The Virus You Could Have & Don't Even Know It.

The Risk of HPV

Ok, so I know that this is not my typical type of blog post but its such an important issue that so many women and yes men, you too,  are oblivious to so I feel the need to address it.

========================================
Lets start with the questions, can you answer them?

1. What is HPV?

2. How do people get HPV?

3. If you have sexual contact with a person that has genital warts are you for sure going to get them?

4. Even at the age of 18 should you worry about cervical cancer?

5. If you have HPV will you for sure get symptoms?

=========================================

Whether you didn't know any of them or only a few here are the answers:

1.  HPV is a virus.  Certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer, penile cancer and anal cancer.  Other types of HPV can cause genital warts.

2. Anyone who has any kind of sexual activity involving genital contact wih an infected person can get HPV. 

3.  Two out of three people that come in sexual contact with someone that has the virus can contract it as well. And even if the genital warts are treated 25% of the cases come back within 3 months if HPV is present.

4.You are never too young to worry about cervical cancer.  While half of all women who develop cervical cancer do between the age of 35 and 55 years old.  Many of these women were probably exposed to a cancer-causing HPV type in their late teens or 20s. 

Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms, so they can pass the virus on without even knowing it. 

     Most Importantly, How To Prevent It!

Well honestly the very best way is Abstinence. Unfortunately that is not something most people want to do. Honestly, for us adults complete abstinence is very unrealistic.  In that case, it is very important for you to follow these precautions.

•  HPV Vaccine - This is a very effective way to prevent HPV. Although it doesn't prevent from all strains of HPV it does protect you from the 4 most common strains that cause cervical cancer and genital warts.
• Practice Safe Sex with a Condom - According to studies condoms can reduce the risk of transmission of the HPV virus by 70%.  However it is very important to remember that HPV is transmitted through sexual skin to skin contact. For example, even if the penis is covered by a condom during intercourse there are other parts of the genital area that is exposed. If these areas come in contact with the vagina it could still transmit the virus. That also pertains to the anal area as well. Keep that in mind!
• Limit Your Sexual Partners - This seems like common sense but some people don't really think about that when trying to avoid contracting this virus, or an STD even. The least amount of sexual partners you have in your life the less of a chance for you to contract this virus. Also, being in a monogamous long term relationship greatly reduces the risk of contracting other strains of the virus as well.