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What is it? - HPV is a common virus among humans that can cause lesions such as warts (papillomas). There are several types of HPV, with some affecting the anogenital area and others targeting the hands and feet.

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Transmission -

The most common way to transmit HPV is during vaginal, oral, or anal sex, but it can also happen during intimate skin-to-skin contact in which at least one of the people is infected.

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Population - Between 50% to 80% of sexually active people can get HPV at any point during their lives. Yet in most cases, the symptoms don't develop.

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Types of HPV -

Currently, there are around 200 different types of HPV identified. Around 40 of those affect the anogenital system: penis, vagina, vulva, cervix and perianals areas.

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Cervical cancer - According to the National Cancer Institute, 'virtually all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV.'

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Other cancers - HPV can also often be associated to vulvar, anal and penile cancer. 

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Development - A persistent HPV infection may have a very long latency period, as it can take years for tumors to develop since the person gets infected. 

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Cancer - Even though many women contract HPV, it rarely ever causes cervical cancer. However, there are two types - 16 and 18 - that are responsible for about 70% of all cervical cancer cases. 

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Contraceptives - Studies show that the prolonged use of oral contraceptives (birth-control pills) may be a risk factor when it comes to developing cervical cancer. 

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Can you pass it to your child? - HPV is usually sexually transmitted, so passing it on to a child during birth is rare. 

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Symptoms - Most people who carry the HPV virus don't manifest symptoms, as it usually causes a silent infection. Warts can grow but they're often small or in areas where they aren't visible. 

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Warts - Genital warts can be 'small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like a cauliflower,' according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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Where? - In women, warts can break out in the cervix, thighs, anus, vulva, rectum, or urethra.

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Diagnosis - The best way to diagnose the virus is to take the Papanicolaou test (pap test), which helps identify changes to the cervix cells. This is the best way to track the virus, as there is no way to know if it will persist and evolve to cancer. 

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Exam - It's also possible to do the more specific HPV DNA test, which pins down the genetic characteristics of the virus.

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Treatment - There is no known cure for HPV, however, if you boost your immune system, the virus can become dormant.

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Managing symptoms - When the symptoms are more developed, some forms of treatment include applying products on the lesions, laser treatment or, in rare cases, surgical excision.

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Immune system - In order to fight the virus, it's essential that you boost your immune system with a balanced diet that includes foods like carrots, strawberries, and garlic. 

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Immune system - Avoid canned, pre-packaged food that is full of preservatives. 

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Immune system - Activities like reading, walking, and doing yoga can also help reduce stress and improve the immune system. 

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Talk to your doctor - Most treatment methods bring positive results, but there isn't yet data that points out at the best technique. It's important that you talk to your doctor so you figure out what to do. 

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Recurrence - Even after treating the warts, they can come back, which means you'll need further treatment. Symptom relapses are pretty common with HPV. 

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Prevention - Your behavior is the best prevention method - always practice safe sex in order to avoid contract any type of sexually transmitted infection. 

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Talk to your partner - It's important to talk to your partner about STIs and be as truthful as possible regarding your health record. 

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Vaccines - Vaccines are essential and women must take them accordingly to medical recommendation. 

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Vaccines - There are currently two types of vaccines to prevent women from contracting the HPV types 16 and 18. 

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Vaccines - HPV vaccines are less effective for women above the age of 40. 

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Tests - Even if you were vaccinated, you should regularly undertake pap tests to make sure everything is okay. 

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