What is HPV or Human Papillomavirus?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Many people with HPV don’t develop any symptoms but can still infect others through sexual contact. Symptoms may include warts on the genitals or surrounding skin.

There’s no cure for the virus and warts may go away on their own. Treatment focuses on removing the warts. A vaccine that prevents the HPV strains most likely to cause genital warts and cervical cancer is recommended for boys and girls.

1. HPV spreads by sexual contact
2. Some types are preventable by vaccine
3. Treatment can help
4. This is a chronic infection that may last for years or a lifetime
5. HPV requires medical diagnosis
6. Lab tests are often required

At All Care for Women we offer Gardasil, an immunization against HPV types 16 and 18, which are estimated to cause 70% of cervical cancer cases.Gardasil also protects against HPV types 6 and 11, which can cause genital warts in both men and women.

If you’re interested in learning more about HPV, treatment and Gardisil, contact our office for a consultation.