What is HPV?
HPV also known as the Human Papilloma Virus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection. HPV is passed on through genital contact, most often during vaginal and anal sex. It can also be passed through oral sex. HPV may be passed from person to person by sexual contact where skin to skin contact is present in the genital area. HPV can also be passed from mother to baby during labour and birth. HPV is a group of more than 70 viruses which cause infection in the human body.
The Human papilloma virus can grow and develop on, or in, several areas of the body. Some of these include:
The Human papilloma virus can grow and develop on, or in, several areas of the body. Some of these include:
- on the penis
- inside the penis in the urethra
- inside the vagina
- on the lips of the vulva
- on or around the anus
- inside the rectum
- on the scrotum
- in the mouth
- in the throat
- on the tongue
Signs/Sypmtoms of HPV: 1. Genital warts
2. Cervical cancer and other, less common but serious cancers, including cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx (back of throat including base of tongue and tonsils).
3. RRP. RRP causes a condition where warts grow inside of the throat. The growths can block the airway, causing a hoarse voice or troubled breathing.
Can HPV be treated?
Although there is no specific treatment for the virus HPV, there are treatments for the disease itself.
Genital Warts: These warts can be removed by a doctor. Sometimes, these warts will disappear by themselves.
Cervical Cancer: This is easy to treat if it is diagnosed early. Prevention is always better than treatment.
Possible Complications/health consequences:
1. Cervical Cancer.
2. Genital Warts.
3. RRP.
4. Other HPV related cancers.
Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm
http://www.themcfox.com/stds/human-papilloma-virus-hpv.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/signs-symptoms.html
2. Cervical cancer and other, less common but serious cancers, including cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx (back of throat including base of tongue and tonsils).
3. RRP. RRP causes a condition where warts grow inside of the throat. The growths can block the airway, causing a hoarse voice or troubled breathing.
Can HPV be treated?
Although there is no specific treatment for the virus HPV, there are treatments for the disease itself.
Genital Warts: These warts can be removed by a doctor. Sometimes, these warts will disappear by themselves.
Cervical Cancer: This is easy to treat if it is diagnosed early. Prevention is always better than treatment.
Possible Complications/health consequences:
1. Cervical Cancer.
2. Genital Warts.
3. RRP.
4. Other HPV related cancers.
Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm
http://www.themcfox.com/stds/human-papilloma-virus-hpv.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/signs-symptoms.html