What Is HPV
Human papillomavirus is a group of viruses that can cause warts or other cell growths. There are more then 100 different strains of the HPV virus. The foot and hand warts for example are caused by a strain of the HPV virus.
More than 30 of these HPV strains are sexually transmitted and affect the genital areas. Sexually transmitted HPV is a wide spread very common virus and most people infected with the HPV virus never even know it. Some of these HPV strains can cause genital warts, while others may cause cell changes in a woman’s cervix. HPV is transmitted by genital contact.
There are 3 classifications to risk of the HPV strains. Low, Moderate, and High Risk. Low risk strains of the HPV virus can result in genital warts. Genital warts are visible growths on the on the genitals and can sometimes have a cauliflower look to them or appear as small skin tags around the genital areas and anus.
 Moderate or high risk HPV strains are much more serious for the person infected with the HPV virus. Moderate or high Risk HPV can lead to cervical cancer if the infection persists and is left alone untreated. Occasionally the infection can clear on its own. If abnormal cell growth caused by the HPV infection is apparent your doctor can remove this and monitor it with repeat visits.
HPV is commonly known as a women’s disease because of the risks of cervical cancer. There is no test for men to determine if they have the HPV infection. The only sign or symptom a man may have the HPV virus is if there are warts or lesions in his genital area.
There is no cure for HPV but it can be prevented with a vacination if done early. The controversial Gaurdisil vacination is available for girls and women 9 to 26. The vaccine can prevent some of the strains that cause genital warts and cervical cancer. Gaurdisil vacination will not treat the virus if already in the body, but it can protect against other strains you may not have.
