05-08-2009, 02:41 PM
HPV is the Human Papilloma Virus and it is spread from skin-to-skin contact. There are over a 100 different strains of the virus, but only so many are actually passed from having sex. Regular warts you get on your hands, feet etc are caused from certain strains of the virus that are not sexually transmitted.
The sexually transmitted strains of HPV can be passed from oral sex, vigorous rubbing, hand-to-genital contact, vaginal and anal intercourse. Condoms cannot even offer 100% safety from the virus. You would have to wear a rubber suit to completely protect yourself!
The very common genital wart we hear about is caused by "low risk" strains of the virus, like 6 & 11. "High risk" strains of the virus, like 16 & 18, have been linked to precancerous and cancerous conditions of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and anus in women; and anal dyspepsia in men who have anal sex. "High risk" doesn't mean you will definitely get cancer, it just means if you have this type of cancer you should get your check-ups.
HPV is the most common virus there is today, if you have had sex there is a pretty good chance you have been exposed to it. There is no CURE for it, but most people have a good enough immune system to fight it off and into dormancy. Therefore, most people never even know they have it.
Here are a couple of links to give you more information, there is a lot to know about HPV:
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