Facts About HPV

If you are sexually active, it would behoove you to know the facts about HPV. Human Papillomavirus (more commonly known as "HPV") is a virus typically transmitted through means of sexual contact. Despite many of its popular myths, there are facts about HPV that every sexually active person should know. Some of the facts about HPV are listed below, so take a good look and be safe!

HPV has a wide prevalence. According to the American Social Health Association, an estimated 75% to 80% of sexually active Americans will obtain HPV at least once in their lifetimes. The most common age to have HPV is between twenty and 24 years old; at that point, an astounding 44.8% of all people in America have it.

Most commonly, there aren't symptoms for HPV. Out of all the facts about HPV it's prudent to know, this is one of the most important. Since there is generally no symptoms for Human Papillomavirus infections, it is important to get tested for STIs fairly often.

Usually, HPV leaves the system without major damage. In females, 70% who are infected have a clear system within a year; 90% lose the virus within two years. If the virus lasts more than two years (in around 5% to 10% of infected women), then there is a high risk of cervical cancer being developed. These are important facts about HPV that every sexually active female should know.

In later stages, HPV is still treatable. Luckily, if proper treatment is taken on schedule, HPV can be effectively combated in women who develop the more severe forms of HPV. One of the facts about HPV infection is that it may also cause infertility at this point, however. Fortunately, however, new medications and treatments are always being researched and invented to take on the various strains of Human Papillomavirus.

Currently, there is no HPV test for men. Medicine has only come so far, but it suffices to say that men are at a lower risk when it comes to HPV infection. Women can be tested via a papsmear, but this isn't exactly a direct test for HPV.

Cervical cancer is a serious matter. If HPV develops into cervical cancer, it must be combated. According to the American Cancer Society's facts about HPV, around 11,070 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2008. Also according to their facts about HPV, some 3,870 women will die from this. HPV contributes greatly to this disease. Hence, the facts about HPV will keep you aware of potential sexual risks concerning cancerous lesions.

Know these facts about HPV by heart if you are going to be having sex with different people. Even with a single partner, STDs can be undetectable (especially HPV). Equip yourself with knowledge and these facts about HPV so as to better understand your body.