Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease with an estimated 5.5 million new cases every year. HPV is a family of viruses that are usually passed by close skin-to-skin sexual contact between someone with the infection and his or her partner.

Some types of HPV cause visible warts, but most do not—and certain types of HPV cause an increased risk for cancer of the cervix, penis, and anus.

There is currently no cure for HPV although many treatments are available to help people manage their HPV symptoms. The only way to test for HPV, aside from seeing visible warts on the genitals, is for a girl to have a Pap smear to test the cells on her cervix. Once a doctor makes a diagnosis for HPV he or she will talk with you about what specific treatments are available to you.

The best way to prevent HPV is to use condoms and other latex barriers during all types of sexual touching. Keep in mind that condoms may not cover all areas of the genital skin where the virus is present, so be selective about your partners as well. The more sexual partners you have, the greater your risk of getting infected.

For more information, log on to the National HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention Resource Center or call their Hotline at 1-919-361-4848 (Monday-Friday, 2-6 p.m., EST). You can also check out this Sex, Etc. story, "Messing With Myths About Genital Warts."