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HPV
Sexually
transmitted diseases (STD) are at an epidemic level world-
wide. Human
papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common of all
STDs. There are20 million reported cases of HPV in the
United States alone and over 6 million new cases per year.
The Center for Disease Control estimates there are
millions of HPV infected men and women that are not
reported. This problem is due to the fact that some people
that are infected are unaware of the infection, because of
the lack of signs or symptoms of HPV.
Low-risk
HPV types 6 and 11 are the cause of noncancerous common
warts such as those found on the hands of children, which
usually disappear on their own. High-risk HPV types such
as 16 and 18 are usually found when cancer of the cervix,
vagina and vulva are present.
High-risk
HPV infections may be found during a (Pap test) when
abnormal cells are present there is a risk of cancer.
Women that have multiple sexual partners should be tested
once a year for HPV. Each time you are sexually active
with a new partner you are not only exposing yourself to
them, but you are exposed to every sexual partner they
have been with for the past 5 years.
It is
not uncommon for a man to be infected with HPV up to 5
years without any signs or symptoms therefore they may be
infecting every partner that they are sexually active
with. Cancers caused by HPV in men are usually found on
the penis, anus, and scrotum. Men that are sexually active
with multiple partners should see their health care
provider once a year to be checked for STDs. Genital warts
may be in areas that are not visible to the patient.
After
becoming infected with HPV genital warts will appear
within 3 weeks to 6months. The warts are usually soft pink
or flesh colored some warts will appear as a raised bump
while others are flat and small to large in size some.
Some warts may also appear that resemble a cluster of
cauliflower like bumps.
If you
think that you have been exposed to HPV call your health
care provider immediately for an appointment.
Never try
over the counter or Herb HPV treatments without talking to
your health care provider first, you could cause
irreversible damage.
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