A brief explanation of HPV

_ WHAT IS HPV? The human papillomavirus, which includes common warts, exists in more than 100 forms, about 30 of which can be sexually transmitted. The virus is ancient and incredibly common. Most people who have genital HPV show no symptoms and clear the virus on their own, though some strains can cause persistent genital warts and cancer.

_ WHO'S AT RISK? Anyone who's sexually active can contract genital HPV, though young adults have been shown to be particularly susceptible because they're more sexually active. Separate studies have found that 45 percent of young women, ages 20 to 24, and half of men, ages 18 to 40, have HPV. While men can develop genital warts _ and sometimes HPV-related genital or anal cancers _ doctors say cervical cancer in women, caused by high-risk strains of HPV, is much more prevalent. HPV also may affect fertility, and doctors say some treatments for advanced HPV can make it difficult to get or stay pregnant.

_ WHAT CAN BE DONE? The new HPV vaccine protects against four high-risk types of the virus that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Beyond that, doctors recommend that women get regular Pap smears to check for abnormal cells caused by HPV and have male partners use condoms, though they do not offer 100 percent protection from HPV.

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(Source: Centers for Disease Control; Dr. Elizabeth Poynor; AP archive)