Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral sexually transmitted disease. There are an estimated 42.5 million people currently infected in the United States with HPV, most of these are in their late teens to early 20s.
Symptoms
Most have NO symptoms.
Health problems
May lead to genital warts, abnormal cells, and cervical cancer and/or anal cancer.
Treatments
Warts can be treated by freezing, burning, lasers, chemical and surgery but CANNOT be cured.
Vaccine
There is now a vaccine recommended for girls and boys aged 9-26. It is recommended that the vaccine be given in three doses and before sexual activity begins. Talk to your doctor for more information.
13 million
estimated to be infected each year
Spread
HPV is spread by anal, oral or vaginal sex and genital-to-genital contact.