Human papillomavirus includes groups of viruses that contain more than 100 strains. Around 30 viruses in this group can be transmitted sexually and these infect the genital areas in men and women. The affected areas include the penis, vulva, vaginal lining, cervix, anus or rectum. Hpv information indicates that most individuals having this infection do not get symptoms and the infection tends to clear on its own.

Hpv information indicates that the genital human papillomavirus is a common sexually transmitted infection. This virus tends to affect the skin along with the mucous membranes. Some forms of hpv can result in genital warts and other types result in serious problems like cervical cancers and cancers of regions like the vagina, anus, penis and vulva.

Hpv information reflects that hpv types causing warts are called low risk hpv infections while those causing cancer are high risk. Genital warts normally appear as group of small bumps in the genital areas. These bumps are flat or raised and varying in size. These bumps are often cauliflower shaped and can appear on regions like the vulva, vagina, cervix, penis, groin, scrotum or the thigh.

The warts may appear after weeks or months following sexual contact with a person who is infected. The genital warts in the absence of treatment may go away after some time. Hpv information indicates that sexual contact including vaginal as well as anal sex with an infected person can result in transmission of hpv. In rare cases a pregnant woman suffering from genital hpv may pass it on to the baby through vaginal delivery.

As per the hpv information this infection affects the normal cells in the skin or the mucous membranes and this causes the cells to turn abnormal. In many cases the body can successfully fight off the infection. As many as 20 million American individuals are infected with this condition and every year 6.2 million fresh cases of hpv infection are observed.

Hpv information also reflects that as many as 50% of sexually active individuals tend to get this infection at some point of time in their lives. Now a vaccine has been developed that can provide protection from four kinds of hpv.

Using condoms can also reduce the risk of getting this infection but it may not provide complete protection as the condom may not cover all the areas. Being in a mutually monogamous relationship with someone who is not infected can be a way to prevent this infection. Tests conducted to identify a possible problem include hpv DNA test along with a Pap smear. Diagnosis of genital warts can be done through visual inspection.

Hpv information indicates that the treatment for this infection may include removal of the genital warts through medicines that can be applied by the patients. The warts can also be removed through some treatments that are performed by the physician. Cervical cancer can be treated through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.