Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted viral infection. There are over 40 different types of HPV that can infect the genital areas, mouth, and throat of both men and women. In some individuals, the immune system clears the infection within two years, but in others, HPV can lead to genital warts or cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, and anus.

More than 20 million people in the United States are currently infected with HPV, with an estimated six million new infections each year. It is believed that at least half of all sexually active people will contract HPV at some point in their lives.

Causes of HPV

The HPV virus is contracted through the following forms of contact:

• Vaginal sex
• Anal sex
• Oral sex
• Genital-to-genital contact
• Childbirth

Fortunately, many types of HPV can be successfully treated, while others can be managed to prevent complications such as cervical cancer.

Symptoms of HPV

Symptoms of HPV infection vary depending on the type of HPV and the severity of the infection. Many patients do not experience symptoms at all. In some cases, symptoms may include:

• Genital warts
• Cervical cancer
• Cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis or anus
• Cancer of the back of the throat

Diagnosis of HPV

Since many types of HPV do not present any symptoms, regular testing is recommended to screen for cervical cancer and other HPV-related complications. There is no standard test to detect all HPV types. It is important for women to undergo regular Pap tests to identify any abnormalities that may suggest an HPV infection. If abnormalities are found, a DNA test may be performed to detect 13 high-risk types of HPV.

If warts or lesions appear in the genital area, it is important to seek medical attention and get tested for HPV.

Complications of HPV

While most cases of HPV will resolve on their own without causing side effects or complications, certain types of HPV can lead to cervical, penile, or anal cancer. These cancers are most treatable when detected early, making regular screening crucial.

Treatment of HPV

While there is no cure for HPV itself, treatment is available for symptoms such as genital warts, cervical changes, and cervical cancer. The approach to treatment will depend on the diagnosis and severity of the infection.

Genital warts may be treated with:

• Medications
• Creams
• Cryotherapy
• Electrocautery
• Laser treatment or surgery to remove the warts

Treatment can remove genital warts, but it does not cure the HPV infection. Patients may still transmit the virus to sexual partners.

Other types of lesions may be treated with surgery, laser therapy, or cryotherapy to prevent them from developing into cervical cancer.

Prevention of HPV

Currently, two vaccines—Gardasil and Cervarix—are available to protect against high-risk types of HPV. Gardasil, the first HPV vaccine, targets the types of HPV that cause genital warts, while Cervarix is designed to help protect women from cervical cancer. However, these vaccines do not cover all types of HPV, so the following recommendations should be followed to reduce the risk of contracting HPV:

• Abstain from sexual activity
• Be in a monogamous relationship
• Use condoms, but note that HPV can infect areas surrounding condom