What is HPV?
There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV). It is a virus that can infect many parts of the body. Some types of HPV are transmitted sexually and cause anogenital warts in both men than women. The types of HPV that infect the anogenital region are not the same those that infect other areas such as fingers, hands and face. Other types of human papilloma virus that are not associated with anogenital warts are rarely cause cervical cancer in women or penile cancer in men. Some HPV types are designated "low risk " because they rarely develop into cancer. Those who are most likely to lead to cancer are designated "risk high. It is important to note however that most women with type high risk HPV will not develop cervical cancer.
What are the signs and symptoms of HPV?
Most people who have an HPV infection in the anogenital region do not know that they are infected. Most HPV infections occur without symptoms and disappear without treatment within a few years. However, in some individuals, human papilloma virus infections can persist for many years.
HPV causes he anogenital warts?
Some HPV infections, of low risk types can cause warts anogenital. These are usually flesh-colored and soft to the touch and may appear as small bumps or flat bumps resembling a cauliflower. They are usually not painful, though they can cause itching. They are usually found in more than one place and they can be cluster in large groups. Sometimes they may be present but not visible if they are internal (ie d. inside the vagina or rectum) or if they are on the skin but so small they can not see them. Anogenital warts does not develop into cancer.
