#JustBe Magazine September 2015 | Page 13

BODY TALK

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HPV
WRITTEN BY: TARSHA WILLIAMS

WE’RE NOT TALKING ABOUT A HIGH POWERED VACUUM.
WE’RE TALKING ABOUT THE HUMAN PAPILLOMA VIRUS.
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United
States. It’s hard to believe that there are over 100 different types of HPV. And
even crazier, many people won’t experience any signs or symptoms.
How is HPV spread?

HPV is spread when someone has vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has
the virus. (Usually not visible) It’s spread when someone has skin-to-skin contact with
an infected area.

What are the Signs & Symptoms?

Many people with HPV have no signs or symptoms. The best thing to do is to
make an appointment at a local health clinic to get tested

How do you prevent HPV?

The best way is to get the HPV vaccine as early as possible. If you have sex, use latex
condoms to help reduce the risk of infection. Using condoms may not protect you
from HPV if warts are present on the genital area not covered by the condom.

©2015 The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston