Thehuman papillomavirus (HPV)is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI).
There are different strains of HPV.
Some types cause genital warts, while others cause cervical cancer.
LaylaBird / Getty Images
While HPV cant be cured, you’re able to prevent it by getting an HPV vaccine.
Using acondomevery time you have sex can also provide some protection.
You may wonder if HPV is the same asgenital wartsand if genital warts can raise your cancer risk.
This article answers some of the most common questions about HPV, cervical cancer, and genital warts.
It covers risk factors, symptoms, screening, treatment, and prevention.
What Causes Genital Warts?
Some types of HPV, but not all, can cause genital warts.
These are called the low-risk types of HPV because they do not increase cancer risk.
Not everyone living with these types of HPV will develop warts, though.
Which HPV Strains Cause Genital Warts?
HPV 6 and HPV 11 account for 90% of genital warts.
How Is HPV Spread?
Unlike other STIs, HPV is not spread by semen or vaginal fluid.
Its transmitted by skin-to-skin contact.
A condom provides some protection but doesnt necessarily provide complete protection.
This is because part of the skin of the penis can still touch a partners groin area.
They may also appear on the shaft of the penis or the testicles.
Sometimes warts develop around the anus, even if you havent had anal sex.
Despite equal infection rates, genital warts appear less often in males.
This test can determine whether or not you contracted a high-risk jot down of HPV.
you could also screen for cancer and pre-cancer by getting a Pap test every three years.
What Is a Pap Smear?
These tests are also referred to as a Pap or Pap test.
A Pap is usually done at the same time as a pelvic exam.
If a Pap test finds abnormal cells, they can be removed by a healthcare provider.
No medical treatment can eliminate the virus, buttreatmentsare available for health problems orsymptoms sparked by HPV.
Most of the time, though, the infection will clear up on its own.
While genital warts dont necessarily need to be treated, many people choose to have them removed.
Ask your healthcare provider whats best in your particular case.
Even after treatment, genital warts frequently recur.
Therefore, you may need more than one treatment strategy to eliminate them.
Patient-Applied Treatments
Some genital wart treatments are prescribed and applied at home.
The Gardasil 9 vaccine is the only one available in the United States.
It is approved for people ages 9 through 45.
Most health organizations recommend vaccination for people between 11 and 12 years of age.
Importantly, the vaccine is only effective if you receive it before infection.
It cannot eliminate HPV you have already acquired.
Not allHPV vaccinesprevent genital warts.
Most genital warts are brought on by HPV 6 and HPV 11.
Both Gardasil and Gardasil 9 protect against HPV 6 and HPV 11.
Routine HPV vaccination isnt recommended for people older than age 26.
Summary
HPV is a common STI.
Some types cause genital warts, while others do not generally cause symptoms.
Regular Pap tests can identify abnormal cells that could lead to cancer.
These cells can be removed by a healthcare provider.
HPV cant be cured, but thehealth problems it causes can be treated.
Genital warts do not necessarily need to be treated and may come back after treatment.
Both genital warts and higher-risk types of HPV can be prevented with the Gardasil 9 vaccine.
A Word From Verywell
There is a lot of stigma and stress attached to STIs.
It can be shocking to receive a diagnosis of HPV, especially if you dont have symptoms.
Many times, HPV resolves on its own.
If you do have symptoms such as genital warts, talk with your healthcare provider.
While it’s not curable, there are highly effective treatments.
However, some people mistake moles, skin tags, or other sores for warts.
Its best to have a healthcare provider look at them to know for sure.
However, some strains of HPV can cause genital warts.
Other strains of HPV can lead to cervical cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital HPV infection fact sheet.
2019;6(3):308-314. doi:10.4103/apjon.apjon_73_18
American Cancer Society.HPV and HPV testing.
Karnes J, Usatine RP.Management of external genital warts.Am Fam Physician.2014;90(5):312-318.
UpToDate.Patient education: genital warts in women (beyond the basics).
