Why Young Women need to be Especially Cautious about HPV?

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Positive Singles

Los Angeles California (PRWEB) September 04, 2014

HPV, also known as the Human Papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the United States. There are numerous types of HPV, and a large percentage of sexually active adults contract some form of it during their lives. Based on new findings, it appears that young women, ages 18 to 24, are now facing an increased incidence of HPV.

Recent Statistics on HPV and Women Aged 18-24.
PositiveSingles.com is an online dating site that specializes in dating for people who are living with HIV, HPV, and other sexually transmitted diseases. This HPV dating site currently has over 850,000 members, and recently published some statistics based on data from their membership.

Of all the people on PositiveSingles.com, 11.3% say they are living with HPV. The vast majority of these (70.5%) are male, while 28.5% are female. The last 1% are couples who joined the site together.

Among the young women in the group, the picture is startlingly different. The overall percentage of young people 18 to 24 who are living with HPV is 7.0%. Among young men, the percentage is about 5.8%, while among the young women in this age range, the percentage is 10.2%. The young women report an incidence rate far higher than the young men.

Based on this data, it would appear that young women ages 18 to 24 have an increased likelihood of contracting HPV compared with young men in the same age group.

“The statistics we are seeing among the young women on our site, ages 18 to 24, coincide with national numbers,” said Jenelle Marie, Spokesperson for PositiveSingles.com. “Women are at an increased risk of contracting an HPV infection, and because there is, currently, no test for high-risk HPV in men, women are more likely to be aware of an infection, so they are able to disclose their status via sites like ours. As a result, we encourage young women to be proactive with their sexual health and to get screened frequently, as that lessens the risk of developing HPV-related cancers."

HPV and Cancer
In many cases, HPV goes away on its own. In some cases, it may cause genital warts. In the most serious cases, it can lead to cancer. HPV has been linked to increased rates of various cancers, most notably cervical cancer.

Since cancer often takes many years to develop, a person may not realize it was HPV that led to it unless they are screened regularly. Early detection is the best way to handle cervical cancer, and regular screening for this on Pap tests is recommended for all women over 21 years of age.

Young women should be screened regularly in order to know if they are at risk. Recently, Melissa Mark-Viverito, the New York City Council Speaker, announced her diagnosis with high-risk HPV. Her stated goal was to de-stigmatize the condition and encourage other women to be tested before it leads to something worse.

Ways to Minimize HPV Risk
There are HPV vaccines available which have proven to be safe and effective. Both men and women can use this method to protect them against HPV and related diseases, including cancer.

Sexually active adults are also encouraged to protect themselves by using condoms. This does help reduce risk; though it does not provide 100% protection against HPV. Staying in a mutually monogamous relationship also lowers the risk of getting HPV.

About PositiveSingles.com
People those who are suffering with Herpes, STDs, HIV/AIDS and more need not worry about dating. Here PositiveSingles.com helps you to meet people with same problems. PostiveSingles.com is the largest and most effective online dating website with a unique group of people living with Herpes, STDs, HIV/AIDS, Gonorrhea, Hepatitis, Chlamydia and other.

Join PositiveSingles.com on mobile apps:
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