Why it is important to know about HPV?
Genital infection with humans is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States today! More than half the sexually active women and men are infected with HPV at some point in their lives. In most cases this is not a serious disease. Most cases are asymptomatic , transient and resolve without treatment. However, in some cases, HPV can result in genital warts, Pap test abnormalities, or even cervical cancer.

Human Papillomavirus Prevention

What is HPV?
Papillomaviruses are DNA tumor viruses that are widely distributed throughout animal species. These viruses commonly cause epithelial proliferations at cutaneous and mucosal surfaces.

Types of HPV
There are more than 100 different types of HPV. They differ in terms of the types of epithelium they infect. Some infect cutaneous sites, where others infect mucosal surfaces, including the anogental epithelium. ( e.g., cervix, vagina, vulva, rectum, urethra, penis and anus). Most of these types of HPV are considered high risk associated with cancer.

How common is HPV?
Approximately 20 million Americans aged between 15 to 49 are currently infected with HPV. That’s about 15% of the population. About half of those who are infected are sexually active adolescents and young adults 15 to 24 years of age. Between 5% and 30% of individuals infected with HPV are infected with multiple types of HPV. Each year about 6.2 million people in the US become newly infected.

How is Genital HPV Transmitted?
HPV is usually transmitted through direct shin to skin contact, most commonly through sexual contacts vaginal  or anal. Other but less common ways to become infected are oral and genital to genital contact but are much less common.
Sexual behavior is the most constant predictor of acquiring infection. Most important is the number of sexual partners one has to increase the risk of becoming infected. The more partners you have the more you increase your risk of being infected with HPV.
For women, the sexual activity of their partner creates a much higher risk of her becoming infected. The highest risk category for women is college students.
HPV is also common in men who have sex with other men, and women who have sex with other women.

Prevention of Genital HPV Infection
Prevention of HPV is important in reducing genital warts, abnormal Pap tests, and cancer.
A new vaccine, Gardasil, protects against several types of HPV which are responsible for 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.
This vaccine is made from non-infectious HPV-like particles. The vaccine is given in three injections over a six month period.
On June 29, 2006, this drug was licensed by the Food and Drug Administration, becoming the first drug developed to prevent cervical cancer and other diseases in females caused by genital HPV infections. It is advised to start giving the drug in females, ages 9 to 29 years of age.
Ideally, the vaccine should be administered before the onset of sexual activity. However, females who are sexual active can still benefit from the drug.
Reducing the number of sex partners will decrease the risk of getting HPV. Abstaining from any genital contact is the surest way, including non-penetrative  intimate of the genital area. Another method in preventing HPV is to use condoms. Consistent condom use will reduce risk by 70% however, HPV can occur in areas that are not covered or protected by a condom.