Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can appear almost anywhere on the body. The most common locations are the mouth, anus and genitals where moist mucous membranes are present. Some common symptoms are warts, small, large, white, beige, or brown skin growths, and even different types of cancer. There are more than 100 different types of HPV, all with their own area to invade. Some cause small, painless, rough-surfaced warts found on the fingers and face. Others cause larger, more painful, flat warts to grow on the soles of the feet. More than 25 different types of HPV can infect the skin covering the sexual organs, cervix, and opening of the anus. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Genital HPV infections are very common, and up to 80% of sexually active adults will get an HPV infection in the genital area at some point in their lives. screw. In most cases, these infections cause no symptoms, but in a small number of women they cause changes in the cervix that can become cancerous if left untreated. They can also cause genital warts which affect about 1% of sexually active people. HPV is also linked to cancer of the penis, vulva, anus and vagina. HPV is spread through sexual contact. Most infected people have no symptoms and do not know they are infected and can unintentionally transmit the virus to a sexual partner. Pregnant women rarely transmit HPV to their baby during vaginal birth. Most people infected with HPV have no symptoms, but some develop visible warts or have precancerous changes in the cervix, vulva, anus, or penis. Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and eventually go away as the body's defense system eliminates the virus. Women with temporary HPV infections may develop mild Pap smear abnormalities that disappear with time. Some types of HPV are considered high risk and can lead to certain cancers, such as cervical cancer and vulvar and vaginal cancer. Other low-risk HPV types lead to genital warts. They are called low risk because they are unlikely to cause cancer. The only sure protection against HPV infection is a lifelong relationship with an uninfected partner. Other ways to protect yourself include using condoms and other barrier methods such as dental dams. However, a new vaccine called Gardasil can now protect women from some types of HPV. This vaccine was licensed in 2006 and has been shown to protect against 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts caused by HPV. There is no vaccine for men yet. If infected with HPV there are some treatments available once it has progressed to warts. Over-the-counter ointments, lotions, and patches are available to help eliminate or slow the growth of warts. If over-the-counter treatments are unsuccessful, you can freeze the warts or cauterize them using electricity. In some cases, the application of strong drugs such as acids or podophyllum, which is a poison that comes from a plant, is necessary. Without treatment, about half of common warts disappear on their own within 6 to 12 months. Others may dissolve when an over-the-counter treatment is used for several weeks or months. Among all outpatient treatments, surgical wart removal gives the best results because the wart is removed in just one visit to the doctor. Other forms of treatment require several office visits such as freezing or cauterization. After a wart is removed, it is not there.