All About HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

The HPV wart virus affects approximately half of all people who are sexually active at some point in their lives. For the most part, those affected don't express any visible symptoms and the HPV virus will disappear on its own. However, some types of HPV can lead to certain types of cancer.

Some facts about HPV

HPV is an acronym for the human papillomavirus and there are over one hundred strains of the HPV virus. Each strain of the virus is classified as a number or type. The virus lives in the cells located in the skin's epithelial layer.

Of the over one hundred strains of HPV, approximately sixty strains can result in warts on the hands or feet. The other forty strains of HPV are transmitted through intimate relations and can result in genital warts.

How the HPV Virus is Transmitted

The sexually transmitted form of the HPV virus is transmitted by intimate skin, mucous, or bodily fluid contact with others who are infected with HPV. Sexually transmitted HPV can infect the skin in and around intimate areas. Use of birth control may not fully protect you from contracting HPV. Most people have no idea that they have contracted the virus and exhibit no symptoms, so they don't realize that they are transmitting the virus to their partners.

The Risk Levels of HPV

Not all forty strains of HPV that cause genital warts will result in serious health problems. HPV strains 16 and 18 have been linked to cervical cancers, while HPV strains 31, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52 and 58 can also carry serious health risks. On the other hand, HPV strains 6 and 11 are responsible for approximately ninety percent of genital warts and will rarely develop into cancer. Warts usually appear on the skin's surface weeks or months after exposure to an infected partner. If you notice a wart type growth in the genital area consult your doctor.

How Common is HPV?

Approximately twenty million people in America can have a form of HPV at any given time. Also, 3/4 of people who are sexually active and between the ages 16 and 50 may have contracted the virus at some time in their lives.

Who is More Susceptible of Contracting the HPV Virus?

• Those who are sexually active at an early age
• Those who have multiple partners
• Those who are intimate with someone who has had multiple partners in the past

HPV can affect men and women of all ages and backgrounds. For example:

• 30% percent of women ages 14 to 59 have contracted HPV
• 20% of women 49 to 59 are infected with the HPV virus
• 30% of women 20 to 25 are infected with HPV virus
• 45% of women 15 to 19 are infected with HPV virus

HPV Infection

Usually, there are no physical symptoms of HPV and the body will eliminate the virus on its own over the course of a couple of years. Most people never know they had the HPV virus. As a matter of fact, scientific research has found that about ninety percent of women with HPV exhibit no signs of the virus within 2 years.

Reducing Your Risk of Contracting HPV

The only certain way to avoid the risk of contracting HPV is to avoid sexual activity altogether. However, you can reduce your risk by reducing the number of partners you have and by choosing a partner who has had limited partners. Also, long term monogamous relationships are a proven way to lower risk.

HPV Wart Treatment

If you believe you have contracted the HPV virus and are showing visible signs or symotoms of warts please consult your doctor for HPV wart treatment alternatives.

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