STIs

HPV

Alsohuman papillomavirushuman papilloma virusHPV infectionpapillomavirus

Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.

Definition

Human papillomavirus is a very common group of viruses passed on through skin contact during sex; most infections clear on their own, but some types cause warts or certain cancers.

At a glance

  • There are more than a hundred types of HPV.
  • Low-risk types can cause genital warts, while high-risk types can lead to certain cancers.
  • Most sexually active people will have HPV at some point, usually without knowing it.
  • The immune system usually clears HPV within two years.
  • Vaccination and cervical screening help prevent HPV-related cancers.

In detail

There are more than a hundred types of HPV. Low-risk types can cause genital warts, while high-risk types can cause changes in cells that may, over many years, develop into cervical cancer and some cancers of the anus, penis, mouth and throat.

Most sexually active people will have HPV at some point, usually without knowing it, and the immune system typically clears it within two years. Condoms lower but do not remove the risk because the virus lives on skin not covered by a condom.

Vaccination before exposure offers strong protection against the most harmful types, and cervical screening checks for high-risk HPV so that any changes can be treated early.

In a sentence

  • The cervical screening letter said the sample would be checked for high-risk HPV.
  • Our daughter had the HPV vaccine at school this year.

Where the word comes from

"Papilloma" combines the Latin "papilla" (a small bump) with "-oma", a suffix used for growths, because some types cause warts.

Not to be confused with

  • HIV

    HIV is a different virus that affects the immune system; the similar abbreviations are a common source of confusion.

Common questions

Does HPV go away?

In most people the immune system clears HPV by itself, usually within two years. Some high-risk types can persist and cause cell changes, which is why cervical screening is offered to find and treat changes early.

Do condoms protect against HPV?

Condoms lower the risk but do not remove it, because HPV lives on skin that a condom may not cover. Vaccination gives strong protection against the most harmful types. A sexual health clinic or doctor can advise on your own situation.

Related terms

Sources

  1. WHOHuman papillomavirus and cancer fact sheet
  2. Planned ParenthoodHPV