HPV infection overview

Overview

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a very common virus that can infect the skin and the moist areas of the body, such as the genital area. Most types of HPV are harmless, but some can lead to genital warts or certain cancers.

Yes, HPV is extremely common. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide.

HPV can affect anyone who is sexually active, including both men and women. It is most common in young adults in their late teens and early 20s, but it can occur at any age.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Most people with HPV have no symptoms at all and never know they have it.
• Genital warts appear as small, painless bumps or groups of bumps in the genital area.
• Warts on other parts of the body, such as hands, feet, or face, from different HPV types.

Symptoms in children

• Children can get common warts on their hands or feet from skin-to-skin contact, but these are not usually a cause for concern.
• Genital warts in children are rare and may need further investigation.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, especially women, a persistent HPV infection that does not go away may lead to precancerous changes in the cervix.
• Men and women over 30 are less likely to clear the virus, so screening becomes more important.

Causes

Main causes

• HPV is caused by a virus spread through skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
• The virus can be passed even if the infected person has no symptoms.
• Rarely, HPV can be passed from a mother to newborn during delivery.

Risk factors

• Having multiple sexual partners increases exposure to the virus.
• A weakened immune system (for example, from illness or medications) makes it harder to clear the infection.
• Smoking may make it harder for the body to clear HPV.
• Starting sexual activity at a young age.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you notice unusual bleeding from the vagina or anus.
• If you have a persistent sore throat or hoarseness that lasts more than a few weeks.
• If you find a new lump or sore in your genital area.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you see or feel genital warts, you can see your doctor or visit a sexual health clinic.
• Women should attend routine cervical screening appointments as recommended by their healthcare provider (usually every 3–5 years).
• If you are sexually active and have not had the HPV vaccine, ask your doctor about vaccination.

Diagnosis

HPV itself is often diagnosed only if it causes symptoms or if it is detected during screening. There is no routine test for HPV in men. For women, HPV can be found during cervical screening (a smear test). Genital warts are usually diagnosed by a doctor just by looking at them.

Tests that may be done

• Cervical screening (Pap smear or HPV test) for women to check for high-risk HPV types.
• Visual examination of warts.
• In some cases, a colposcopy (a special magnifying instrument to look at the cervix) if abnormal cells are found.

What to expect at your appointment

If you have genital warts, the doctor will examine the area. For women, a speculum may be used. The test is usually quick and simple. For cervical screening, you lie down and a small brush is used to gently take cells from the cervix. Some women find it uncomfortable but not painful. Results come back in a few weeks.

Treatment

There is no cure for the virus itself, but the body's immune system almost always clears the infection on its own within two years. Treatment focuses on the health problems HPV causes, such as warts or cell changes.

Self-care at home

• Practice safe sex by using condoms, though they do not fully protect against HPV because infected skin outside the condom can spread the virus.
• Stop smoking to help your immune system clear the virus.
• Attend all recommended screening appointments.

Medical treatments

For genital warts, treatments include topical creams or solutions that you apply at home, or in-clinic procedures such as freezing, laser therapy, or surgical removal. For abnormal cells on the cervix, treatment may involve a procedure to remove or destroy the affected area, such as a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) or cryotherapy. These are done under local anaesthetic and are very effective. Your doctor will explain the options specific to your situation.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is sometimes used to remove large or persistent genital warts that do not respond to other treatments, or to remove a cone-shaped piece of tissue from the cervix (cone biopsy) if precancerous cells are found.

Living with this condition

Most people with HPV live completely normal lives. If you have no symptoms, you do not need to change anything. If you have genital warts, they may go away on their own or you can have them treated. They do not cause long-term health problems.

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain a healthy immune system by getting enough sleep, eating well, and managing stress.
• Practice safe sex to reduce the risk of passing HPV to a partner.
• If you are a smoker, try to quit – smoking makes it harder for the body to clear the virus.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports your immune system. Regular exercise also helps your body fight infections. There is no special diet that cures HPV, but a healthy lifestyle is beneficial.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Learning you have HPV can cause worry, especially because of the link to cancer. But remember that most people clear the virus without any problems. Talk to your healthcare provider about your concerns. They can give you accurate information and reassurance. If you feel anxious or depressed, consider speaking with a counsellor or mental health professional.

Prevention

Yes, HPV can largely be prevented through vaccination. The HPV vaccine is recommended for boys and girls around age 11–12, but can be given up to age 45 in some countries. Condoms can reduce the risk but do not fully prevent transmission.

Vaccines

The HPV vaccine protects against the most common high-risk types of HPV that cause cancers and the types that cause genital warts. It is given as a series of injections and is very effective. Talk to your doctor if you or your child have not been vaccinated.

Screening programmes

For women, regular cervical screening (smear tests) can detect HPV and cell changes early, long before they become cancer. Screening is a key prevention tool. Men do not currently have a standard screening test for HPV.

Complications

If left untreated

• In women, persistent infection with high-risk HPV can lead to cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer over many years.
• In men and women, HPV can cause cancers of the anus, throat (oropharynx), and penis.
• Rarely, HPV can cause recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (warts in the airway) if a child is infected during birth.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for most people with HPV is very positive. The body clears 90% of infections within two years. Even if precancerous changes are found, they can be treated very successfully. The link to cancer exists but is rare – and with vaccination, screening, and quick treatment, the risk of developing cancer from HPV is extremely low.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Local organisations

• Your national health service · Local
• Sexual health clinic · Local

Helplines

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