Human papillomavirus(HPV)is a very common infection often spread through sexual activity.
There are two types of HPV infection.
Low-risk HPV can causegenital warts.
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How Common Is HPV?
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States.
However, since the introduction of theHPV vaccine, rates of HPV infection have declined.
HPV by Age and Sex
There are differences in HPV infection rates among people of different sexes.
The number of sexual partners over a lifetime was the biggest factor influencing higher rates in males.
HPV prevalence rates also vary by age among people who have had sex before.
For males/men, the highest rates were found in their late 20s.
Causes of HPV and Risk Factors
HPV is triggered by a virus that spreads through skin-to-skin contact.
This key in of contact often occurs during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
That said, the virus can spread through genital rubbing or touching as well.
Many HPV infections will go away on their own without treatment.
Those that persist may cause symptoms or cancer.
Low-risk HPV infections (that can cause genital warts) are not fatal.
Mortality rates are reported on high-risk HPV-related cancers that can be fatal.
However, if diagnosed early, many can be treated.
Often, survival rates are provided in increments of one year, two years, or five years.
An HPV test may detect high-risk HPV infections.
This may occur at the same time you have a Pap test.
Early detection of an HPV infection can help informeffective treatments.
Summary
HPV is the most common STI in the United States.
There are two types of HPV infections that may persist: low-risk and high-risk.
Low-risk infections may cause genital warts.
The prevalence rates of HPV infections vary by race, ethnicity, age, and sex.
Low-risk HPV infections are not fatal.
High-risk HPV infections that cause pre-cancerous cellular changes can lead to cancer and be fatal if not treated early.
HPV tests are routine for people with vaginas, but not people with penises.
For anyone diagnosed with an HPV infection, treatment is most effective with an early diagnosis.
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