STD: The Facts
The following information was provided in part by the Medical Institute for Sexual Health. For more information please visit their website at www.medinstitute.org.

NOTE: If you have been sexually active or you think you may have been exposed to a sexually transmitted disease, see your physician for a complete medical exam.
HPV - Human Papilloma Virus (genital warts)
  • Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)is a sexually transmitted viral infection that infects the skin and mucous membranes, including those in the genital area. Men and women get it.
  • HPV is transmitted two ways: by skin-to-skin contact and by contact with infected body fluids. It is most often spread by sex play or sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral sex).
  • HPV is the most common viral STD. Some people with HPV have warts on (or in) their genitals, but most people with HPV don't know they are infected. A Pap smear can detect HPV infection in women. Infection with certain strains of HPV causes cervical cancer in women. All sexually active women should have regular Pap smears so that cervical cancer and other problems caused by HPV can be recognized and treated.
  • There is no cure for HPV. Because most people don't know they have HPV, they don't seek medical treatment. Warts caused by HPV can be treated, but treatment doesn't guarantee the warts won't return. Abnormal Pap smears and cervical cancer can be treated, but successful treatment depends on finding those problems early.