HPV

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of over 200 related viruses, with more than 40 types that can infect the genital areas of males and females, as well as the mouth and throat. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally. Many types of HPV are harmless, leading to minor health issues, while others can cause skin warts and genital warts. However, certain high-risk types are associated with various cancers, including cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vulvar, and vaginal cancer. HPV is often asymptomatic, which makes it hard to know when someone became infected, but when symptoms do manifest, they typically appear as warts in the affected area.

HPV is transmitted primarily through sexual contact, but can also be spread through any skin-to-skin genital contact, and very rarely, from mother to baby during childbirth. While there is no cure for the virus itself, the health problems it causes can be treated. Preventive measures include the HPV vaccine, which can protect against the most common high-risk strains. Routine cervical cancer screening is also essential for women, as it can detect precancerous changes in the cervix that can be treated before cancer develops. Other preventive strategies include condom use and limiting the number of sexual partners.