Home > Health Guides by Topic > Sexuality & Sexual Health > STDs and Other Infections > STDs > Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
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HPV, short for Human Papillomavirus, is a group of over 100 different kinds of viruses, some of which cause warts on the hands and feet and others which cause genital warts and cervical cancer. This health guide is about the sexually transmitted types of HPV. If you are sexually active, or thinking about becoming sexually active, your best protection is to learn the facts about how HPV is spread and how to prevent getting it.
What is HPV?
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. There are many different types of HPV and more than 30 are sexually transmitted. Researchers keep track of the different types of HPV by identifying them with numbers, such as 6, 11, 16, and 18.
Some types (such as 6 and 11) cause genital warts, others (such as 16 and 18) cause pre-cancerous changes on the cervix that can later lead to cancer of the cervix. In rare cases, the virus can cause other types of cancers to the vulva, vagina, and anus in girls and the anus and penis in guys.
Who can be infected with HPV?
At least 1 in every 2 sexually active young women has had a genital HPV infection. Any sexually active person—no matter what color, race, gender, or sexual orientation—can get HPV. HPV is mainly spread by sexual contact. Very rarely, a mother who is infected with the HPV virus can infect her newborn baby during the delivery.
How do you get HPV or genital warts?
HPV and genital warts are usually spread by direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has been infected with HPV. Using condoms every time you have sex can help protect against HPV but they aren't perfect because HPV can be found on skin that isn't covered by a condom.
What can happen to me if I get the HPV virus?
If you get the HPV virus, it may cause the following:
You are at greater risk of getting HPV if:
How would I know if I had HPV or genital warts?
Sometimes it's hard to know if you have HPV. Although genital warts are usually seen on, around, or inside your vagina or anus, they may be small and hard to see. And you may not have any symptoms such as pain or bleeding.
An abnormal Pap test is often the first sign of a HPV infection. This is why it is important to have a yearly Pap test after you have become sexually active or by the time you are 21 years old. |
What do genital warts look like?
Genital warts are growths on your skin that look like tiny bumps. They are usually in or around the vagina, anus, on the cervix, or on the inside of the thigh. They may be raised or flat, small or large. There can be only one wart or more than one in the same area. Warts can be pink or flesh-colored, red or brown. Some bumps grow together and look like a cauliflower.
When should I go to see my health care provider?
You should make an appointment with your health care provider if you notice any unusual growths, bumps, or skin changes on or near your vagina, vulva (the outside area surrounding your vagina), or anus or if you have any unusual itching around or inside your vagina or anus. Additionally, you should contact your health care provider if anyone you have had sexual contact with tells you that he or she has genital HPV or genital warts.
What is the treatment for genital warts?
Treatments for genital warts range from acid medicines, to creams, to laser therapy. The treatment will remove visible warts and unwanted symptoms such as itchiness. The type of treatment your doctor recommends will depend on the number, location and size of the warts and the cost and side effects of the different treatments. It’s important to talk with your health care provider about treatment choices and what type of follow-up you will need. Tell your health care provider if you think you are pregnant so that the right therapy is chosen.
Do NOT use over-the-counter "wart medicine" on genital warts. (These medicines are not meant for the very sensitive skin around your genital area).
Will I always have HPV?
Researchers used to believe that if you had HPV you would always carry the virus, but because of new medical research, we now believe that in most cases a person who has a normal immune system will actually clear HPV without treatment. This means that the virus can no longer be detected. However, it remains possible that in some people the virus is hidden and can cause symptoms later. It is important to remember that if you have had an HPV infection, you can still become re-infected with HPV if you come in contact with the virus again.
How can I prevent or lower my chances of getting HPV or genital warts?
The safest way to prevent getting other types of HPV is to NOT have sexual contact.
If you are having sexual contact, it is important to know that you can reduce your risk of infection by having sexual contact with only one partner who only has sexual contact with you. Using condoms every time you have sex gives you some protection, but condoms aren't perfect. Condoms don't cover a man's scrotum (the sack where the testicles are located) which can become infected with HPV. It just takes skin-to-skin contact to get the virus.
Another prevention option is the new vaccine, Gardasil, that protects against 4 types of HPV: 6, 11, 16, and 18. It is approved for girls ages 9 to 26 years old.
Is it true that there’s a vaccine for girls that protects against HPV?
Yes! There is a new HPV vaccine called Gardasil that is now available to all teens and young women 9-26 years of age. It protects against four types of HPV. The vaccine works to prevent two types of HPV: 16 and 18, which have been linked to cervical cancer—and two other types: 6 and 11, which cause genital warts. The vaccine works best in girls and young women who have not yet come in contact with these viruses. For this reason, the vaccine is recommended for all 11 and 12 year old girls as a routine vaccination and for all young women 9-26 years of age who have not yet had the vaccine. The HPV vaccine is given in a series of 3 shots over 6 months. The first shot is given at a time of your choice. The second shot should be given two months after the first shot, and the third shot should be given about six months after the first one.
Is it normal to feel upset about having HPV or genital warts?
Yes. Lots of people feel worried. Some women may also be upset with their partner. It is important to become informed about HPV and share your feelings and concerns with your health care provider. Talk with your health care provider about whether you should get the HPV vaccine.
If you are worried about HPV or genital warts, remember:
HPV is a serious infection that CAN be prevented. Getting the new HPV vaccine is a great way to protect against the four types of HPV that cause genital warts (types 6 and 11) and cervical cancer (types 16 and 18). Talk to your health care provider about whether the vaccine is right for you! The safest way to prevent getting other types of HPV is to NOT have sexual contact. If you are having sexual contact, it is important to know that you can reduce your risk of infection by always using a condom and having sexual contact with only one partner who only has sexual contact with you. Don’t forget to see your health care provider for regular check-ups and Pap tests! |
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Updated 2/22/2007
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