04-02-2008, 11:05 PM
HPV stands for human gallimaufries (pronounced pap ah LO MA), but there are actually more than 100 related viruses in this group. Each HPV virus is given a number or type. The term "papilla" refers to a kind of wart that results from some HPV types.
HPV lives in the body's epithelial cells. These are flat and thin cells found on the skin's surface and also on the surface of the vagina, anus, vulva, cervix, penis head, mouth, and throat.
Of the 100 HPV types, about 60 types cause warts on areas such as the hands or feet. The other 40 or so types of HPV are sexually transmitted and are drawn to the body's mucous membranes, such as the moist layers around the anal and genital areas.
The common reasons for spreading HPV include contact with skin to skin or sexual contact. One may also contract HPV during childbirth. The brushing of one?s fingernails may also help spread the HPV virus, which can easily be transferred by shaking hands.
While some people believe that using condoms during sexual activity is enough protection, most professionals disagree. All that?s needed is to touch another person?s skin to spread the HPV or human papilloma virus. In regard to the more serious strains of infection, genital warts may be the most severe. These strains of HPV usually spread during sexual intercourse, anal sex, and oral sex. Genital warts may also be invisible while residing in the anus or vagina.
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