HPV is the abbreviation of "human papilloma virus, also known under the term" papillomavirus.In most cases, HPV is transmitted through sexual contact. It is considered the leading sexually transmitted infection in the United States. In some rare cases the virus can lead to the dreaded cancer of the cervix.



The virus is spread by sexual contact. It is the direct contact of skin to skin contact with the penis, scrotum, vagina, vulva, anus, mouth or other body parts of an infected person for there to be transmitted. HPV is not transmitted by blood.

Symptoms  - Genital warts are a sign of HPV infection. However, in most cases, HPV infection is a "discreet". In other words, many infected individuals who show no obvious sign of infection.

HPV affect the anogenital region of both the man and of woman. In women, this includes the vulva, cervix and anus. In humans, this region includes the penis, scrotum and anus. Because of these physical differences due to gender, the HPV affect men and women differently.

In women, HPV infection can affect the cells of the cervix as follows:
* The inactive or latent infection, which affected cells remain normal. There are no signs or symptoms of infection so much that you can never know that you are infected. Your body fights the virus in a manner that is not clear.
* Active infection when the infected cells of the cervix showed microscopic changes. These abnormal changes can be detected with a smear that examines a sample of cells from the cervix.

Evolution - Depending on the type of HPV present, the infection can progress to one or other of two extremes:
* The abnormal cells "dissipate spontaneously, that is to say that the infection becomes inactive and no longer poses significant problems for health. An inactive infection can become active again without knowing clearly why.
* Abnormal cervical cells may gradually evolve to cancer of the cervix uteri. According to tests, over 90% of women suffering from cancer of the cervix were also HPV.

Both for men and for women, HPV can affect the skin of the region by developing genital warts called condylomas. These have genital warts look like small cauliflower or they are flat.

Most types of HPV are harmless, that is to say they do not cause cancer. We have identified about 13 types of HPV that are linked with different types of cancers of the anus, penis, vulva and cervix.
Diagnosis

For many women, the first sign of an HPV infection will come from results of a smear of the cervix. These smears are very important to quickly detect abnormal cells. Men are not subjected to the usual way to test for HPV, the examination of the genital area becomes important in order to detect genital warts

Treatment  - In the event of abnormal cells were found using the Pap test, your doctor will monitor you closely and may require further investigation. Treatments such as cryotherapy or laser surgery may be necessary to remove the abnormal cells. Care will depend on several factors including the degree of abnormality of cells revealed by the smear.

Visible genital warts that cause bothersome symptoms or cosmetic concerns may be addressed. Pharmaceuticals may be applied. The eradication of these warts often requires multiple treatments. In cases of infection with a high number of warts, treatments such as cryotherapy, laser surgery or surgery may be necessary to completely eliminate the HPV infection. Remove visible warts does not necessarily HPV. The warts may reappear. Prevention  - If you're sexually active, the avoidance of contact with an infected person and limit your number of sexual partners may reduce the risk of infection.