HPV Transmission

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the world. There are over 20 million reported cases in the United States alone with more than 6 million newly reported cases per year.

The Center for Disease Control estimates that the number for HPV transmission could be double the 20 million. The reason for the discrepancy is due to the fact that in some cases it may take up to 5 years for any signs or symptoms to become obvious therefore these cases go unreported.

If you fell that you have been exposed to HPV infection call your health care provider immediately.

Signs and symptoms may appear within 3 weeks to 6 months after becoming infected with HPV.

Genital warts will appear pink or flesh colored moist and soft to the touch, they may be flat or a raise bump small to large in size the wart may also resemble a small cluster of cauliflower –like growths.  Genital warts will appear on a woman’s vulva and cervix, inside or surrounding the vagina and anus. Men will find the warts will appear on the scrotum or penis warts may also appear on the groin and thighs.  In some rare cases HPV transmission can take place in the mouth and throat as well.

Penetration does not have to take place for a person to become infected with HPV skin to skin contact with an infected genital area will also cause HPV transmission.

Health care providers will tell a patient that they need to use a condom while being sexually active, but this does not insure that you will not be infected with HPV. A condom is not a guarantee against all HPV infection because all of the infected genital area may not be covered therefore there is a chance for HPV transmission.

Cervical cancer kills thousands of women world-wide each year the cancer is caused by high risk HPV types 16 and 18. HPV types 16 and 18 can cause a number of cancers in both men and women.

Women that have multiple sexual partners need to see their health care providers once a year for a (Pap test) so they can detect any abnormal cell changes that might be cancerous.

Men with multiple sexual partners should also see their health care provider once a year to be examined for any STDs. The health care provider may find genital warts that are not visible to the patient.

HPV transmission is at an epidemic level world-wide therefore we need to protect ourselves with more knowledge on the subject.