My doctor said I have HPV, human papilloma virus.

So you’re probably wondering, “What is the human papilloma virus?”

The human papilloma virus, known as HPV, is the known causative agent in genital warts and abnormal pap smears.

There are many different types of the HPV. Types 6 and 8 cause genital warts. The other types of HPV, particularly 16 and 18, are known to cause abnormal pap smears and 70% of cervical cancers. HPV also has been linked to 35-50% of vulvar and vaginal cancers.

HPV is sexually transmitted. A new HPV vaccine is available for women 9-26 years of age for the prevention of diseases related to types 6, 11, 16, and 18.

Unfortunately, the vaccine is not effective for active disease.