The HPV virus is incredibly common and while HPV treatments do exist, it is far better for people to take steps to reduce their chance of being infected with the virus. Fortunately, there are a number of things that people can do in an effort to reduce the likelihood of being infected with HPV.

Vaccines:

Vaccines have been developed to protect both males and females from some of the most common types of HPV. These vaccines are administered over a period of six months and consist of three doses. In order to get the best level of protection possible, it is important that all three doses are taken.

Ideally and to be most effective, these vaccines will be administered before an individual has their first sexual experience as the first sexual contact is when an individual could be exposed to HPV.

Different vaccines exist for females and males:

Girls and women:  Cervarix and Gardasil are two vaccines that offer protection for females against the strains of HPV that are known to cause most cervical cancers. Gardasil also presents the benefit of protection against many, but not all, types of genital warts. These vaccines are recommended for girls aged 11 and 12 years (but can be given as young as 9 years) and also for any females aged 13 to 26 years who did not receive any or all of the doses when they were younger. Whenever possible, it is best that females get the same brand of vaccine for all three doses.

Boys and men:  Gardasil provides some protection against genital warts for men. It is available to males aged 9 to 26 years of age.

Condoms:

Genital warts are transmitted through sexual activity and so condoms are acknowledged for providing some reduction to the risk of being infected with the HPV virus.

However, it should be noted that genital warts can be spread without penetration occurring – skin to skin contact is enough to contract the infection.

If condoms are used, they are most effective if used from start to finish of every sexual act.

Relationships:

Although it may not always be realistic to do so, the risk of being infected with HPV is lower if the number of sexual partners is limited and partners are selected who have had no or few other sexual partners. While this may lower the risk, it is possible for people who have only ever had one sexual partner in their lifetime to be infected with HPV.

Similarly, as the HPV virus can produce no symptoms, it may be impossible to tell if a sexual partner is infected.

While being in a faithful relationship with one partner usually lowers the risk of getting HPV, the only absolute way to prevent HPV is to completely abstain from sexual activity. Naturally, this is not realistic or desirable for many people.

Some effective HPV treatments have been developed but there is no treatment that is superior to prevention. Although absolute prevention of the HPV virus is unrealistic for most, it is very wise for all sexually active people to take steps to protect themselves as far as possible from being infected with the HPV virus.

With the vast prevalence of the HPV virus and it ranking as one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, it is important that all people, but particularly young people, are educated about this infection and strategies to reduce the likelihood of infection.

The term HPVs is the acronym for human papillomaviruses, of which there is in excess of one hundred types that affect humans. Most people understand the HPV virus to cause genital warts and it follows that there is more than forty types of the HPV virus that cause genital warts. Although forms of HPV treatment exist, there is no definitive cure for the HPV virus.

Causes:

The human papillomavirus causes genital warts. More than one hundred types of HPVs are known to exist, with approximately forty of these posing potential infection of the genital area.

HPV-6 and HPV-11 are two particular types of the HPV virus that cause an estimated ninety per cent of genital warts. However, these two types of the HPV virus are deemed to be low risk, because their likelihood of causing cancer is comparatively low.

Other types of the HPV virus have been shown to cause precancerous changes to the cervix of women and cervical cancer. One of the high risk versions of the HPV virus (HPV-16) causes approximately fifty per cent of all cervical cancers.

Genital warts are markedly different from common warts. Common warts are caused by different types of HPV that infect the skin.

Symptoms:

Genital warts produce no pain but are likely to present frustration because of where they are located, their size and possibly, the itchiness they can cause. It is quite common for both men and women with genital warts to speak of genital warts as painless bumps that are itchy and produce discharge.

Typically, the size of warts may range from less than one millimetre to several square centimetres in the event that warts join together. It is also common for genital warts to be present in more than one area.

How are genital warts transmitted?

The primary way in which the HPV infection is transmitted is via sexual activity. Like some other sexually transmitted infections, the risk of infection rises with the greater the number of sexual partners an individual has.

During sexual activity, abrasions in the genital area that are microscopic in size allow particles with the HPV virus to penetrate the skin and mucus. As soon as cells are infected with HPV, it is possible that there may be no evidence of infection for months or even years. Some people who are infected with the HPV virus are asymptomatic, meaning that they never show any symptoms of the virus.

However, approximately two thirds of people who engage in sexual activity with a person who is infected with HPV develops genital warts within a three month period.

HPV and links to other diseases:

For most people, the number of different HPVs comes as a surprise. Those that cause genital warts infect the anogenital tract (the genital tract and anus) of both men and women. There is a known link between cervical cancer and genital warts and, a subgroup of the HPVs that infect the genital tract and anus, can lead to precancerous changes in cells of the cervix and thereby cause cervical cancer.

The types of HPV that cause cancer of the cervix have also been linked to penile and anal cancers in men and some types of head and neck cancers in both women and men.

The HPV virus is most commonly termed and understood to be genital warts. This virus is surprisingly common with at least 75% of all people of reproductive age estimated to be infected with the virus in many western countries.

Despite the astounding prevalence of HPV, many people have a limited understanding of how the virus is identified and diagnosed and the treatments that are available. Here we provide you with ten facts that provide key information about the diagnosis and treatment of the HPV virus.

Diagnosis:

Fact #1:  In some cases (but certainly not all), signs of HPV can be noticed when a pap smear is carried out. HPV infection can lead to changes in the cervix that are known to be precancerous and, as the purpose of a pap smear is to identify abnormal cells, those that are precancerous as a result of HPV infection are reasonably often noticed. However, a definitive diagnosis of HPV cannot be made through the pap smear itself unless special tests are carried out to test for the DNA of HPV.

Fact #2:  If a genital wart is present, it is possible for a biopsy to be done to test for the HPV virus.

Fact #3:  Genital warts usually show themselves as small, fleshy, raised bumps, but they can sometimes be large in size and resemble a cauliflower. They can be found on any area of the body that is exposed during sex. Because genital warts are quite common, many health professionals will treat patients who display symptoms without ordering testing.

Fact #4:  An estimated ninety per cent of genital warts are caused by ‘low risk’ HPV types (HPV-6 and HPV-11).

Treatment:

Fact #5:  No cure or treatment that completely eradicates an HPV infection exists. As a result, the only HPV treatment possible involves removing the lesions that result from the virus. However, this will not necessarily prevent the virus from spreading or warts recurring.

Fact #6:  Some physicians will direct their patients to apply a medicated solution or gel to the warts twice a day for three days and then cease treatment for the next four days. This treatment is commonly continued for three to four weeks or until no evidence of the lesions remains.

Fact #7:  Some treatments for genital warts can only be performed by an experienced health physician. Among others, these include a small amount of a solution of podophyllin resin on the lesions present and then, after a number of hours have passed, washing off the podophyllin. This treatment is repeated every week until the lesions have gone.

Fact #8:  Other treatments that must be performed by a physician include: a solution of either trichloroacetic acid or bichloracetic acid being applied to lesions weekly and injection of a specific (5-flurouracil epinephrine) gel into the lesions.

Fact #9:  Interferon alpha is a substance that stimulates the immune response of the body. It has also been used to treat genital warts by being injected into the lesion every second day for a period of eight to twelve weeks.

Fact #10:  Cryotherapy, surgical removal and laser surgery have also been used to treat genital warts.

As some people who have the HPV virus never display any symptoms, it is not surprising that HPV is so easily spread. While some HPV treatments do exist, these often involve considerable time and commitment on the part of the infected individual and when it is considered that no absolute cure exists for this infection, efforts to prevent HPV are vitally important.

HPV is the acronym used for the Human papillomaviruses, of which there are more than one hundred types that affect humans. Many of us have heard of HPV (most readily thinking of it as genital warts) and are similarly familiar with the term HPV virus. Unfortunately, in relation to HPV, this is about where the knowledge of many ends.

Many people significantly underestimate the prevalence of HPV in society. Scarier still, most people fail to realise just how easily it can be spread – often without signs or symptoms. While some forms of HPV treatment do exist, there is no definitive and complete cure.

What don’t people know?

It goes without saying that a majority of people are surprised to learn that HPV is now recognised as the most common sexually transmitted infection in many parts of the western world. It is also concerning to learn that an estimated seventy five per cent of people of reproductive age have been infected with a sexually transmitted form of HPV at some time in their life. We need to take note that this staggering statistic relates to people that have been infected rather than those who have merely come into contact with HPV.

Each year in the US, it is understood that more than six million people become infected with HPV and that half of the total number of people infected each year are between the ages of fifteen and twenty five years.

Why is HPV so common?

Essentially, HPV infection is incredibly common but what people really need to understand is that an infected person may never develop any symptoms, including warts and cancers. Astoundingly to most of us, most people infected with HPV display no lesions or any other symptoms. The only way that HPV infection can then be determined is through testing to identify whether the DNA of the virus is present.

The HPV virus is more common than many people think and, it tends not to be one of the STIs that receives most public attention and efforts to raise awareness. It is also important for people to understand that there is no certainty as to whether the body’s immune system is able to eradicate the HPV virus altogether.

What about testing?

Quizzically, people have been known to test positive for an HPV infection only to have subsequent tests over months and years generate a negative result. Then, these same people have later been surprised by a positive result. It is unknown whether the viral infection is able to lay dormant for a period of time or whether a person becomes re-infected with the virus.

The HPV virus is such that people who have the virus but do not show any symptoms (asymptomatic) can still spread the virus through sexual contact.

HPV and cervical cancer

Some people are also aware of the link between the HPV virus and cervical cancer. While pap smears do not essentially screen for genital warts, it has been found that screening for and treatment of early changes to the cervix (before they become cancerous) has significantly reduced the incidence of cervical cancer. This is true for countries in the western world, but not so for women in developing countries where there is no medical infrastructure or financial backing to implement a screening system. In these countries, the incidence of cervical cancer resulting from HPV infection is significantly higher than rates in developed countries.

It is estimated that approximately 500,000 women across the world die from cervical cancer each year and, in some countries, it is the most common cancer related to female mortality.

The HPV virus and infection is a serious issue and one that many people fail to recognise as so significant. The HPV virus is common and this is largely because a person infected may never show any symptoms, but is still able to transmit the virus to sexual partners.

Most people know of these STDs, but what are they and is there a cure for them? Here, we look at the five most well-known STDs and how you can safeguard yourself against them.

1. Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is a family of over one hundred different types. While there’s no cure for genital warts and most people will clear the HPV on their own, HPV treatment is available to minimise or eliminate the warts. Genital warts appear and may re-appear around the genitals and anus after infection as a series of patchy or cauliflower bumps. There are no other serious symptoms associated with genital warts.

2. HIV

HIV is, thankfully, less common nowadays due to public awareness. However, it has been included in this list as it is a very serious STD. HIV attacks the immune system and can be spread through blood contact. The incubation period can range from one to ten years, leading to AIDS, which means the immune system begin to fail. Generally people with AIDS die from other infections caused by common bacteria or viruses because of their compromised immune systems.

3. Hepatitis

Most people clear Hepatitis A and B on their own, especially adults, while Hepatitis C will persist in about 85% of infected people. Chronic carriers tend to be at risk of liver cancer and other liver problems. There’s no cure for hepatitis as yet but treatment can help a percentage of infected people clear these viruses by supporting their immune systems in fighting the virus.

4. Herpes

Genital Herpes is caused by the HSV-2 virus, which leads to small, raised bumps around the genitals that may be painful and itchy but heal over on their own. There’s currently no known cure for this disease though anti-viral drugs can help with healing.

5. Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacteria infection that leads to burning pain for men when urinating or when there is penile discharge. Women tend to be asymptomatic or experience some pelvic pain and discharge. Gonorrhea should be treated with the latest generation antibiotics so as to avoid complication such as epididymitis (sudden scrotal pain) or pelvic inflammation diseases.

Strategies for Protecting Yourself Against STDs:

• Abstinence. Abstinence is the best method against STDs. Only have intercourse with partners after a blood test or abstain altogether.
• Always use a condom. Never go unprotected. Though condom can reduce your chances of getting infected, remember condoms can’t protect you completely against viruses like the HPV virus that are transmitted through skin-contact, or through bodily fluids such as hepatitis.
• Don’t share needles. If you inject drugs, never share needles with others.
• Don’t get tattoos or acupuncture treatments from unsterilised parlours. A study by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases found that people who had Hepatitis C were three times more likely to have tattoos. If you want to get a tattoo or receive an acupuncture treatment, make sure the parlours has the most stringent sterilising standards.
• Don’t get manicures from unsterilised parlours. Manicures may be dangerous when parlours don’t effectively sterilise their equipment. While there are not specific reported causes of transmission, specialists haven’t ruled out the possibility that STDs can be transmitted via manicures. You should talk to the manicurist about their disinfecting procedures for equipment. Opt out if they don’t use autoclave technology, which kills hepatitis and HIV.
• Get vaccinated. Where possible, get vaccinated before you travel or as early as you can. Have all your children vaccinated. There’s a vaccine for the most common genital warts, and for Hepatitis A and B.

Don’t share razors or toothbrushes. Bleeding gums and saliva can spread common STDs.

There are well over a hundred types of HPV (human papilloma viruses) which cause warts – a viral skin disease that can, in some cases, be a sexually transmitted infection. Types 6 and 11 cause gential warts, while 1 and 3 cause the common wart. While HPV treatment is available and tends to be effective in wart removal, there’s no cure for HPV and your immune system will tend to clear it away by itself. Here’s a quick look at the six most common types of warts.

Flat Warts

A flat wart can spread in numerous clusters on the face and body but tend to remain small in size – around the size of a pinhead. They are common in children on the face and can itch or hurt. Flat warts generally are similar to the rest of the skin in colour. They can be passed from one person to another by skin contact, by sharing towels and other items that come into contact with the skin, or to other areas of your body by shaving or scratch. They are usually harmless and go away on their own in time.

Common Warts

Common warts are raised on the skin and tend to be tough to the touch. They are larger than flat warts but are also skin coloured, and like other warts, tend to be harmless, though treatment is advised for those who feel self-conscious about these growths that can occur on the hand or other parts of the body.

Plantar Warts

These small lesions grow on the plantar surfaces on your body – the soles of the feet. Usually they have a skin-coloured or light brown appearance with a single or a few small black dots at the centre. The dots are clotted blood vessels. Plantar warts tend to spread on moist surfaces such as swimming pools and gyms where people walk bare footed. If you have been in contact with the HPV virus that causes plantar warts, then you tend to build up immunity over time – more children than adults have plantar warts. Because they can be mildly painful, people often opt for removal, either through home administered treatment like salicylic acid, or treatment by doctors such as cryosurgery (cold burning) and surgical excision.

Mosaic Warts

Mosaic Warts are clusters of plantar warts on the hands and feet that grow in mosaic clusters that can be difficult to remove. As they represent a serious spread of the virus, mosaic warts will required persistent application of salicylic acid products or more serious treatment by your doctor for removal.

Filiform Warts

These thread-shaped warts are found on the lips, neck, and the eyelids. They tend to be painless but can itch or bleed when severe. Advice should be obtained before self-administered treatment since any substances you use can come into contact with the eyes or cause scarring on your face.

Genital Warts

These are sexually transmitted warts that can occur in both men and women. Genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. The wart grows in a bloom-like cluster on and around the genital area, which can cause embarrassment for infected people in intimate situations. They can be flesh-coloured or grey. Condoms will not provide absolute protection as this wart can be spread by skin-to-skin contact.

HPV, or Genital Warts, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, both in Australia and worldwide. The warts are caused by the HPV virus, which leads to abnormal cell growth, bumpy and cauliflower-shaped growths around the genitals and the anus. There are no other serious side effects to this virus. As it is spread merely by skin-to-skin contact, anyone who is sexually active should know how to guard themselves against the HPV virus.

Get the Vaccine

Yes, there is a vaccine available, but the HPV vaccine only protects you against certain types of HPV. The vaccine, also known as the cervical cancer vaccine, provides immunity against types 16, 18, 6 and 11, with 16 and 18 being the major causes of cervical cancer worldwide (around 70 – 80% of all cervical cancers), while types 6 and 11 is a common cause of genital warts.

The vaccine is most effective if you’re not yet sexually active and is now given to very young girls. Both men and women can get the vaccine. The latest research confirms that the vaccines are effective for at least  4 – 6 years after administration, but as it is a relatively new vaccine, it remains to be seen whether booster shots are required after the initial three shots.

The vaccine can sometimes cause swelling at the point of injection, headache, nausea and fever, but no serious side effects have been reported. The vaccine is free and administered by the government to school children in Australia but has no effect on people who have been exposed the HPV. If you have already been exposed to HPV, HPV treatment is available to minimise or remove the warts.

Practice Safe Sex

Using condoms reduces your chances of getting the HPV by reducing the amount of direct skin-to-skin contact and minimising fluid exchange. However, it’s important to point out that condoms can’t protect you completely against HPV. The only way to completely avoid HPV is through abstinence. Generally, people are at higher risk even if they use condoms if they have many sexual partners, became sexually active at a young age, have other viral infections such as HIV and herpes, or have compromised immune systems.

Abstinence

The only way to prevent HPV is really to avoid any sort of contact with the virus. This means:

• Avoiding skin contact
• Avoiding blood contact
• Avoiding contact with bodily fluids

If your partner has visible genital warts, it’s advisable that you abstain from sex at least until they have cleared up or completely eliminated. Most sexually active people (four out of five women) will get some form of HPV at some stage in their lives, so always get regular pap smears and periodic checks for HPV.

Proper Nutrition to Boost Your Immune System

Eating well will boost your immune system: as a virus, many HPVs are eventually eliminated by the immune system itself. Weakened immune systems lead to outbreaks or susceptibility to the virus. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, sleep well, avoid high-stress lifestyles, don’t smoke or drink heavily, and take a multivitamin supplement.

These two conditions are very often confused with each other, but genital warts – which are caused by the HPV virus – are actually very different to genital herpes. Here we look at the major differences, including symptoms, effects on human health and how each are treated.

What Are They?

Genital warts is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). It’s commonly spread by skin contact during sexual intercourse. There are well over a hundred types of HPV and types 6 and 11 are the most common causes of genital wart cases. Depending on age and demographic, genital warts has been observed at anywhere between 1 – 45% of the sexually active population, with the youngest groups most prone to the infection. HPV is one of the most commonly STIs around the world.

There are two major types of herpes – oral (cold sores) and genital. Genital herpes is caused by HSV2 (Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2). They are commonly transmitted by contact with a lesion or the bodily fluid of an infected person, and less commonly through contact with an infected person’s skin. Herpes on the genitals appear like cold sores – raised, inflamed bumps on the surface of the genitals. The blister can be filled with fluid that then forms a scab. Usually it will then heal itself.

What Are Their Symptoms?

Genital warts lead to cauliflower-like growths on and around the sexual organs and the anus. For several weeks or months after exposure, some people may experience an itching or burning sensation. Small bumps or spots may appear that develop into bumpy warts. These warts may then spread into bloom clusters. Sometimes individuals can be infected for months, years, or even decades without symptoms.

Genital herpes look like cold sores on the skin. These sores will ulcerate before healing, and some level of inflammation, itching, and redness will occur. Sometimes the infected person will feel burning and tingling sensation in the area.

How Can I Tell if I have Herpes or Warts?

You can self-diagnose but the best way to be sure is to visit your doctor for a formal diagnosis. For herpes, if you have no symptoms, doctors can take a blood test, viral culture, or antigen test, or a combination of these. For warts, the doctor may use a pap smear or swab test to see if you have the virus.

How Can They Be Treated?

Once a person has been infected with HPV or HSV2, the virus will remain in the body, and go through periods of dormancy and activity until your immune system clears it.

HPV treatment (for genital warts) involves topical creams, cryosurgery (cold burning removal), and LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure, which removes the wart by hot burning). Cryosurgery and LEEP must be performed by doctors. Using creams at home can be a safe and easy way to treat HPV.

There is no known cure for HSV2 but there are various treatment options you can discuss with your doctor such as antiviral therapy.

There is a vaccine available for HPV that is best administered before you become sexually active. The vaccine is fairly widely used and has been proven to be effective against some HPVs that are linked to cervical cancer, warts and other high-risk types of HPV. Even when vaccinated, you should obtain regular pap smears and practice safe sex.

Getting the HPV virus does not necessarily mean that it will lead to cervical cancer but it could possibly increase your risk. It can also mean other things like contracting genital warts and other uncomfortable symptoms associated with HPV. Rather than focusing on HPV treatment , we’ve got a list of preventive measures you’ll want to know about and put into action.

What’s important to note is that to contract HPV, no exchange of bodily fluids or penetration needs to take place. Skin on skin contact is all that is required for it to spread. With over half the population estimated to have the virus, it is extremely common. Although it mostly does not cause health problems, it can if left untreated cause cervical cancer and other types of cancer such as penile, anal and head and neck cancer.

Of course abstinence of all sexual contact is one way to ensure never contracting the HPV Virus, however it is not practical for most people. Here, we’ve listed some of the realistic, useful measures you can take to reduce your chances of contracting HPV.

HPV Vaccine

The HPV Vaccine is targeted at young women aged 11-26 years of age. The purpose of this is to vaccinate young girls before they are exposed to the HPV Virus through sexual activity. This vaccine has been widely regarded world wide and has many benefits. However before deciding on having the vaccine or having your child vaccinated, it is a good idea to do your own research, learn all the facts and speak to your doctor.

It needs to be noted that the HPV Vaccine offers effective protection against the strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer and genital warts but not other types of the HPV Virus.

Using a condom during sexual intercourse

Using a condom during sex can reduce your risk of contracting HPV by approximately 70%. Of course it is also a good way to prevent the transmission of other types of sexually transmitted diseases as well. However using a condom does not offer full protection as it only takes skin to skin contact in some cases to pass on the virus. During sexual intercourse, other infected parts of the genitals may be unprotected and cause infection when making contact with the other person’s skin.

Restrict the number of sexual partners you have

Throughout a lifetime restricting the number of sexual partners one has, can reduce their risk of contracting the HPV Virus . Also, couples that have a monogamous long term relationship are less likely to transfer different strains of the HPV Virus.

Although the HPV Virus can be relatively harmless in most cases, it is important to take preventative measures as mentioned above as some strains of HPV can lead to cancer. I hope our advice on how to take measures to prevent contracting HPV have been helpful and you’ll find them useful in maintaining your own health and well being.

There is often confusion about the link between HPV and Cervical cancer. While the HPV Virus can be harmless in many instances, there are other types of HPV which can potentially cause cervical cancer. Here, we’ve explained exactly how the HPV Virus is linked to Cervical cancer. An important topic, all women should know about.

HPV is one of the most common types of diseases and is highly contagious. It is estimated that 70% of people are infected with the HPV virus. Because it can be contracted by skin to skin contact, it is transferred easily.

Genital warts are one of the most well known types of HPV Viruses however not much is known about it, unlike other sexually transmitted infections.

The signs

Genital warts can be visible but they can also be internal located on the cervix, anus or inside the vagina. Because of this, the person who is infected may not even know they are infected. Even if they are external, they may be painless and flesh coloured so they may not be attended to. If ever experiencing unexpected pain or bleeding, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

Diagnosis of HPV

For some women, genital warts may be identified during a pap smear or gynecological examination. External warts are different to internal warts and may simply be treated using a cream form of HPV Treatment . Pap smears are conducted not to check for genital warts or other sexually transmitted diseases but rather to detect any abnormalities in the cervix.

If internal genital warts are found, it does not necessarily mean that the particular individual has cancer or will get cancer. However women with this type of HPV Virus need to be diligent with their pap smears and check ups as recommended by their doctor. Possibly the doctor will order a follow up screening to monitor the person closely and identify any further changes if a particular strain of HPV is detected.

An examination may show cervical dysplasia which once again doesn’t mean invasive cervical cancer but can indicate ‘carcinoma in situ’ (CIS) and cancer of the cervix. CIS is said to be 95% treatable and curable. There is no answer as to why in some cases it progresses to invasive cervical cancer. CIS is found commonly in young women aged 25-34. Progression to invasive cervical cancer occurs mostly in older women over 50 years of age.

Early detection

If cervical cancer is detected early, there is more chance of curing it. It is estimated however that one third of women fail to have regular pap smears making approximately 90% of deaths from cervical cancer possibly preventable if the cancer was detected earlier.

Although there are clear links between cervical cancer and the HPV Virus with some types of HPV leading to cervical cancer, regular check ups and pap smears really are vital to every woman’s overall health and well being.

Knowing the link between HPV and Cervical cancer is important for all women so that they are well aware of the importance of pap smears and the early detection of some strains of HPV. I hope you’ve found this information useful and helpful in making decisions about your health in the future.