HPV Facts

There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV); the virus can attack the skin in the form of warts. When the warts infect the genital, anal and penis areas they are considered a sexually transmitted disease (STD).  When an HPV infection takes place in these areas they can also cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, penis and anus.

HPV facts state that human papillomavirus HPV is very common in fact 1 out of 5 people in the United States will become infected with the virus at some point in their life.

The HPV virus is transmitted through all sexual activity such as vaginal, anal, oral or skin to skin contact with an infected genital area. 

 Genital warts that cause HPV will appear flat or bump like and flesh colored, they may also look like a small cluster of cauliflower.  When an HPV out breaks takes place warts will appear on the vulva, cervix, penis, scrotum, rectum and thigh areas.

 Human papillomavirus is known as the silent sexually transmitted disease, due to the HPV fact someone can be infected for at least 5 years before any signs or symptoms are visible. This lack of HPV facts can cause the infected person to pass the virus to every partner that they become sexually active with. Each time a new sexual partner comes into your life, you are not only exposed to any STD that they might have, you are also exposed to all of their sexual partners over the last 5 years.

There are more than 20 million people infected with HPV and other STDs in the United States and growing by 25 thousand per year.  It is more important than ever for men and women that are sexually active with multiple partners to be tested for STDs once a year.

Women that are sexually active with multiple partners need to see their health care provider and have a (Pap test) once a year to avoid having cervical cancer.

Practicing safe sex by using a condom is recommended, but they are not guaranteed because all of the HPV infected genital and anal areas may not be covered and the condom may be defective.