Sexually transmitted diseases - the Human Papilloma Virus

Description
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is one of the most common viral infection among the general public. There are certainly over a hundred different types of HPV. It has also been estimated that as much as 80% of the population is infected with a strain of HPV. About 30 various strains of HPV are considered to be sexually transmitted diseases (STD's). Basically, there are strains that are known as "low-risk" which can be identified as having warts as a symptom. Those infected with a "high risk" HPV strain are at a significantly increased risk of developing various types of cancer. The common cancer developed is cervical cancer and may also include vulvar cancer, anal cancer, or cancer of the penis. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by High-risk strains of HPV.

Men have a slightly lower chance of developing genital warts than women. People who are in their early 20’s tend to be the most at risk of contracting the virus. You do not need to have a lot of sexual partners to come into contact with this common virus.

Cause
HPV virus are spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex.

Symptoms
HPV usually does not have visible symptoms. One study by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reported that almost half of the women infected with HPV had no obvious symptoms. Because the viral infection persists, individuals may not be aware of they are infected or the potential risk of transmission to others and of developing complications.

But in the case where a symptom does exist, however, it depends on what type of HPV strain you are infected with. Certain symptoms will be experienced if you have that HPV strain. "Low risk" HPV strains can cause genital warts. These warts look like miniature cauliflower florets. They are usually flesh-colored, soft and moist. Women affected with a HPV strain will have these warts on the vulva, cervix and in or around the vagina. HPV in men develop warts on the scrotum or penis. Both sexes may also develop these warts in or around the anus and occasionally on the thighs, buttocks or throat. However, it is possible to be infected with a HPV strain yet no genital warts symptom is evident.

Women who have genital warts during pregnancy, especially when you deliver, can cause problems. It is highly possible to pass the warts on to your child during a vaginal birth. The child may develop warts in the throat and is known as laryngeal papillomatosis.

Treatment
As of yet, there is no cure nor treatment for HPV. Generally, your body can fight off the virus on its own. It is believed that, once you are infected with a strain of HPV, your body becomes immune to it. Although it is entirely possible to be infected with more than one strain. Those that develop genital warts will need or want medication by burning the warts off. Current research usually is focusing on developing two different types of HPV vaccines. The first vaccine would then definitely help protect against "low risk" type HPV strains. It concentrates on prevention from contracting the virus as well as restraining the development of warts. The second HPV vaccine aims to treat cervical cancer commonly caused by "high risk".

Prevention
The best ways to avoid contracting HPV strain are: completely abstaining from sex and being in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone who has been tested free of the virus. Using condoms diligently and properly every time you have sex may surely reduce your risk of contracting the virus. However, there is evidence to suggest that condoms are not very reliable at offering protection against the virus. Take note as well that condoms cannot provide any protection should you come into direct contact with genital warts. It is best to avoid all sexual activity until the warts of your partner have completely disappeared.