Understanding and preventing human papillomavirus infection during adolescence and young adulthood

Abstract

Sexually active adolescents almost universally face exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV-associated conditions in adolescents range from asymptomatic and latent infection to genital warts to cervical dysplasia a precancerous condition. For most adolescents HPV infection is cleared by the immune system. HPV-associated cervical dysplasia also can regress in adolescent and young adult women. In some adolescents HPV causes symptomatic genital warts that may cause embarrassment and discomfort and may necessitate treatments that are costly in terms of time and resources. In a small percentage of adolescents who are exposed to high-risk HPV types viral infection will persist resulting in cervical dysplastic changes and a markedly increased risk of cervical cancer. (excerpt)