Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus with over 150 strains, also called HPV “types.” More than 40 types of HPV are transmitted sexually, and can infect the genitals as well as the mouth and throat. HPV is currently the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and…
Tag: human papillomavirus
The Pap Smear
A Pap smear, also known as a Papanicolaou test or Pap test, is a procedure that checks for abnormal cells on the cervix.1 It is named after George Papanicolaou, M.D., who is credited for developing the Pap smear.2 The Pap smear drastically transformed how early cervical cancer can be detected in females.2 The cervix is…
Barriers During Oral Sex: The Wise Choice
Oral sex includes contact between the mouth and a penis, vagina, or anus. Although oral sex cannot lead to pregnancy, oral sex can and does lead to the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Oral barriers, including condoms and dental dams, prevent direct contact between the partners’ skin and any bodily fluids, significantly reducing the…
Pearly Penile Papules
Pearly penile papules, also known as hirsuties coronae glandis, hirsutoid papillomas, or simply PPP are small protrusions that form a ridge on the glans or “head” of the penis. The papules most commonly appear as one or several rows of small, pearly or flesh-colored, smooth, dome-shaped bumps situated circumferentially around the corona, or “rim” of…
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is cancer of the cervix, the tube-shaped structure that connects the vagina and the uterus. The World Health Organization estimates that over one million females are living with cervical cancer around the world.1 The National Cancer Institute approximates 12,900 females were diagnosed in 2015 alone.2 According to the American Cancer Society, 4,120 females are expected…
Genital Warts
Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI).1 They can be transmitted through sexual contact such as oral, penile/vaginal, and anal sex.1 However, transmission can also occur merely through skin to skin contact with someone who is already infected.1 Typically, genital warts appear on the skin in the genital or anal area.1 They are treatable…