Do you have HPV? If you did, would you know how to detect it? You may want to read on to learn how to recognize HPV symptoms and how to protect yourself from the potential risks that this condition can cause. HPV stands for Human Papillomavirus and it is the most common type of (STI), sexually transmitted infection. http://www.cdc.gov/STD/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm It is so prevalent that the CDC says that at least 50% of the sexually active population in the U.S. will be infected with genital HPV at some point in their lives. http://www.cdc.gov/hpv/

HPV is different from other sexually transmitted diseases such as genital herpes as they do not have the same symptoms or potential health issues. This virus can infect both females and males and is transferred during sexual contact. There are over 40 different types of HPV viruses and they can infect the genital areas, mouth and throat. http://www.cdc.gov/STD/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm It is not always easy to detect HPV symptoms, since many HPV infected people will not even know they are infected and will not show any signs.

Most people who do contract one of the many HPV viruses will never have any serious complications. However, this STI disease can lead to genital warts and even cancers such as cervical cancer and anal cancer if it is not treated in time. http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/hpv-genital-warts/hpv-symptoms-tests This makes detection and treatment of the HPV virus critical to the health of many people.

Since so many people (at least 50% of the sexually active population) will get HPV at some point in their lives, how do you detect and recognize your infection and what are the symptoms, signs and potential health problems associated with this sexually transmitted infection? Most people never show any signs, symptoms or health issues from their infection and it has been estimated that as many as 90% of HPV infection cases are cured naturally by the body within a couple of years with no complications. http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm

Sometimes genital warts will occur in both females and males as a result of the HPV virus. Warts can also show up in the throat, though this is rare. Other types of HPV can cause cervical cancer as well as other serious cancers in the genital areas and the tongue and throat. So, there are two main types, the genital wart causing HPV and the cancer causing HPV viruses.

Genital warts may show up as a cauliflower shaped raised bump or series of bumps. Genital warts will generally occur within a few weeks to a few months after sexual activity with an infected partner. This infection can be contagious even if your partner does not show any signs or symptoms of HPV. These will not change into cancer and can be treated to remove the warts from your body.

Cervical cancer does not generally have any signs until the cancer becomes advanced. Regular cervical cancer screenings, Pap smear tests are important for women to have done so that they increase the chance of finding any early indications of cancer so it can be treated before turning into cancer. Your physician may also do a DNA test that can detect the DNA of certain high-risk HPV viruses. http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/hpv-genital-warts/hpv-symptoms-tests

Unfortunately there is no cure for HPV virus infections. For most people their body's immune system will get rid of this STI virus and genital warts over time without any medical treatments. If you have genital warts, there are treatments you can get to improve the healing process time. However, you may remove the warts but you will still have the contagious virus and can spread HPV to your sexual partner. The available treatments and methods of removing genital warts vary and will depend on the severity of the type of warts. http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/hpv-genital-warts/hpv-treatment-is-there-hpv-cure

Available treatments include: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hpv-infection/DS00906/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs

1. Aldara Imiquimod, which is a prescription cream to aid your body's immune system in ridding itself of the warts.
2. Condylox Podofilox, which is a prescription cream.
3. Cryotherapy, liquid nitrogen to freeze the warts.
4. Trichloroacetic acid, which is a chemical to burn off the warts.
5. Surgical removal
6. Laser surgery

See your doctor for the treatment type that is best for your particular condition.

While HPV can not be cured, one of the best ways to defend against infection is to prevent it from occurring. The only way to be sure of completely preventing infection is to have no sexual activity at all. There are different ways in which sexually active people can minimize the risk of catching this STI. The first and probably most important prevention technique is to practice safe sex and use condoms. Condoms may help lower the risk of becoming infected with HPV related diseases. Other safe sex practices include a one-partner relationship.

There are also vaccines on the market today that are available for both females and males for protection against the most common types of HPV viruses. The vaccines are usually given as a three-course (shots) regimen and for the best protection you will need to make sure to get all three. The females have two vaccines available, Gardasil and Cervarix, and their purpose is to provide protection against the most common cervical cancer causing viruses. Females can also improve prevention of cervical cancer with regular cervical cancer screenings and follow-up. Males have one vaccine available which is Gardasil and it protects against the most common types of genital warts. This vaccine protects both males and females against these warts. http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/hpv-genital-warts/hpv-vaccines-human-papillomavirus