|
Type of
infection: |
Viral |
|
Infectious Organism: |
Human papillomavirus |
|
Location in the body: |
Genital skin (penis,
scrotum, labia, vagina, cervix, anus).
|
|
Symptoms: |
Usually
none (can have it and not know it).
Some have genital warts (on
penis, scrotum, labia, vagina, cervix, anus).
|
|
Method
of spread: |
Skin
to skin usually through sexual activity; generally contracted from
someone who does not even know they are infected.
|
|
Consequences: |
Most
infected don’t know it and don’t have any health problems, but they can
unknowingly pass it on to someone who may develop problems.
Causes genital warts in many
which sometimes come back even after treatment.
Can cause precancerous cells
(dysplasia) on cervix (abnormal Pap smear) in females.
The body’s immune system
appears to clear the infection in most people but takes months to years.
|
|
Number
of new cases per year: |
5,500,000 (most
common STD) |
|
Total
number infected now: |
20,000,000; 50 to 75% of sexually active men and women have genital HPV
infection at some time in their life.
|
|
Tests
to see if you have it: |
Pelvic
exam to look for warts.
Pap smear of cervix to look
for precancerous cells.
HPV DNA test of genital area
(usually not done).
|
|
Treatment: |
None
available to help get rid of the virus (no cure) in those people whose
immune system cannot clear it.
Warts are treated with
chemicals, freezing, burning, surgical removal (does not get rid of the
virus).
Precancerous cells (dysplasia)
on cervix treated with freezing, burning, laser surgery.
Cancer treated with surgery,
radiation and/or chemotherapy.
|
