The more sexual partners a woman has, and the earlier she starts engaging in sexual relations, the more likely she is to be infected with the human papilloma virus (HPV) and to develop cervical cancer (European Journal of Cancer Prevention, October 14, 2013). HPV also causes cancer of the throat (J Infect Dis, 2013 Feb 1;207(3):479-88 and Aliment Pharmacol Ther, Dec 5, 2013), cancer of the colon and rectum (Colorectal Dis, 2013 Aug;15(8):e420-8), and squamus cell cancer of the skin and penis. Furthermore, researchers have found HPV genetic material (DNA) in many cases of cancers of the breast (J Gynecol Cancer, 2012 Mar;22(3):343-7), ovaries (Int J Gynecol Cancer, 2013 Mar;23(3):437-41) and vulva and vagina (Obstet Gynecol, 2009 Apr;113(4):917-24).
How Common is HPV
HPV is the most common sexually-transmitted infection with more than 6.2 million North Americans infected for the first time each year. A review of 40 publications on HPV DNA detection in men showed that up to 73 percent of heterosexual men have had HPV (J Infect Dis, 2006;194(8):1044-1057). In women the highest prevalence of HPV occurs at age 20-24 and then peaks again after age 60 (CMAJ, October 15, 2002;167(8):871-873). Most men over 60 are unable to produce firm erections so they often do not use condoms and practice unprotected oral sex.
How Common is HPV
HPV is the most common sexually-transmitted infection with more than 6.2 million North Americans infected for the first time each year. A review of 40 publications on HPV DNA detection in men showed that up to 73 percent of heterosexual men have had HPV (J Infect Dis, 2006;194(8):1044-1057). In women the highest prevalence of HPV occurs at age 20-24 and then peaks again after age 60 (CMAJ, October 15, 2002;167(8):871-873). Most men over 60 are unable to produce firm erections so they often do not use condoms and practice unprotected oral sex.
