What is HPV?!

What is HPV?

I just found out that my ex cheated on me with a girl who has HPV about 3 years ago.... He just recently told me... What are symptoms and is it possible for me to have it if I haven't had any symptoms and its been 3 years....

You may have HPV and not even know it. This is why you should ALWAYS use a condom with your partner until you've had them take a full blood test and physical exam to be sure that they are STD free. I understand that things can get tricky when you trust your partner and they go outside of the relationship physically, but regular STD screenings are just a good, responsible idea and I hope you utilize this resource in the future.

"HPV

What is HPV?

* HPV is a common virus. There are 40 types of it that are sexually transmitted.
* A few types of HPV can persist and cause cervical cancer.
* There is a vaccine to prevent two of the types that cause 70 percent of the cases of cervical cancer.
* Regular Pap tests are important — even for women who have been vaccinated. They detect dangerous cell changes before cancer develops.

HPV stands for human papilloma virus. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Some types produce warts — plantar warts on the feet and common hand warts. Some affect the genital sex organs.

About 40 types of HPV can infect the genital area — the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, or scrotum.

* Some types may cause genital warts. These are called low-risk types.
* Some types may cause cell changes that sometimes lead to cervical and certain other cancers. These are called high-risk types. They do not usually have visible symptoms.
* Most types seem to have no harmful effect at all.

This page is about the HPVs that are associated with cervical cancer.

How many people have genital HPV infections?

Genital HPV infections are very common among sexually active people. At any time about 20 million people in the U.S. have them. Between 10 and 15 million have high-risk types that are associated with cervical cancer. HPV is so common that about three out of four people have HPV at some point in their lives. But most people who have it don't know it.

Although most HPV infections go away within eight to 13 months, some will not. HPV infections that do not go away can "hide" in the body for years and not be detected. That's why it is impossible to determine exactly when people became infected, how long they've been infected, or who passed the infection to them.

If you have HPV, you should not be ashamed or afraid. Most people who have ever had sex have HPV at some point in their lives."


"Are there any symptoms of high-risk HPV infection?

High-risk types of HPV do not cause any symptoms. Most women feel fine even when they have cell changes in their cervix and during the early stages of cervical cancer.

Once cervical cancer has developed, abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially during intercourse, increased discharge, and lower abdominal pain may be warning signs. Of course, most women with these signs do not have cervical cancer, but if you have any of them, you should see your clinician.

How can I protect myself against cervical cancer?

You can protect yourself by having regular Pap tests. HPV testing, in certain situations, is also a way to protect yourself. Read below to find out more about when HPV testing is a good plan."


"What is the treatment for HPV infection?

There is currently no treatment to cure HPV itself. Most types of HPV infection are harmless, do not require treatment, and go away by themselves. Treatment is available for the abnormal cell changes caused by HPV. "