Have you ever heard of human papillomavirus also known as HPV? HPV is a group of viruses that is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Once a person has the disease they can pass it on to others through sexual contact. Many people with HPV do not have signs or symptoms of the infection and it may go away on its own. But, HPV can cause many types of cancers as well as other diseases like genital warts which are small bumps on the genitals.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year HPV infections cause over 17,000 types of cancer in women and over types of 9,000 cancer in men in the United States--including the following:
It is important to note that a person with an HPV infection can only get cancer after having this infection for several years.
To lower your chances of getting HPV, practice safe-sex by using a condom during sexual activity and get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine requires getting three shots over a three-month period. It can protect you against cancers and other diseases that are caused by HPV.
To learn more about HPV click here.
