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The FDA has just approved a vaccine for HPV! Learn more.
What is it? Human Papilloma Viruses (HPVs) cause a variety of warts and other conditions and can remain in the system for life. There are more than 60 different types of HPV. A few HPVs cause genital warts, but most genital HPV infections are not visible and have no symptoms. Some of these are associated with cancer of the cervix, vulva, or penis. It usually takes two to three weeks after infection for warts to develop. In women, genital warts grow more rapidly during pregnancy or when other infections are present. Every year, about 5.5 million Americans are newly infected with genital HPVs — 20 million women and men are now infected. There is no cure for HPV. Condoms may offer some protection against genital HPVs, but the viruses may "shed" beyond the area protected by a condom.
How is it spread?
All types of HPV are spread through vaginal and anal intercourse and oral sex. Very rarely, genital warts spread to the fetus during childbirth. Testing for HPV is done by physical exam and/or microscopic examination of tissue samples. Warts may be visible to the naked eye, or magnifiers — colposcopes — can detect genital HPVs that are far inside the body or are too small to be seen. Pap tests may reveal precancerous conditions caused by genital HPVs — early treatment prevents cancer of the cervix. Women with a diagnosis of HPV are encouraged to have regular pap tests to help screen for warts on the cervix.
Common Symptoms of HPV include:
warts on the genitals, in the urethra, in the anus, and, rarely, in the throat
genital warts are soft to the touch, may look like miniature cauliflower florets, and often itch
untreated genital warts can grow to block the openings of the vagina, anus, or throat and become quite uncomfortable.
How is it treated? Genital warts may be removed by carefully applying a prescription medication onto the wart. There are medications available by prescription that may be used at home. Treatment may often involve multiple visits to your healthcare provider. Clinicians may offer other treatments, depending on the severity of the infection, including cryotherapy (freezing the wart), laser surgery, as well as interferon injection.
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