“May all be happy, may all be healed, may all be at peace and may no one ever suffer."
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a viral infection that can affect both men and women. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. There are more than 100 types of HPV, some of which can cause genital warts and others that can cause cancer.
Most people with HPV do not develop symptoms and the infection goes away on its own. However, some types of HPV can cause abnormal cell changes that can lead to cancer. HPV is most commonly associated with cervical cancer, but it can also cause other types of cancer, such as anal, penile, vaginal, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancer.
HPV is transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Using condoms can reduce the risk of HPV transmission, but it does not completely prevent it. The HPV vaccine is available for both males and females, and it can prevent most cases of cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancer.
Treatment for HPV-related conditions varies depending on the type and severity of the condition. Genital warts caused by HPV can be treated with topical creams or removed with minor surgery. Abnormal cell changes caused by HPV can be monitored with regular screening tests or treated with procedures such as colposcopy or biopsy. HPV-related cancers may require a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Early detection and treatment of HPV-related conditions can improve outcomes and prevent complications.