Human papillomavirus or HPV is a group of more than 200 viruses that can infect the skin and moist membranes of the body. Some types of HPV cause warts, while others can lead to cancer.
There are over 200 types of HPV.
- It is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States.
- Most people who are infected with Human Papillomavirus never have any symptoms or health problems.
- However, some types of Human papillomavirus can cause cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulvar cancer, penile cancer, anal cancer, and throat cancer.
- The Human papillomavirus vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent these cancers.
Most people who are infected with HPV never have any symptoms. However, some people may develop genital warts, which are small, bump-like growths that appear on the genitals.
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There is no cure for HPV, but there are treatments for the health problems it can cause. For example, genital warts can be treated with medication, freezing, or laser therapy. Cancer caused by Human papillomavirus can be treated with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
The Human papillomavirus vaccine is the best way to prevent HPV infection and the health problems it can cause. The vaccine is recommended for all children at age 11 or 12. It can also be given to adults up to age 26.
There are treatments for the health problems it can cause. For example, genital warts can be treated with medication, freezing, or laser therapy. Cancer caused by Human papillomavirus can be treated with surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective.