What Is Human Papilloma Virus?

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted infection. This virus can cause genital warts and cervical cancer.

Types

• Two types of HPV are known. Low-risk types of HPV infection can have no symptoms or may cause warts. High-risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer.

Transmission

• Transmission of HPV is most commonly through sexual contact. The virus is not carried in bodily fluids; it is passed along via physical skin contact.

Symptoms

• In some cases, HPV infection can occur with no symptoms. Strains of HPV are known to cause genital warts and cervical cancer.

Prevention

• The HPV vaccine helps to prevent certain strains of HPV. Safe-sex practices and limiting sexual partners can help reduce the risk of transmission of other strains of HPV.

Treatment

• No direct treatment for HPV is available. In many cases, the body's immune system will fight and eliminate the infection on its own.