Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease affecting both men and women. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC) HPV has over 100 strains, 30 of them are sexually transmitted. Out of the 30 sexually transmitted strains, there are high risk and low risk types. High risk types can cause abnormal Pap tests and may also lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis. Low risk types are mostly responsible for genital warts. It is common for HPV to have no signs and symptoms. A common symptom is genital warts. The warts can be big, small, raised or flat, and there can be many or just one. The CDC states that approximately 20 million people are currently infected with HPV. At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women acquire genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. By age 50, at least 80 percent of women will have acquired genital HPV infection. About 6.2 million Americans get a new genital HPV infection each year.

HPV is commonly diagnosed through abnormal Pap test. A Pap test screens for cervical cancer. The CDC also states there are four HPV types, which together cause 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts. They go on to say that approximately 10 of the 30 identified genital HPV types can lead to the development of cervical cancer. A Pap test is the only way to detect pre-cancerous and cancerous cells. The American Cancer Society estimated in 2004, that about 10,520 women would develop invasive cervical cancer and about 3,900 women would die from the disease.

In order to reduce one’s risk for HPV it is necessary to avoid genital contact with another individual. If one chooses to be sexually active they should always practice safe-sex; this includes wearing latex condoms. It is also very important for women to get regular Pap tests if they are sexually active.

AD and TJ