HPV or Human Papilloma Virus is a common infection of the genitals that can be passed via direct or skin-to-skin sexual contact. Anyone can get infected by this virus, regardless of age, race or gender. People who are more at risk are those who frequently have unprotected sex with a number of different people. You don’t even have to have intercourse with an infected person to get the virus.
Oral sex and simply touching the genitals of someone with HPV is an almost sure way of getting the condition yourself. Wearing a condom may help but it is definitely not a guaranteed protection since HPV can be acquired simply by skin contact.
Sexually active teenagers are just as susceptible to this infection, if not more so. Young people tend to have a feeling of invincibility and most of the time, they actually believe that nothing can affect them. This is why it is very important to inform your teenager about the dangers of sexually transmitted diseases, and provide them with the necessary information and tools to be able to protect themselves.
The most identifiable sign of HPV is the growth of small warts in and around the genitals. In more serious cases, these warts will spread towards the inner thighs and around the anus. There is no pain or discomfort so many people don’t even realize that they are already infected with HPV.
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