HPV/Venereal Warts

Many women are told that they have HPV (Human Papillomavirus) when they get the results of their pap smears. This is the virus that causes genital warts, but actual warts may never develop. Most women are confused by the news of having HPV, wondering how they acquired this virus. Statistics show that 60 - 70% of the population has at least one of the strains of HPV. Many sources will relate that it is considered a sexually transmitted disease and for most people HPV probably is transmitted through intimate contact. Some recent investigation has determined that people who have never been sexually active also have the virus, indicating that there must be other ways to get HPV. Your gyn provider has probably recommended more frequent pap smears, or a colposcopy. It is important that you follow this advice and not delay having pap smears as scheduled.

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