HPV and genital warts
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world. There are more than a hundred types, divided into low-risk types that cause genital warts and high-risk types that can lead to cancer, especially cervical cancer. The good news is that most infections clear on their own, and there is now a highly effective vaccine, along with screening that helps find changes early. This page explains it fully — the types of virus, genital warts, the link with cancer, the vaccine, testing, treatment, and prevention.
What HPV is
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
A virus with many types
HPV has more than a hundred types, of which about 40 affect the genital area, and each type has different effects — some cause warts, and some are linked to cancer.
Common and often clears on its own
Most people who are sexually active will come into contact with HPV at some point in life, and most infections clear on their own within one to two years. See the overview of STIs at sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Low-risk and high-risk types
HPV is broadly divided into low-risk and high-risk types, which have different effects.
Comparing low-risk and high-risk types
| Comparison | Low-risk types | High-risk types |
|---|---|---|
| Example types | 6 and 11 | 16 and 18 |
| Cause | Genital warts | Cancer, such as cervical |
| Symptoms | Visible, such as bumps or warts | Often none |
| Main prevention | Vaccine and condoms | Vaccine and screening |
Understanding the difference helps you care correctly
Low-risk types are usually not dangerous but cause the nuisance of warts, while high-risk types are more serious because they can lead to cancer with no warning symptoms, so understanding the difference helps you choose the right prevention.
Transmission
HPV spreads through direct contact with skin and mucous membranes.
Routes of transmission
HPV passes through skin contact in the genital area and through vaginal, anal, and oral sex. It spreads very easily because skin contact alone is enough.
It can spread without symptoms
Most people with HPV have no symptoms but can still pass it to a partner, so many get and spread it without knowing. Condoms lower the risk but cannot fully prevent it.
It affects both men and women
HPV affects both men and women and can occur at any age once someone is sexually active, and because the virus is common and often has no symptoms, prevention with the vaccine and testing matters for everyone.
Genital warts
Genital warts are caused by low-risk types of HPV.
What genital warts look like
Genital warts are small flesh-coloured or pink bumps that may appear singly or in clusters like a cauliflower, found on or around the genitals or anus, usually painless but causing worry and nuisance.
Treatable, but the virus may remain
Genital warts can be treated or removed in several ways, such as topical medicine, freezing, or minor surgery, but removing the warts does not remove all of the virus, so they may recur, and it is best to see a doctor to choose a suitable method.
Do not treat warts yourself
You should not use ordinary wart removers or treat genital warts yourself, because the genital area is delicate and side effects can occur, and seeing a doctor gives you a safe method suited to where the warts are.
HPV and cancer
High-risk types of HPV are a major cause of several cancers.
Related cancers
A persistent high-risk infection can lead to cancer, especially cervical cancer, which is the best known. It is also linked to anal, genital, and throat cancers.
It takes years and is preventable
Cancer from HPV usually takes many years to develop, which gives a chance to find changes before they become cancer, so vaccination and regular screening effectively help prevent cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is preventable
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is truly preventable with a vaccine and screening, and getting vaccinated at a young age and screening as advised greatly reduce the risk.
Symptoms
An important thing to know is that most HPV shows no symptoms.
Often no symptoms
Especially high-risk types often have no symptoms until cell changes or cancer develop, while low-risk types may show as warts.
Why testing matters
Because dangerous HPV often has no symptoms, screening is the only way to find changes early, especially cervical cancer screening for those with a cervix.
The HPV vaccine
The HPV vaccine is a highly effective prevention tool.
Types of HPV vaccine
| Vaccine | Types covered | Protects against |
|---|---|---|
| 2-valent | 16 and 18 | Mainly cervical cancer |
| 4-valent | 6, 11, 16, and 18 | Cancer and genital warts |
| 9-valent | 6, 11, 16, 18 plus 5 more | The broadest coverage |
It works best before exposure
The vaccine works best when given before sexual activity begins, so it is recommended for adolescents, but adults still benefit. The vaccine protects both women and men, and it is best to ask a doctor about the type and schedule that suit you.
Screening
Screening helps find changes before they become cancer.
Screening methods
- a Pap smear looks for changes in cervical cells
- an HPV DNA test looks directly for high-risk HPV types
These tests are very important for those with a cervix.
Regular screening helps prevent cancer
Regular screening helps find changes at a stage that is easy to treat, which is why cervical cancer is preventable. Read about testing at STI testing.
Treatment
Although there is no direct cure for HPV, there are effective ways to manage it.
What can be done
- the body usually clears the virus in most infections within one to two years
- genital warts can be treated or removed with topical medicine, freezing, or minor surgery
- precancerous changes can be treated if found by screening
Care as your doctor advises
Even though the virus may remain in the body, care as your doctor advises and follow-up testing help manage it well and prevent changes from progressing.
Follow-up matters
Even if warts clear or the infection seems to go away, follow-up as your doctor advises still matters, especially cervical cancer screening, to make sure there are no changes that need further care.
Prevention
Preventing HPV can be done in several ways that work together.
How to prevent it
- get the HPV vaccine, which is the best method of prevention
- have regular screening, especially for cervical cancer
- use condoms, which lower the risk though they do not fully prevent it. Read more at condoms
- talk with your partner about sexual health
Vaccine and screening are the key
Combining the vaccine with regular screening is the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer and problems from HPV.
You can start prevention any time
Although the vaccine works best when given before exposure, starting to look after your sexual health, both testing and prevention, can be done at any time and is always worthwhile, and talking with a doctor helps plan what suits you.
HPV and HIV
HPV and HIV are connected in ways worth knowing.
HPV in people with HIV
People with HIV may find it harder to clear HPV and have a higher chance of warts or changes that progress to cancer more quickly, so managing HPV is especially important.
Test and prevent together
Regular screening and vaccination are important, especially for people with HIV, and whole sexual-health care, including testing for HIV and other STIs, helps you look after yourself well. See the overview at sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
In summary
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, with low-risk types that cause genital warts and high-risk types that can lead to cancer, especially cervical cancer. Most infections clear on their own and often have no symptoms, which makes screening very important.
The good news is that HPV is preventable with a highly effective vaccine, along with regular screening, and genital warts and precancerous changes are treatable. Combining the vaccine, screening, and condoms is complete care.
If you want to test for STIs or HIV, or talk about sexual health, find and book a clinic at Love2Test.
References
Based on guidance from international and national health authorities.