HPV Resource Center - All Articles
Health ConditionsSexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)HPV

HPV - All Articles

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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection that passes between people through sexual contact. While you might experience no symptoms whatsoever, some types of HPV can cause visible genital warts, and others may lead to cancers of the cervix, anus, penis, vulva, and vagina over time. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications, although the body often clears HPV in one to two years.

 Other prevention methods like safe sexual practices and getting a vaccine can reduce your HPV risk.

FAQ

How is HPV transmitted?

HPV transmits through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral, or anal sex and can transmit even when symptoms aren't obvious. Bodily fluids aren't necessary for HPV transmission, and genital-to-genital contact is the most common way HPV passes between people.

More than 100 types of HPV exist, and around 30 affect the genitals. HPV 6 and HPV 11 most commonly lead to genital warts, while other types, including HPV 16 and HPV 18, have the closest links to different cancers.

Some high-risk types have links to cell changes that can cause cancers of the cervix, anus, and throat. Screening tests can check cervix cells for high-risk HPV, and Pap smears can identify harmful cell changes.

No HPV cure is available, but the body often clears the virus without treatment. If warts develop, they are treatable with various creams, ointments, and surgeries, but they may frequently reappear because the different treatments don't remove the underlying virus.

An HPV vaccine called Gardasil 9 can protect people against the types of HPV that lead to genital warts and cancers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends HPV vaccination starting at 11 or 12 years of age.

   Poll

How often do you get screened for HPV?

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Kara Smythe, MD

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Kara Smythe, MD, has been working in sexual and reproductive health for over 10 years. Dr. Smythe is a board-certified fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecolog...

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Justin Laube, MD

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Justin Laube, MD, is a board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, a teacher, and a consultant with extensive expertise in integrative health, medical education, a...

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Allison Buttarazzi, MD

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Allison Buttarazzi, MD, is board-certified in internal medicine and lifestyle medicine, and is a certified health and well-being coach. In her primary care practice, Dr. Buttarazzi...

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Jane Yoon Scott, MD

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Jane Yoon Scott, MD, is an infectious disease physician and an assistant professor of medicine at Emory University in Atlanta. Dr. Scott enjoys connecting with her patients, empowe...

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John Paul McHugh, MD

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John Paul McHugh, MD, is an obstetrician-gynecologist and lifestyle medicine specialist in southern California. He has always placed wellness at the center of his work, in both del...

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Resources
  1. HPV (Human Papillomavirus). Cleveland Clinic. October 21, 2024.
  2. HPV Infection. Mayo Clinic. October 12, 2021.

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