Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) have been known to infect humans as early as the time Colombus discovered America. Since then, science has been advancing on not only the protection but also the cure and treatment of these kinds of diseases like HPV. Despite the availability of treatments, there is a growing concern for the continuous spread of STDs not only in local communities but all over the world.
According to a report from the NY Times, more than 40 percent of adult Americans are infected with human papillomavirus or HPV. Commonly known as genital warts, it is a type of sexually transmitted disease which can infect the genital area and the mouth.
Although it is prevalent in a great percentage of the population especially those between the ages of 18 and 59, the good thing about this is that there are treatments to not only lessen the side effects but maybe to be completely rid of the disease. One way they are planning to control this is to have children as young as 11 and 12 years of age to have HPV vaccines.
For all those HPV infections that remain untreated, an even worse problem may be on the way. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that out of 100 types of HPVs, at least ten are known to cause cancer. There are recorded cases of cervical cancer which has been caused primarily by HPV infection. Based on their report, the time to develop cervical cancer from untreated HPV infection can take 15 to 20 years for healthy women. It can take about 5 to 10 years for women with weak immune systems.
Other than cervical cancer, HPV has also been discovered that it can cause cancer to the anus, rectum, penis, and the vagina. People who are within this age group are now being closely monitored and are recommended to take precaution.
