Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Genital Warts
Genital HPV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Human papillomavirus is the name of a group of common viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types.
More than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted and can infect the genital area of men and women — including the penis skin, vulva (area outside the vagina), anus and the linings of the vagina, cervix or rectum.
How It's Spread
The types of HPV that infect the genital area are spread primarily through genital contact.
Most HPV infections have no signs or symptoms, so most infected persons don’t realize they’re infected. But they can transmit the virus to a sex partner.
Rarely, a pregnant woman can pass HPV to her baby during vaginal delivery. A baby that’s exposed to HPV very rarely develops warts in the throat.
Symptoms
- Genital warts are soft and usually flesh colored. They can be flat or raised.
- Warts appear alone or in clusters, one to eight months after infection. They’re usually painless but can cause itching, pain or bleeding.
- Warts can appear on the vulva, vagina, anus, cervix, penis or scrotum.
Although the pap test is not an HPV test, an abnormal pap result can be the first warning sign that you have HPV.
Long-Term Effects
There is no cure for HPV infection, although in most people the infection goes away on its own within two years. Treatments target skin or mucous-membrane changes, such as warts and precancerous changes in the cervix.
All types of HPV can cause mild pap test abnormalities which do not have serious consequences. However, certain types of HPV can cause cancers of the:
- Anus and throat
- Cervix, vagina and vulva
- Penis
Research has shown that for 90% of women, cervical HPV infection becomes undetectable within two years. However, a persistent infection with high-risk HPV types is the main risk factor for cervical cancer.
A pap test can detect precancerous and cancerous cells on the cervix. Regular pap testing and careful medical follow-up, with treatment if necessary, can help ensure that precancerous changes in the cervix caused by HPV infection do not develop into life-threatening cervical cancer.
Prevention
The best way to eliminate risk for genital HPV infection is to refrain from any genital contact with another person.
A vaccine can prevent HPV infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the two-dose vaccine for all boys and girls ages 11-12 (or as early as age 9). If started after age 15, a three-dose vaccine is recommended for all males and females up to age 26.
Without vaccination, HPV infection can occur in both male and female genital areas, even if covered by a latex condom.
While the effect of condoms in preventing HPV infection is unknown, condom use is linked to a lower rate of HPV-associated cervical cancer.
Last reviewed: January 2020