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Is HPV a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

By Lisa Fayed, About.com

Updated: April 21, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Question: Is HPV a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

HPV is a virus that currently affects over 20 million Americans. It can cause both genital warts and cervical cancer.

Answer: Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is a sexually transmitted disease. HPV is transmitted though both sexual contact and sexual intercourse.

HPV is considered to be the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. Because it does not always cause symptoms, many people are unaware that they are infected with HPV.


References:
  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."Sexually Transmitted Disease Guidelines 2006." Sep 2006. Accessed 7 Nov 2006.
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