- The human papillomavirus affects both the skin and mucous membranes and can cause genital warts in women and men and cervical cancer in women. There are about 40 types of genital HPV.
- Someone who has contracted HPV may have genital warts that will appear as a group of small bumps in the genital area. The bumps can show up weeks or months after having sexual contact with an infected person.
- HPV can cause cervical cancer. Symptoms include abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods, bleeding after intercourse or a pelvic exam, and heavier and longer menstrual periods.
- A person can become infected with HPV after having genital or anal contact through intercourse. Symptoms can even appear years after having contact with an infected person.
- A vaccine has been developed to help protect girls and women from HPV. The vaccine is recommended for girls ages 11 and 12 and for women through age 26 who were not vaccinated when they were younger.
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