HPV, or the human papilloma virus, is, without question, the most prevalent STD in the world. The vast majority of people (around 90%) who engage in sexual intercourse will contract HPV at some point. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, however, most of these will never know it.
HPV is largely considered a low risk virus. In fact, most people who get never have symptoms and those that do often only find out because of an irregular Pap smear. There are more than 200 types of HPV, and some people who have never had sex will come into contact and carry the virus, which can cause warts on the hands and feet.
The STD strains of the human papillomavirus are contracted through sexual contact. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that this does not have to be penetration contact, and people can get HPV through oral sex or from other intimate touch.
Marla Ahlgrimm explains that there are a handful of strains of the virus that can cause cancer. Unfortunately, there are few, if any, symptoms of HPV outside of an abnormal Pap test. Those who do develop cancer may not find out until they are diagnosed based on symptoms associated with either penile, anal, vulvar, or throat cancer.
Some people with HPV types six or 11 may present with soft fleshy bumps called genital warts. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that, although alarming and embarrassing, genital warts do not lead to cancer.
According to Marla Ahlgrimm, most people never need to be tested for HPV. In fact, those in the 25 to 65-year age bracket likely only see their gynecologist once every five years. Since HPV is so common and typically benign, there is no treatment for the virus itself. Marla Ahlgrimm notes that those with a high-risk form of the virus may receive cryotherapy or special types of procedures to remove precancerous cells.
