Human papillomavirus (HPV)

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that causes skin warts, laryngeal papillomas, and genital warts in men and women, and abnormal changes in cells (dysplasia) in the cervix. HPV infection is transmitted through sex or other skin-to-skin contact. HPV infection of the parts of the body related to sex (genitals)-such as the penis and scrotum in men and the vagina and cervix in women-is a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

• In women, HPV may infect the cervix, the vagina, and the area around the anus. See an illustration of the female pelvic organs.
• In men, HPV may infect the external genital area (the penis, the scrotum, and the area around the anus).

Genital HPV infection is common among sexually active adults. It usually causes few or no symptoms. You may not know you have the infection.

There are many types of HPV. Some cause common skin warts. Low-risk genital types (such as types 6 and 11) cause visible genital warts.

Certain types can cause cervical cell changes that can result in an abnormal Pap test. Many women with high-risk types of HPV infection never progress to more severe cervical cell changes or cancer. However, high-risk HPV types have been found in most women who are diagnosed with cervical cancer. HPV testing for high-risk types may help determine treatment for a woman with minor cervical cell changes.

There is no surgical or medical treatment that effectively cures an HPV infection, but the body's immune system may cause it to go away on its own. HPV can also stay inside the body's cells for many years, even though you may not have any symptoms (latent). HPV infection without symptoms can still be sexually transmitted.

Problems caused by HPV, such as genital warts or cervical cell changes, can be treated. Treatment for HPV that is causing visible warts is different from treatment for HPV that is causing abnormal cervical cell changes.

If you are infected with HPV, you may:

• Remain infected even if treated to remove visible warts, because the virus has no known cure. The virus may remain in the body without producing more warts.
• Have warts or other HPV infections that go away without treatment. Most HPV infections generally go away on their own.

If you have more than one sex partner, you should use condoms during sexual intercourse, which may reduce the risk of transmitting any STDs, including HPV. In a long-term, single-partner (monogamous) relationship, partners may choose to discontinue condom use.

Studies have shown that high-risk types of HPV infection may be identified many years before cervical cell changes progress to cancer.