Abstract:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021), HPV is considered the most prevalent sexually transmitted infection in the United States, making it a very relevant and prevalent health concern of our time (Genital HPV infection – Fact sheet, 2021). With more than 79 million cases in existence and 14 million new cases being reported yearly, this virus affects both males and females and can result in multiple cancers leading to a whole host of uncomfortable tests and procedures (Valentino & Poronsky, 2016). Depending on the severity of the HPV infection for a female, she may endure multiple procedures, such as colposcopies, loop electrosurgical excision procedures (LEEP), and even surgery, all of which can be physically and emotionally uncomfortable for the patient (HPV infection, 2019). Regrettably, no reliable HPV test currently exists for males, but they too are affected by this virus. Males carry HPV unknowingly and can pass it along to a partner, males are also at risk for developing throat, penile and anal cancers, as well as genital warts from this virus. Another important fact to note regarding HPV is the mode of transmission. Many people are unaware that it is passed to others via genital skin to skin contact, thus condoms do not fully protect someone from contracting the virus (Valentino & Poronsky, 2016). Other striking data has shown that HPV DNA can be found among female virgins and children without any evidence of sexual abuse (Sanchez, 2018).
