Want a super fun and cute way to learn more about STIs? GiantMicrobes are here to entertain, educate, and cuddle. These plush toys are about 5 inches in height, and represent a number of different sexually transmitted infections.
Each microbe includes a printed card with educational and fascinating facts. A perfect gift for students, scientists, health professionals & anyone with a healthy sense of humor!
This little microbe represents the HPV virus. Below is more information about HPV, courtesy of our friends at Planned Parenthood.
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Some types produce warts — plantar warts on the feet and common hand warts. About 40 types of HPV can infect the genital area — the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, or scrotum.
HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact — usually during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
Genital HPV infections are very common. HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active people get it at some point in their lives. But most people who have HPV don't know it.
If you have HPV, you should not be ashamed or afraid. Most people who have had sex have HPV at some point in their lives. And most infections go away on their own.
Most HPV infections have no harmful effect at all!
Some types of HPV may cause genital warts. These are called low-risk types of HPV.
Some types of HPV may cause cell changes that sometimes lead to cervical cancer and certain other genital and throat cancers. These are called high-risk types. The section below discusses these high-risk HPV types.
How Can I Know If I Have High-Risk HPV?
If a person does find out they have high-risk HPV, they usually find out as a result of having an abnormal Pap test result. Pap tests are very important tests for finding abnormal cells on the cervix that are caused by HPV.
There is an HPV test, but it is only used in certain situations. Health care providers may recommend the HPV test as a follow-up to a Pap test that finds abnormal cells, or when Pap tests results are not clear.
How Can I Prevent Getting or Spreading HPV?
If you choose to have vaginal or anal intercourse, use condoms every time. They can reduce the risk of HPV. They are not as effective against HPV as they are against other infections such as chlamydia and HIV. But they greatly reduce the risk of HPV infection. You can use condoms, dental dams, or plastic wrap during oral sex to further reduce the risk.
See more at: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/stds-hiv-safer-sex/hpv#sthash.OITSglCt.dpuf
