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Jun 20
2011
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By Jeanna Hepler MSN ARNP BC
Q. What is HPV?
With the recent FDA appproval of the HPV vaccine, many women are looking for Information about this misunderstood virus. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. Approximately 6.2 million people test positive for HPV every year, and close to 50% of sexually active men and women will become infected at some point in their lives.
However, a large portion of the population has never heard of the virus or has limited knowledge. Anyone participating in sexual activity with skin to skin contact is subject to contracting HPV. Most types of HPV are harmless, do not cause any symptoms, and go away on their own. The mean time for clearance of HPV is approximately 8 to 9 months, and it clears in most women by 24 months.





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