Human Papillomavirus or HPV, as it is commonly called, is the most common sexually transmitted infection today. Studies today have led us to believe that HPV can lead to cervical cancer. It is important today for every woman to be well aware of this disease and take necessary steps for its prevention and treatment.

Medical reports suggest that there are more than 100 types of HPV. Approximately 30 to 40 of these can cause infection in the genital area. Some cause genital warts, while others can lead to genital or cervical cancers. The remaining 70 types of HPV can cause infection in other parts of the body.

Men and women are equally susceptible to this infection. Almost all sexually active people contract this virus at some point of their lives. However, since HPV does not produce any symptoms or create any health hazards, most people do not even come to know that they have been infected. The HPV gets cleared on its own usually in a span of two years or even less.

This virus is spread through sexual activity and the chances of contracting HPV increases in case of multiple partners. Women who are sexually active with men having other partners at the same time are also susceptible to this infection. It has also been noticed that young women between the age group 20 to 24 are more likely to develop this infection.

It is very important for all sexually active women to get their Pap smear tests done at regular intervals to detect the possibility of any infection. In the Pap smear test, the doctor takes a sample of the cervical cells and has them studied in the laboratory. To check the DNA of the HPV the doctor can even ask her to go for a HPV test. These tests help in the detection of the virus and also enable the doctor to determine the presence of virus that can lead to cervical cancer.