Human papillomaviruses, or HPVs, are a group of viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes of both men and women. They got their name because certain types may cause warts, known medically as papillomas. But HPV is also the most common type of sexually transmitted disease (STD).
At least 50 percent of sexually active men and women get genital HPV at some time in their lives. In addition, at least 80 percent of women will have been infected by genital HPV by the time they turn 50. Approximately 5.5 million new cases of sexually transmitted HPV infections are reported every year in the United States. At least 20 million people are already infected.
Types of Human Papillomavirus
There are over 100 different types of human papillomaviruses. Over 30 types are transmitted sexually.
Most people infected with HPV never develop any symptoms. But there are a number of conditions that HPV can cause. This includes:
Because certain types increase the risk for cancer, research scientists have separated the types into high-risk HPV and low-risk HPV. High-risk HPV may cause abnormal Pap smear results and could lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis. Low-risk HPV may also cause abnormal Pap smear results or genital warts.
In general, it is transmitted by direct skin-to-skin contact. For example, genital HPV is spread through genital-to-genital contact, most commonly through vaginal or anal intercourse. HPV may also spread through touching something that has been contaminated with the virus and then touching the skin, although how often this occurs, if at all, is not known.
Transmission most often occurs from another person. It is possible for a person to infect themselves, although this is thought to be a rare method of transmission.
It is not known if human papillomavirus can be spread when the levels of the virus in the body are very low or undetectable.
As mentioned, HPV got its name because it can cause warts. However, most people infected with HPV never develop symptoms, including warts. If someone does develop symptoms, the exact type will depend on which HPV type is transmitted and the location of transmission.
Most infected people are unaware that they are infected, but they can still transmit the virus to a sex partner. In rare cases, a pregnant woman can pass the virus to her baby during a vaginal delivery. A baby that is exposed to HPV can develop warts in the throat or voice box, but this is rare.
Most cases of HPV in women are suspected following an abnormal Pap test. If a woman is age 30 or older, her healthcare provider may also do an HPV test along with the woman's Pap test. This is a DNA test that detects most of the high-risk
types of HPV and helps with screening for cervical cancer. If a woman is younger than 30 years old and has had a borderline-abnormal Pap test result, her healthcare provider may give her an HPV test as well. No HPV tests are currently available for men. HPV may also be diagnosed if warts are visible.
There is no cure for HPV
(see HPV Cure), which means that the body's own immune system must get rid of the virus (which it does in a lot of cases). It also means that treatment is focused on treating the signs and symptoms. These treatments will not affect whether your body is able to get rid of the virus or how long it takes.
The best way to protect yourself is to not have sex or to only have sex with one uninfected partner who also only has sex with you (i.e., a mutually monogamous relationship).
HPV can infect male and female genital areas that are covered by a condom, as well as areas not covered by the condom. Using condoms may reduce the risk of getting genital warts and cancer, but they may not completely protect you from the actual virus.
A vaccine is also available, sold under the brand name
Gardasil®. The recommended age for vaccination is between 11 and 12. It can be given to girls as young as 9 years of age. "Catch-up" vaccinations are recommended for girls and women ages 13 to 26 (because this vaccine was not available when they were 11 to 12).
The vaccine is given as a three-shot series. The second and third doses should be administered two and six months, respectively, after the first dose.
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