unappealing wart or cluster of warts on the genitals, but doing no other obvious harm. Unfortunately the viruses have been strongly connected with raised chances of getting cervical cancer and pre-cancerous lesions. It's therefore important to learn how to avoid contracting and passing the viruses.
HPV is an STD
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HPV pass through direct genital contact and through related secondary sexual activity. When the virus is carried from one genital area to another, it can serve to begin a new infection in its new site. Therefore the first methods of avoiding, passing, or contracting HPV is to avoid or control genital contact, or restrict sexual activity to partners who have tested free of the viruses. The primary methods of restricting contact are abstinence and the use of condoms. Abstinence is the superior method, but is not always possible or desirable. Condoms are effective but not fail safe.
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HPV Inoculations
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Fortunately an inoculation has been developed to immunize against four common types of HPV associated with cervical cancer: types 6, 11, 16 and 18. While there are more HPVs out there, and some are suspect, these are the primary candidates as contributing factors towards cervical cancer. The FDA has licensed the use of the inoculation in girls and young women between the ages of 9 and 26.
The inoculation is of no use after HPV has been contracted. It helps prevent, but does not cure. Therefore it is recommended that the shots be given to young women prior to the onset of sexual activity, or to women who have tested free of the virus. The inoculations are of great use, not only to protect individual woman--obviously the first consideration--but also to break the lines of connection that allow the virus to be passed on from one person to another. By damaging the vector, the spread of the diseases is reduced.
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