What is human papillomavirus (hpv)?

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.

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.

The doctor will ask about your past health and risk factors for infection. The doctor will also do a physical exam to look for genital warts. But not all HPV infections cause visible warts or other symptoms. This can make it hard to diagnose the infection. If warts can be seen, your doctor may take a tissue sample from a wart for testing.

You may have a pelvic exam. This usually includes an HPV test, a Pap test, or both. An HPV test looks for the DNA (genetic information) of the virus. A Pap test screens for abnormal cells on the cervix. Results of these tests may show an HPV infection even though you have no visible warts.

Not everyone with HPV needs treatment.

• Abnormal cell changes on the cervix caused by HPV often go away on their own. If not, your doctor may remove the abnormal cells.
• Warts caused by HPV may be treated with medicines or removed. But warts may come back because treatment doesn't kill the HPV infection.