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What Is the Meaning of HPV?

HPV is an acronym that stands for human papillomavirus. There are thought to be over 100 different types of the virus, which is transmitted sexually, according to Womenshealthlondon.org.

  1. Definition

    • HPV is the most common type of sexually transmitted infection in the United States, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Genital HPV consists of 40 types that can cause genital warts or cervical cancer, or can have no noticeable effects at all.

    Transmission

    • Genital HPV is transmitted through sexual or genital contact. Womenshealthlondon.org indicates that other types of HPV that infect the hands and feet with warts are transmitted through hand-to-hand contact.

    Effects

    • Genital warts, small red and/or white bumps on the genital area, may result from contact with an HPV-infected partner and not be present for weeks. Cervical cancer, or cancer that is in the neck of the womb, is also caused by HPV and can kill women if it isn't detected soon enough, since symptoms are usually not present until the cancer has progressed significantly, according to the CDC.

    Treatment

    • The only test available for HPV is also meant to detect cervical cancer, so women who don't get regular screenings and men might not know if they have it. Genital warts may be treated with creams or may go away naturally.

    Considerations

    • HPV can cause cervical cancer in women. A vaccine is available for the prevention of the two dominant strains of HPV, thus preventing cervical cancer. But researchers at the CDC caution that reported side effects warrant more research on the HPV vaccine.

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