Human PapillomaVirus (HPV) is the most common STD in America. There are many types of HPV, and each type has different symptoms. It is believed that around 80% of sexually active people will contract HPV at some point. This is due to its ability spread through nearly every type of physical sexual activity and skin-to-skin contact.
What are the Different Types of HPV?
There are over 100 different strains of HPV. Most strains are harmless, which explains why so many people have HPV, yet are unaware that they carry the virus. Some types of HPV can cause genital warts, but these are usually treatable. Types 6, 11, 16, and 18 are the strains of HPV that are known for causing cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, and anus. Types 16 and 18 alone are responsible for around 70% of cervical cancers, and types 6 and 11 account for 90% of genital warts among HPV infections.
