--- title: "HPV | Sutter Health" description: "Genital HPV infection is a STI that is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) & can manifest itself as genital warts.\"" url: "https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/human-papillomavirus-hpv" --- 1. [Home](https://www.sutterhealth.org/) / 2. [Health and wellness](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health) / 3. Human Papillomavirus Hpv # Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Genital Warts Some HPV strains cause cancer. Fortunately, a vaccine can prevent this STI. * * * September 27, 2024Medically reviewed by Katie Ransohoff, High School Sctudent Writer Genital HPV is a [sexually transmitted infection (STI)](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/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. 1 / 2 1 / 2 ## 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](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/hpv-vaccine) can prevent HPV infection. The [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)](https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccines/) 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](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/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 ## Explore related topics [Teen's health](https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/articles?facets=%5B%7B%22i%22%3A%22c_healthTopics.name%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Teen%27s+health%22%5D%7D%2C%7B%22i%22%3A%22builtin.entityType%22%2C%22v%22%3A%5B%22Sutter+Health+Page%22%5D%7D%5D&limit=10&verticalKey=health-and-wellness) ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org","logo":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/static/images/sutter-health-logo.svg","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","streetAddress":"2200 River Plaza Drive","addressLocality":"Sacramento","addressRegion":"CA","postalCode":"95833","addressCountry":"US"},"areaServed":{"@type":"AdministrativeArea","name":"California"},"sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/SutterHealth","https://www.instagram.com/sutterhealth/","https://x.com/SutterHealth","https://www.youtube.com/sutterhealth","https://www.linkedin.com/company/sutter-health","https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sutter_Health"]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"WebPage","name":"HPV | Sutter Health","description":"Genital HPV infection is a STI that is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) & can manifest itself as genital warts.\"","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/human-papillomavirus-hpv","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/human-papillomavirus-hpv#breadcrumblist"}} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","headline":"Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Genital Warts","alternativeHeadline":"HPV | Sutter Health","description":"Genital HPV infection is a STI that is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) & can manifest itself as genital warts.\"","datePublished":"2024-09-27T15:49:32Z","dateModified":"2026-10-23T16:02:39Z","publisher":{"@type":"MedicalOrganization","name":"Sutter Health","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/#medicalorganization","url":"https://www.sutterhealth.org"},"@type":"MedicalWebPage","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/human-papillomavirus-hpv#breadcrumblist"},"reviewedBy":[{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"Person","name":"Katie Ransohoff, High School Sctudent Writer"}],"lastReviewed":"2026-10-23T16:02:39Z"} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/health/human-papillomavirus-hpv#breadcrumblist","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Health and wellness","item":"https://www.sutterhealth.org/health"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Human Papillomavirus Hpv"}]} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Cervical Cancer Screening: HPV Vaccine, Pap Tests and When to Get Them","thumbnailUrl":"https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/817826402001/3c28d7c5-411e-4f08-b7be-203fe0b9894e/ae048842-f033-490f-a3ed-678a638ac8d4/1280x720/match/image.jpg","uploadDate":"2020-12-03T18:44:57.006Z","embedUrl":"https://players.brightcove.net/817826402001/79bcaa57-54d7-453c-9f1f-8ab3ef7b15de/index.html?videoId=5993032283001","description":"About 79 million Americans have HPV, a virus that can lead to cervical cancer. But a simple vaccine can prevent this infection and protect you from cervical cancer. ","duration":"PT1M8S","transcript":"January is Cervical Health Awareness Month.\nSo let's take a minute to chat about cervical health and why it matters.\nApproximately 79 million people in the US have HPV\nor human papillomavirus which can lead to cervical cancer.\nThe good news is cervical cancer is largely preventable.\nAnd there are vaccines and tests available to make early detection a snap.\nHPV vaccines protect against the types\nof HPV that cause 90% of cervical cancers.\nThe vaccine can begin at ages 11 or 12.\nStarting at age 21, women should get a pap test every three years.\nAfter age 30, women should be\nco-tested with a pap plus HPV test every 3 to 5 years.\nThis robust vaccination and screening process\nis the best way to keep your cervix healthy.\nTo learn more about cervical health and HPV screening\nor to make an appointment with your provider, visit sutterhealth.org."} ``` ```json {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"HPV and Flu Vaccines for Teens: What Parents Should Know","thumbnailUrl":"https://cf-images.us-east-1.prod.boltdns.net/v1/static/817826402001/ba119fc8-2702-4f01-8979-e54f259c0dde/7a4bafd6-59c9-4346-93c0-670c24820ca9/1280x720/match/image.jpg","uploadDate":"2024-09-04T19:19:33.885Z","embedUrl":"https://players.brightcove.net/817826402001/79bcaa57-54d7-453c-9f1f-8ab3ef7b15de/index.html?videoId=6361510750112","description":"Make sure your preteen or teenage child has the vaccinations they need to stay healthy. Learn about the HPV vaccine, which can prevent certain types of cancer, and why the annual flu shot is especially important for teens.","duration":"PT2M47S","transcript":"[MUSIC PLAYING]\nTANYA NAUENBERG: Immunizations are\nvery important for our preteen and teenage children\nto help protect their health now and long into the future.\nTwo critical vaccinations for teens\nare the HPV vaccine and the flu shot.\nHuman PapillomaVirus, or HPV, is a common virus\nthat can lead to six types of cancer later in life.\nStudies show the HPV vaccine is highly effective\nand gives your child close to 100%\nprotection from HPV-related cancers.\nThe fact that we have a vaccine that\ncan help safeguard our children from cancer is truly amazing.\nThe American Academy of Pediatrics\nand the California Department of Public Health\nrecommends the HPV vaccine for girls and boys starting\nat age 11 to 12, but it can be given as early as age 9.\nBy vaccinating as early as age 9,\nwe ensure kids are protected well before any exposure\nto the virus.\nAnother vaccine that's important for young teens\nis the annual flu shot.\nThe flu can be particularly severe for teens,\nleading to missed school and affecting their ability\nto participate in sports and other activities.\nIn rare cases, it can lead to hospitalization.\nThe AAP and the CDPH recommends everyone age 6 months and older\nget a flu shot every year.\nAnd the flu vaccination is especially\ncrucial for teens with chronic health conditions like asthma\nor diabetes.\n\nParents often have questions about how vaccines are tested\nto make sure they're safe.\nVaccines, including those for HPV and flu,\nare researched and tested extensively for safety\nbefore being approved.\nFindings from vaccine safety monitoring systems\nand scientific studies have shown both vaccines have\nan excellent safety record.\n\nAt your vaccine appointment, let us\nknow if your child is anxious about shots\nand what helps them feel calmer.\nWe want to help in any way we can.\nTo prevent fainting, your child should\nsit or lie down while getting a vaccine\nand for 15 minutes after.\nWe also find distraction works well.\nYour teen is welcome to bring their mobile device\nor listen to their favorite music during the vaccination.\nIf you have any questions about vaccinations for your child,\nplease don't hesitate to ask your care team.\nWe're here to answer any questions you may have\nand to help you make informed decisions.\nWorking together, we can help keep\nour children and our community healthy and safe.\n[MUSIC PLAYING]"} ```