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. In men, HPV can cause genital warts. Some of the HPV types are called as high-risk viruses because they can cause cervical cancer in women.



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 in men and women.

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. If the virus has not infected the cervix and is only on the outer genitals, removing the genital warts can treat it. But removing the warts does not make you HPV free. You should get tested regularly.

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.

This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.