All About HPV

HPV, also known as the human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases among women and men. HPV can affect the genitals of men and women, but tends to have a much more profound effect on women. There are over 100 different strains of the virus, so treatment and diagnosis can be difficult.

Most people may not even know they have contracted HPV, since it only shows symptoms in about 10% of patients. Others may have the disease and not know it, and it can subside within a two year period.

Recent studies have shown that HPV can be dangerous, however, and that it can lead to cervical cancer in women. This is why education along with proper vaccination is so important, particularly in younger women.