The reason that HPV is looked at as one of the "safer" STDs to catch is because it generally leaves the body within two years after it has been contracted.
Are doctors not paying enough attention to this STD, however? Here are some of the reasons that HPV is not being taken seriously enough.

Statistics

Research shows that more than half of all people who are sexually active have contracted or will contract HPV. To most people, this statistic can be a bit staggering. However, in the medical world, it translates to, "This many people already have HPV and are living with it. You will live with it as well." Despite the fact that most people are able to live with HPV, it is important for us to remember that this STD can actually be a killer. This leads us to the next point.

Cancer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cervical cancer killed 3,924 and affected 11,999 women in the United States. Certain strains of the Human Papilloma Virus are believed to be responsible for nearly all cases of cervical cancer. While there are many women who become diagnosed with HPV every year who do not develop cervical cancer as a result of the STD, it is a possibility. Also keep in mind that HPV can be held responsible for other types of cancer, including vulvar cancer, vaginal cancer, penile cancer, and anal cancer. Oral cancer, head cancer, and neck cancer can also be caused by HPV.

Genital Warts

In addition to possibly causing cancer, HPV can also lead to genital warts. While there is no doubt that genital warts are somewhat less serious than, say, syphilis or herpes, it is important to keep in mind that you can spread them to your partner. Also keep in mind that hundreds of dollars may need to be spent on topical medications or cryosurgery, which is known to be painful, to get rid of genital warts.

Although there is no doubt that HPV is less serious than HIV/AIDS, it is not a STD that we should all be hoping to get. By sending out the message that it is the most desirable of all the STDs, it seems as though we may be encouraging teens to not worry about it. Since HPV can lead to
certain types of cancer and may also cause annoying symptoms, such as genital warts, it is important to remember that it is something to be concerned about. The HPV vaccine, Gardasil, is available to both women and men to prevent HPV and is considered to be a beneficial option if you want to prevent yourself from contracting the potentially deadly virus.

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