Hpv Informative Paper

Human Papillomavirus

Human Papillomavirus is better known as HVP. HVP is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) with both men and women. HPV affects more than 20 million people. There are more than 100 types of HPV with most of them being not detrimental. There are about 30 different types of HPV that can cause cancer. HPV is transpired through sexual contact of the genitals even when an infected partner has no signs or symptoms. This means that HPV can be passed through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. HPV can lead to genital warts, cancer, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP).

Those infected with HPV can be grouped by low risk and high risk. Low risk could be considered genital warts and high risk would be cancer. HPV can lead to a few different cancers depending on the infected area of the body. Penis, vulva, and anus are a few examples of where cancer can grow when infected. Cancer of the cervix is the most common cancer that results from on infection from HPV. RRP is when warts grow in your throat blocking your airways. RRP is very rare but possible. In most cases, the human body’s immune system naturally gets rid of HPV within two years.

There are a few ways to help prevent HPV as well as other STIs including abstinence, use of condoms, and lower number of sexual partners. Unlike other STIs, HPV has a vaccine that is used before you contract or show symptoms of HPV. Even with the vaccine use of condoms and the number of sexual partners still play a part in prevention. The most common vaccine is Gardasil and is available to both males and females. Females do have another option of vaccine which is called Cervarix. Both consist of three sets of shots given in a six month period. There are possible side effects to all vaccines. The reported side effects of the vaccine from Gardasil and Cervarix are weakness, tingling, dizziness, high fever, and allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can include itching of the skin, rash on the...