Genital Warts In Women (cont.)
How common is HPV infection?
HPV
infection is now considered to be the most common sexually-transmitted infection
(sexually transmitted disease, STD) in the U.S., and it is believed that at least 75% of the reproductive-age
population has been infected with sexually-transmitted HPV at some point in
life. It is believed that over 6 million people become infected with HPV every
year in the US, and approximately 50% of those infected are between the ages of
15 and 25.
HPV infection is common and does not usually lead to the
development of warts, cancers, or even symptoms. In fact, the majority of people
infected with HPV have no symptoms or lesions at all. Determination of whether
or not a person is infected with HPV involves tests that identify the genetic
material (DNA) of the virus. Furthermore, it has not been definitely established whether
the immune system is able to permanently clear the body of an HPV infection. In
many cases, a person will test positive for HPV infection and then have negative
HPV tests for months to years, only to have a positive test result at a later
time. It is presently unclear if this is due to a latent (continuing but hidden)
viral infection or if the person has become re-infected with the virus.
Asymptomatic people infected with HPVs (those without HPV-induced warts or
lesions) are still able to spread the infections to others through sexual
contact.
It is important to note that in the U.S. and other developed countries,
screening and early treatment of precancerous changes of the cervix have
dramatically reduced the incidence of cervical cancer. In developing countries
lacking the medical infrastructure or financial means to implement a screening
system, the incidence of cervical cancer resulting from HPV infection is much
higher. In fact, cervical cancer develops in around 500,000 women each year
worldwide, and, in many countries, it is the most common cancer to kill women.
Next: What are the symptoms
of genital warts? »
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