HPV Resource Center
Health ConditionsSexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)HPV

HPV

by
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?

Meet Our Experts In HPV
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up to date, and accurate.
kara-leigh-smythe-bio

Kara Smythe, MD

Medical Reviewer

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...

See full bio
Justin Laube

Justin Laube, MD

Medical Reviewer

Justin Laube, MD, is a dual board-certified integrative and internal medicine physician, retreat leader, and healing educator with over 15 years of experience caring for patients w...

See full bio
Allie Buttarazzi

Allison Buttarazzi, MD, DipABLM, CHWC

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor, Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

Allie Buttarazzi, MD, is a double board-certified internal medicine and lifestyle medicine physician, Direct Primary Care cofounder, and certified health and well-being coach. Thro...

See full bio
Jane Yoon Scott

Jane Yoon Scott, MD

Medical Reviewer

Jane Yoon Scott, MD, is an infectious disease physician at Eagle Telemedicine. She enjoys connecting with her patients, empowering them to understand and take ownership of their he...

See full bio
John-Paul-McHugh-bio

John Paul McHugh, MD

Medical Reviewer
Member of American College of Lifestyle Medicine

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...

See full bio
See Our Editorial PolicyMeet Our Health Expert Network
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. HPV (Human Papillomavirus). Cleveland Clinic. October 21, 2024.
  2. HPV Infection. Mayo Clinic. October 12, 2021.

ALL HPV ARTICLES

Genital Warts Symptoms
doctor stethoscope and woman holding pad underwear
Genital Warts SymptomsMedically Reviewed by Allison Buttarazzi, MD, dipABLM, CHWC | October 21, 2024