Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common STDs caused by the bacterial infection. There are about 100 different types of HPV, of which few are usually harmless and get cured, while there are other types that can lead to cancer and also genital warts. It infects the genital areas such as vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, and scrotum and also the throat and mouth. HPV Type 6 and 7 are the causes of genital warts, which are generally considered low risk as they don’t lead to serious health issues. HPV Type 16 and 18 are considered high risk as it leads to cancer cases, mostly cervical. But most of them do not give any symptoms unless it becomes cancerous.

Due to no symptoms, people affected with HPV are not aware of their infection. Hence, there is a possibility of spreading it to another person through vaginal, oral & anal sex. Safer sex methods such as condoms and dental dams may not be as effective in preventing HPV as it is in other STDs such as HIV and Chlamydia. Hence, avoiding sexual contact may be the best possible prevention method.

There is no specific cure for HPV, but there are certain medications that can help in reducing the negative symptoms of the disease, once HPV is acquired. Especially, the progress of HPV into cancer can be prevented by some medications. There are also vaccinations that can prevent from acquiring the disease.

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