The human papillomavirus is an extremely common sexually transmitted infection and this infection affects the skin along with the mucous membranes among people. There are more than 40 kinds of hpv viruses and these can affect the genital areas like the regions near the penis, vulva, lining of the cervix and the rectum. Living with hpv can be problematic and those having this infection may find it embarrassing.

The hpv types that cause warts are called low risk types while those that cause cancer are called high risk types. In many cases the immune system is able to clear off the infection. Those living with hpv may get warts and these warts may be small or large in size. Often the warts are flesh colored and may appear a few weeks or months after sexual contact with an infected individual.

In many cases the condition may not have any symptoms and so those living with hpv may not even be aware of the infection. People suffering from this infection may also worry about whether they are afflicted by cancer. It is important to get a proper diagnosis of this infection before its treatment can be undertaken.

Some kinds of hpv are more serious as compared to others. For this purpose it is essential to ensure that proper diagnosis is made. This will allow those living with hpv to learn correct coping mechanisms. Understanding hpv and its associated symptoms can assuage the worries of those suffering from this condition.

Those living with hpv have to ensure that unsafe sex practices are not followed as this infection can be transmitted through sexual contact. Using condoms can provide protection though complete protection is not provided by use of condoms as the condoms do not cover all the affected areas. This condition can be prevented by indulging in sexual contact only with an uninfected person in a mutually monogamous relationship.

Those living with hpv should seek treatment for warts through application of some medicines or through surgery and freezing of the warts. Pap test can help in identifying changes of pre cancerous nature in the cervix. Treatment of cervical cancer includes radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery.