(HPV) Human papillomavirus is the most common (STI) sexually transmitted infection in the United States. The HPV vaccine can prevent some of the health effects caused by HPV. This fact sheet answers the most basic questions about HPV. These don’t cause any problems in most people, but some types can cause genital warts or cancer. (HPV) Human papillomavirus is a viral infection that is transmitted from person to person through skin-to-skin contact. Some types of HPV infection cause warts, and some can cause various types of cancer.
Most HPV infections do not cause cancer. But some types of genital HPV can cause cancer in the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina (cervix). Other types of cancer, including rectal, penile, vulva, vulva, and oropharyngeal cancers, have been linked to HPV infection. These infections are often transmitted sexually or by skin-to-skin contact. The vaccine can help protect against strains of HPV that are most likely to cause genital warts or cervical cancer.
How is human papillomavirus (HPV) spread?
Many types of Human Papillomavirus affect the mouth, throat, or genital area. They are easy to catch.
You don’t need penetrative sex.
You can get HPV:
- Any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- Sharing sex toys
HPV has no symptoms, so you won’t know if you have it.
This is very common. Most people will get some type of Human Papillomavirus in their lifetime.
Important:
You don’t have to have sex with many people to get HPV. You can get Human Papillomavirus the first time you have sex.
Causes of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
The virus that causes Human Papilloma Virus infection is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact. Most people get genital Human Papilloma Virus infection through direct sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Because HPV is a skin-to-skin infection, the transmission does not require intercourse.
Many people have HPV and don’t even know it, which means you can contract it even if your partner has no symptoms. It is also possible to have multiple types of Human Papilloma Virus. In rare cases, a mother who has HPV can pass the virus to her baby during delivery. When this happens, the child can develop a condition called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis where they develop HPV-related warts inside their throat or airways.
Does HPV cause cancer?
HPV can cause cervical and other cancers, including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or rectum. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat (known as oropharyngeal cancer). This may involve the base of the tongue and tonsils. It often takes years, even decades, for cancer to develop after a person has HPV. Genital warts and cancers are caused by different types of HPV. There is no way of knowing who will develop cancer or other health problems from the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). People with weakened immune systems (including those with HIV) may not be able to fight HPV. They also may be more likely to develop health problems from HPV.
HPV in men
Many men who contract HPV infection have no symptoms, although some may develop genital warts. See your doctor if you notice any unusual bumps or sores on your penis, scrotum, or anus. Some strains of HPV can cause penile, anal, and throat cancers in men. Some men may be at higher risk of developing HPV-related cancers, including men who have anal sex and men with weakened immune systems. The strains of HPV that cause genital warts are not the same ones that cause cancer. Learn more about HPV infection in men.
HPV in women
It is estimated that 80 percent of women will contract at least one type of HPV during their lifetime. Like men, many women who have HPV have no symptoms and the infection goes away without causing health problems. Some women may notice that they have genital warts, which may appear inside the vagina, in or around the anus, and on the cervix or vulva. See your doctor if you notice any unexplained lumps or growths in or around your genital area. Some strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer or cancer of the vagina, anus, or throat. Regular screening can help detect changes associated with cervical cancer in women. Additionally, DNA tests on cervical cells can detect strains of HPV associated with genital cancer.
Prevention of Human Papillomavirus (hpv)
Common warts
HPV infections that cause common warts are difficult to prevent. If you have a common wart, you can prevent the spread of infection and the formation of new warts by not picking at the wart and cutting your nails.
Plantar warts
To reduce the risk of HPV infection that causes plantar warts, wear shoes or sandals in public pools and locker rooms.
Genital warts
You can lower your risk of developing genital warts and other HPV-related genital lesions by:
- Being in a mutually monogamous relationship
- Reducing your number of sexual partners
- Using latex condoms, which can lower your risk of HPV transmission.
Treatment of Human Papillomavirus (hpv)
Warts often may go away without treatment, particularly in children. However, there is no cure for the virus, so it can reappear in the same place or in other places.
Medicines
Wart removal medications are usually applied directly to the lesion and usually take many applications before they are successful. Examples include:
- Salicylic acid. Over-the-counter treatments that contain salicylic acid work by removing layers of the wart a little at a time. For use on common warts, salicylic acid can cause skin irritation and is not for use on your face.
- VPodophyllum. Another topical prescription, Podophylax works by destroying genital wart tissue. Podofilox may cause irritation and itching where it is applied.
- Trichloroacetic acid This chemical is used in treatment to burn off warts on the palms, soles, and genitals. It may cause local irritation.
Surgical and other procedures
If medications don’t work, your doctor may recommend removing warts through one of these methods:
- Freezing with liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy)
- Burns from electric current (electrocautery)
- Surgical separation
- Laser surgery