What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus or HPV is a kind of virus which infects the skin and mucous membrane of humans. Men and women are afflicted with this infection, however, women are more prone in getting affected. HPV infection is often implicated with cervical cancer in women that is why awareness on its nature, symptoms and treatments should be disseminated to more people. This will help prevent the spread of this deadly HPV virus .

HPV virus strains are either low risk or high risk. Low risk HPV virus are strains that are benign or does not cause cancer. High risk HPV virus eventually leads to cervical cancer in women and other cancers such as cancer of the vagina, anus, vulva and penis.

A major contributor to HPV infection is having sex at an early stage and having many sexual partners that may be affected with the virus. Risks can be avoided by refraining from having sex or being in a monogamous relationship. Although this is still not a 100% protection, every individual should undergo yearly or quarterly annual physical examinations to ensure that he/she is free from HPV infection .

For more articles about HPV infection, visit: myhealthguides.net/topics/human-papillomavirus-hpv/

HPV Warts

A human papillomavirus or HPV infection is difficult to detect. However, the most recognizable sign of this infection are HPV warts. HPV genital warts are the most common occurrence and are transferred by skin-to-skin contact with an infected partner most especially during sexual intercourse. Other areas that may have warts are the hands, mouth and inside of the fingers’ skin. HPV warts in women are seen inside and outside of the vagina, in the cervix or in the anus. For men, it occurs on the penis, scrotum or anus.

Since HPV warts are very small in size, doctors often use magnifying lens to identify it. The characteristics of these HPV genital warts are that some are raised or flat, some are tiny while some form in large clusters that spread in the genital area. Warts that are flat and small in number do not hurt and an individual may not notice it at all. Usually, detection comes from a consultation with a doctor for routine check up.

Some of the general treatments of HPV genital warts may be done through application of topical creams, electrocautery or burning of warts and freezing of warts using liquid nitrogen.


For more articles on HPV Facts, visit: myhealthguides.net/topics/human-papillomavirus-hpv/important-hpv-facts-to-know