HPV

HPV: a viral sexually transmitted infection that may cause small, painless flesh-colored bumps around the genitals, anus and/or mouth. The virus cannot be cured, but most cases clear up on their own. Some strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer, which is why it is very important for those assigned female at birth to get regular Pap tests. Early detection can prevent cervical cancer. There is a vaccine–Gardasil-9–that protects against nine of the cancer-causing strains of HPV. HPV has also been linked to penile and anal cancer in some rare cases.