Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection that can cause genital warts and various forms of cancer. HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer and can also cause cancer of the penis, anus, vagina, vulva, mouth or throat. An HPV vaccination is recommended for people ages 11-12 to protect them from HPV strains that can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer.

Facts about Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

• HPV is a virus that can cause cancer in all genders.
• About 75% to 80% of sexually active individuals will become infected with HPV in their lifetime but never know they have the virus.
• HPV often has no visible signs or symptoms, so it can spread without infected people knowing it.
• Nearly 80 million people are currently infected with HPV in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
• Nearly 14 million new HPV infections happen each year, including teenagers.
• More than 50% of all men who are sexually active in the U.S. will contract HPV at some time in their life.

For more information about HPV, visit our FAQ & Myth page.

Types of HPV

There are more than 100 types of HPV strains that are categorized as either low-risk or high-risk.

Low-risk strains usually disappear on their own and have no association with cancer. However, they can lead to health problems, including genital warts. While mild cervical dysplasia (changes to the cervical cells) can occur with low-risk HPV, the changes are not precancerous.

High-risk types of HPV are more severe and can cause considerable cervical dysplasia leading to cervical cancer. High-risk HPV strains can also lead to cancer of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, throat and mouth later in life.

HPV Symptoms

Most people infected with HPV don’t develop symptoms. Additionally, a person can be infected for months to a year before any symptoms show up.

The most visible sign of a low-risk HPV infection is genital warts. Genital warts can appear on the vulva, vaginal walls, between the genitals and anus, the anal canal and cervix. Genital warts can also occur on the tip or shaft of the penis, scrotum or anus. Oral sex can also cause genital warts to occur in the mouth or throat. Warts can be small and flesh-toned, either smooth or rough, bumpy or flat, and can show in clusters or have a cauliflower appearance.

Non-sexually-transmitted low-risk HPV strains can also cause warts on other areas of the body but are no cause for concern and typically go away on their own. Even if no symptoms are present, HPV may be active and contagious.

Causes of HPV

HPV is most commonly caused by sexual contact with an infected individual. Sexual contact includes vaginal, anal and oral sex. HPV can be contracted even when the infected person exhibits no symptoms.

While sex is the leading cause of infection, the virus can spread through other non-sexual skin-to-skin contact. Papillomavirus affects epithelial cells found on the body’s surface and can also spread through cuts, scrapes and other tears in the skin.

HPV Diagnosis

HPV can be diagnosed through a variety of tests:

• Vinegar solution test. A vinegar (acetic acid) solution is applied to penile or vaginal area. If lesions exist, they’ll turn white upon contact with the acid. This test is less reliable for the penile area.
• Pap test. A doctor will swab cells from the cervix or vagina. The sample is checked for any abnormal cells that can lead to cancer.
• DNA test. DNA from the cervix is examined to determine what type of HPV a person has contracted.
• Warts. If a person exhibits warts, HPV may be diagnosed through visual examination of the warts.

HPV Treatment

Currently, there is no treatment for HPV. Most HPV infections clear up on their own within two years but can last longer and lead to more severe diseases, like cancer.

The most effective way to protect a person from certain strains of HPV is through the HPV vaccine. For the HPV vaccine to be most effective, it should be administered before someone becomes sexually active. The HPV vaccine is not a solution for someone already infected with the virus.

HPV Prevention

The only way to prevent HPV infection is by getting vaccinated before contracting the virus. Even condoms do not fully protect against HPV infection.

HPV Vaccine

There is a vaccine that prevents against HPV-related cancers and diseases. Talk to your doctor before your child is at risk.

The HPV vaccine prevents HPV infections when administered before exposure and protects against cancers and diseases caused by HPV. Vaccination works best when given at a young age, beginning at 11 years old. Research shows that young people have a better immune response to the HPV vaccine than someone vaccinated later in life.

Learn more about the HPV vaccine.

HPV Prevention at CHOC

We know you are the ultimate protector of your child’s health, and that you want your child to be as healthy as possible — now and in the future. That’s why we partner with you to protect your child from HPV-related cancers and diseases. The HPV vaccine is available at all CHOC pediatric offices.

CHOC Primary Care Locations for HPV Infection Prevention and Treatment

Visit a CHOC pediatrician at one of our many primary care locations to discuss HPV prevention, symptoms and treatment.