Overview
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It is a virus that can be spread through skin-to-skin genital contact. There are many different types of HPV. Some types cause genital warts and are called low-risk. And some types can lead to cervical, anal, or mouth (oral) cancer and are called high-risk. Other types of HPV cause common, plantar, and filiform or flat warts. These types of warts are not cancerous.
There is no known cure for HPV, but there is a vaccine that can help protect against some types of the virus.
What are the symptoms of human papillomavirus (HPV)?
Most people with HPV don't have symptoms. If you do, the symptoms may be so mild that you don't notice them. Symptoms may include pain, itching, and bleeding, or you may develop visible genital warts.
What causes genital warts?
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Over 100 types of HPV have been found. Some types cause genital warts. Types 6 and 11 cause most genital warts.
How do genital warts and human papillomavirus (HPV) spread?
HPV and genital warts can be spread through sex or skin-to-skin genital contact with someone who has the virus. The virus can be spread to or from the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat during sexual activities. You can spread the virus even if you don't have symptoms.
How is human papillomavirus (HPV) diagnosed?
The doctor will ask about your past health and risk factors for infection and do a physical exam. But not all HPV infections cause visible genital warts. This can make it hard to diagnose the infection. If warts can be seen, your doctor may take a sample of tissue from a wart for testing.
How can you care for yourself when you have human papillomavirus (HPV)?
- Use a condom every time you have sex. Use it from the start to the end of sexual contact.
- Be sure to tell your sexual partner or partners that you have HPV. Even if you don't have symptoms, you can still pass HPV to others.
- Limit how many sex partners you have. The safest practice is to have only one sex partner who doesn't have STIs and doesn't have sex with anyone else. This lowers your risk of getting STIs.
- Don't smoke. Smoking increases the risk for cervical problems and cervical cancer. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
When to call
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You have vaginal pain during or after sex.
- You have vaginal bleeding when you are not in your menstrual period.
