Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
A very common virus that can cause warts and certain cancers
Quick Facts
- Type: Viral infection
- Spread: Skin-to-skin and sexual contact
- Prevention: HPV vaccine and screening
- Possible effects: Warts and certain cancers
Overview
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of very common viruses, with many different types. Some types cause warts on the skin or genitals, while others, known as high-risk types, can cause changes in cells that may lead to certain cancers over many years, most notably cervical cancer.
HPV is so common that most sexually active people will encounter it at some point. In the great majority of cases, the immune system clears the virus on its own within a couple of years and it causes no lasting problems. The most important advances against HPV are vaccination, which prevents infection with the most harmful types, and screening, which catches cell changes early before they become cancer.
Symptoms
Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own, so many people never know they were infected. When symptoms do occur, they depend on the type of HPV:
- Common warts: Rough bumps, often on the hands or fingers.
- Plantar warts: Hard, sometimes painful growths on the soles of the feet.
- Genital warts: Soft growths in the genital or anal area.
High-risk HPV types usually cause no symptoms but can quietly cause cell changes. Because these changes are silent, regular screening such as a Pap test or HPV test is the way they are detected, not symptoms.
Causes
HPV is caused by infection with the human papillomavirus and spreads through close contact:
- Skin-to-skin contact: Including contact during sexual activity.
- Sexual transmission: Genital HPV types spread through vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
- Contact with warts: Common and plantar warts can spread through touch or shared surfaces.
- From parent to baby: Rarely, during childbirth.
Condoms reduce but do not completely eliminate the risk, because HPV can infect areas of skin not covered by a condom.
Risk Factors
- Sexual activity, especially with multiple partners
- Not being vaccinated against HPV
- A weakened immune system
- Skin contact with warts or shared surfaces such as locker room floors
- Smoking, which can make it harder to clear high-risk infections
Diagnosis
HPV is detected in different ways depending on the situation:
- Visual diagnosis: Warts are usually identified by their appearance.
- Cervical screening: A Pap test looks for abnormal cells, and an HPV test checks for high-risk types.
- Colposcopy: A closer examination and possible biopsy if screening is abnormal.
There is no routine blood test for general HPV infection, and most people are never tested unless screening or a wart prompts it.
Treatment
There is no medicine that cures the virus itself, but the conditions HPV causes can be treated, and most infections clear on their own.
- Wart treatment: Options include topical medicines, freezing, or minor procedures to remove warts.
- Treating cell changes: Abnormal cervical cells found on screening can be removed or treated to prevent progression to cancer.
- Monitoring: Many infections and mild cell changes are simply watched, as the body often clears them.
- Cancer treatment: If an HPV-related cancer develops, it is treated according to its type and stage.
Vaccination and screening remain the most powerful tools for preventing the serious outcomes of HPV.
Prevention
- Get the HPV vaccine, which is most effective when given before any exposure, typically in the preteen years, and can also benefit older people
- Attend recommended cervical screening (Pap and HPV testing)
- Use condoms, which lower but do not eliminate the risk
- Limit the number of sexual partners
- Avoid smoking
When to See a Doctor
See a healthcare provider if you notice new warts, especially in the genital area, or if you are due for cervical screening. Also seek care for:
- Unusual genital growths, bleeding, or discharge
- An abnormal screening result that needs follow-up
- Questions about the HPV vaccine for yourself or your child
Routine screening is important because high-risk HPV usually causes no symptoms, and catching cell changes early can prevent cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is HPV?
HPV is very common. Most sexually active people will be exposed to it at some point in their lives. In the large majority of cases, the immune system clears the virus within about two years and it causes no lasting problems.
Does HPV always cause cancer?
No. Most HPV infections clear on their own and never cause cancer. Only certain high-risk types, if they persist for many years, can lead to cell changes that may become cancer. Vaccination and regular screening greatly reduce this risk.
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before any exposure, so it is recommended in the preteen years, around ages 11 to 12, and can be started as early as age 9. Many older teens and adults can also benefit. A healthcare provider can advise on timing.
Can HPV be cured?
There is no medicine that cures the virus itself, but most infections clear on their own. The conditions HPV causes, such as warts and abnormal cervical cells, can be treated, which is why screening and follow-up are so important.
How can I lower my risk of HPV problems?
Get the HPV vaccine, attend recommended cervical screening, use condoms, limit the number of sexual partners, and avoid smoking. Vaccination and screening together are the most effective ways to prevent the serious outcomes of HPV.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). HPV and Cancer.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer.
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine. HPV.