Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by the human papillomavirus. It can be transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected partner.
There are over 100 types of HPV, and some types can cause genital warts or abnormal cell changes in the cervix, which can lead to cervical cancer if left untreated. HPV is very common and can affect both men and women. Most people who become infected with HPV do not develop symptoms and the virus can clear up on its own without causing any problems. However, some people may develop health problems related to HPV, such as genital warts or cancer.
It is important for women to undergo regular cervical cancer screenings, such as a Pap test or HPV test, to detect any abnormal cell changes caused by HPV early on, before they develop into cancer. Vaccines are also available to help prevent certain types of HPV that can cause cancer.
