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This common virus has 35 different strains, and affects the genital area. Some of the types cause genital warts and 15 types have the potential to cause cervical or anal cancer.
How Spread:
It is spread during vaginal or anal sex through contact with the warts or an area infected by the virus. It can show up during a woman's Pap smear (sample from the cervix). Doctors can diagnose the virus from seeing the warts or from microscopic tests of the cervix and the man's urethra.
Symptoms: Warts appear two months to two years after infection. Some may look like cauliflowers, others flat.
Treatment: Warts can be removed with liquid nitrogen or surgery. There is no cure but a person with a strong immune system may be able to clear the virus from the body.
Prevention: Women need regular Pap tests. Avoid direct contact with the virus (warts). Condoms can only protect the area that is covered, and
warts may still be uncovered on the scrotum or upper thigh.
Demographics:
This is not a reportable disease so it is not known how many people have it. However, it is considered a serious public health concern because of the risk of cervical cancer in women and, to a lesser degree, penile cancer in men.
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