HPV is a common virus that affects both females and males. There are actually more than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Most often, HPV does not cause any symptoms, is harmless and goes away on its own.

However, there are a few types of HPV you should really know about.

Genital HPV: More than 30 types of HPV affect the genital area:

Some types can cause abnormal cervical cells, cervical cancer and other cancers.

Other types can cause genital warts and benign (abnormal, but non-cancerous) changes in the cervix.

All types of genital HPV can also cause mild Pap test abnormalities which do not have serious consequences.

Facts to know

Cervical cancer, abnormal cervical cells and genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV, a common virus.

An estimated 75% of Canadians will have at least one HPV infection during their lifetime.

Anyone who has sexual activity involving genital contact is at risk of developing an HPV infection. It is most common in young women between the ages of 15 and 29 years.

On average, men and women have a 10% risk of developing genital warts in their lifetime.

On average, one woman dies every day from cervical cancer in Canada.

Having regular Pap tests, limiting your number of sexual partners, using condoms and getting vaccinated against certain types of HPV can all help prevent HPV and its consequences, such as cervical cancer and genital warts.

Help protect your future, and the futures of those you love. Ask your doctor about ways to help prevent HPV and its consequences.

Want to find out more about HPV?
Go to http://www.hpvinfo.ca.