HPV

What is HPV?

Human PapillomaVirus (HPV) is a very common infection that can be spread through sexual contact. Studies suggest that three of every four people who have sex will get a genital HPV infection at some point in their lives. Sexually transmitted HPV can be spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Some types of HPV can cause cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and penis.Genital warts are not usually linked with cancer. To lower your risk of developing HPV, limit your number of sexual partners and use condoms. If you are between the ages of 9-26, you should have the HPV vaccine to help protect you from infection. Regular pap tests are the best way to prevent precancer and cancer of the cervix.