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Human Papilloma Virus
HPV- What Is HPV?
HPV is the short name of Human Papilloma Virus. This is a group of viruses with more than one hundred varieties. The HPV viruses that cause genital problems are called genital HPV. About 30 types of HPV are sexually transmitted.
HPV can cause genital warts and cervical cancer in women.The type that causes genital warts is different to the type that causes cervical cancer.
In men, HPV can cause genital warts.
HPV Symptoms
The most common symptom of HPV infection is genital warts. Some warts may be very small and skin colored and may be missed totally. These warts form around the genitals in both men and women. Read more about genital warts.
HPV Treatment
There is no sure cure for HPV infection. You may become a carrier of HPV for life. Persistent HPV infection with high-risk virus may cause cervical cancer in women. A pap test will tell you about the extent to which your cervix may be damaged. Even if your pap test is clear, you may be infected with HPV because HPV may not have affected your cervix. A HPV test done along with pap test will give best information about the status.
In men HPV causes genital warts. These warts have to be removed. HPV does not cause a life threatening disease in men.
HPV Prevention
Having sexual relations with a single partner who is HPV-free is the only way to avoid HPV infection. Condoms provide protection but genital skin not covered by a condom can spread the virus.
Article created on: September 19, 2009
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