All sexually active people are highly likely to contract the human papillomavirus (HPV) at some point if they don’t have the HPV vaccine. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) and consists of more than 200 viruses that can affect the skin and mucous membrane. While it is usually asymptomatic and resolves on its own, unresolved infections caused by certain subtypes can lead to warts on and around the genital area, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, or in some cases, cervical cancer.
At HEALOR Primary Care in Las Vegas, NV, our double board-certified physician, Dr. Raj Singh, encourages patients in the LGBTQ+ community to prevent HPV by getting the HPV vaccine. Lesbian and bisexual women may be at a greater risk of getting cervical cancer because of HPV.
How is HPV spread?
It’s important to understand how HPV transmission works. HPV is spread through most forms of sexual activity, including anal, oral, or vaginal sex, and other close skin-to-skin touching.