Information on what is hpv indicates that human papillomavirs is a family or group of viruses that can be spread through sexual contact with an infected person or through direct contact with the infected area. This hpv condition affects cells both inside and outside the body and affects areas around the vagina, cervix, penis and anus.

Hpv includes more than 80 viruses and around 30 of these viruses affect the genital and anal region. While learning what is hpv it is important to understand that the hpv types 16 and 18 result in pre cancerous lesions, genital cancers and cervical cancer. The hpv types 6 and 11 also cause genital warts and these are called the low risk types or kinds of hpv.

Plantar warts are the most visible form of hpv and these develop on the skin of arms, hands and legs. Genital warts are commonly observed among women on areas like the vulva, cervix, urethra and the anus while among men these may be observed in regions like the scrotum, penis and anus. What is hpv also requires an understanding of the way this condition is transmitted.

What is hpv also includes information on the transmission of this condition. Hpv cannot be transmitted by blood however this infection can be transmitted through direct skin contact with the infected area. Likewise sexual contact including oral, vaginal and anal sex with an infected person can result in transmission of this infection.

The genital warts in this condition are often painless and may vary in size. These warts may be flesh colored and are cauliflower like. Better understanding of what is hpv includes learning about its diagnosis. Diagnosis of this condition can be done through visual examination of the warts. Likewise Pap test can be used to identify any precancerous changes in the cells taken from the cervix region.

Information on what is hpv includes learning about the treatment options. Antibiotics cannot help in destroying the virus responsible for causing this condition. The warts can be removed through freezing of the warts or through laser therapy or electrosurgery. Some creams like Imiquimod can also be applied by the patients.

Hpv can be prevented through use of condoms though the extent of protection provided by condoms is limited. This is because condoms cannot cover all affected areas. The condition can be prevented by indulging in sexual contact only in a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected individual. The hpv vaccine can help women gain protection from certain types of hpv virus.