Human Papillomavirus, or HPV is a large family of viruses. Most people get HPV at some point in their lives from an infected person, mostly through sex. In many cases, your immune system can fight off the virus within two years. HPV rarely has symptoms, and you may never even know that you have it. But there are 40 or more strains of HPV that can infect the genital tissue, and only some types cause warts while others might as well lead to cancer. For most people, it goes away by itself but a few high-risk strains like 16 and 18 have caused some cancers in both men and women.

Types of HPV

HPV is not a single virus. There are about 200 known types of the HPV virus. They all have numbers, and each number corresponds to a different type of strain. HPV thrives in flat, skinny squamous epithelial cells. These cells are found on your skin, and in wet places. Such wet mucous membranes are located on the surface area of your vaginal canal, rectum, vulva as well as protestation head of the penis in addition to your mouth and throat.

If you could look past the number, HPV types can further be broken down into several groups by what type of cells they infect. These include:

  • Cutaneous HPV This type thrives on the skin and consequently generates warts onto regions like your own arms, palms, legs or feet.

  • Mucosal HPV This type thrives in the wet areas of your body that are externally accessible. These include your vagina, penis, anus, mouth and throat.

There are approximately 40 strains of HPV that can affect your genitals or other mucosal areas. The majority of cases are low-risk and do not result in serious health complications, but there a few high risk HPV types that are of concern.

High-Risk HPV

The virus has approximately 14 high-risk HPV strains. HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for the overwhelming majority of HPV-related cancers, accounting for over ninety percent of all cervical cancer cases. High-risk HPV can cause cervical cancer, anal cancer, oral cancer, throat cancer, penile cancer, vaginal or vulvar cancer

Low-risk HPV

Approximately 90% of genital or anal warts are associated with low-risk HPV strains, specifically types 6 and 11. In addition, these strains can give warts inside your mouth and throat. Most low-risk strains of HPV do not cause cancer, but you should contact your doctor about any new skin sores or growths. They can diagnose and treat your warts. You can also enquire as to how you can reduce the chance of passing HPV on to someone else.

HPV in Women

Researchers have found that nearly 40 percent of females between the ages of 15 and 59 may have at least one type HPV infection every year. Nearly eight out of every 10 women will get HPV at some point during their life. You are less likely to get a new HPV infection as you get older. However, the longer you have HPV, the greater your chances of developing cervical cancer. A Pap test can detect early warning signs of cervical cancer.

HPV in Men

Nearly one in four men may carry high-risk HPV that result in mouth and throat cancer. Other cancers associated with high-risk HPV include penile cancer and anal cancer.

HPV Preventive Steps

Majority of HPV infections subside on their own without causing any major health issues. However, high-risk strains of HPV can cause changes in your cells which can turn to cervical cancer. The risk increases if the virus is in your body for longer periods, and if you are more than 30 years of age.

Cervical cancer can be prevented if it is diagnosed at an early stage by undergoing a Pap test. There are chances of head and neck cancer through high risk HPV too, although it is uncommon. Timely diagnosis and precautions can help you fight against the dangers of cancers associated with HPV.

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