Genital Warts (HPV)
It's not necessary to have sexual intercourse to get a sexually transmitted disease (STD). The human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes genital warts can be transmitted by close skin-to-skin contact. Some types of HPVs cause cervical or anal cancer, and vaccines are available to protect against the most dangerous types. Other HPV types cause genital warts, which can be raised, flat, or cauliflower-shaped. HPV infection can occur in people who have no symptoms or visible warts.
HPV Symptoms
Genital warts can be big or small, flat or raised. They generally appear as small bumps or groups of bumps in the genital region and may be shaped like a cauliflower.
HPV Vaccine
A vaccine to prevent HPV is given in three shots. The second shot is given a month or two after the first shot. The third shot comes six months after the first shot.
The Centres for Disease Control recommends vaccinating boys and girls at ages 11 or 12.
If they do not get the HPV vaccine as children, women can get the HPV vaccine through age 26. Men can get it through age 21. The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for men through age 26 for men who have sex with men or men with compromised immune systems, including HIV.
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