Genital HPV infection

Genital HPV infection is a sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the human papillomavirus, or HPV. It is considered to be the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States.

HPV, is a name of a group of viruses that include more than 70 types. Some of them can cause genital warts. Genital warts are bumps of various sizes on the skin of the genitals. They are uncommon before puberty and after menopause. HPV infection does not always produce warts or other symptoms, so a person can have and pass on HPV without knowing it. HPV infection can be present for years without symptoms. HPV infection may also cause abnormal cell growth or cancer of the cervix.

Genital warts can occur in any sexually active person. Sometimes they pass from an infected mother to her baby at birth. Warts usually appear on the vulva, in or around the vagina and anus, or on the groin of females; and on the penis, scrotum, in or around the anus, or on the groin in males. They may appear within several weeks after sex with someone who has HPV, or it may take several months or years for them to appear. Warts may be raised or flat, single or multiple, small or large. They tend to be flesh-colored or whitish in appearance.

There is no effective therapy to get rid of the viral infection completely. Treatment aims to remove the warts. Treatment of small warts is usually accomplished by directly applying an acid mixture on them. This treatment cannot be done during pregnancy. For larger warts, treatment may include: freezing, laser treatment, and burning. Warts often go away on their own, or may recur even after treatment.

HPV infection should be watched closely in women, even if no symptoms appear. The reason is that HPV may cause cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is the second most common reproductive cancer in women. Women exposed to HPV should have an annual PAP test. A PAP test can detect a cervical problem before it is actually cancer. A Pap smear is suggested for all women who are sexually active or by age 18. Women exposed to HPV may require more frequent testing as recommended by their healthcare provider.

Recent research shows that condoms may decrease but not prevent transmission of HPV because it can be passed from person to person with any skin-to-skin contact with any HPV infected area of the body. That is any infected area not covered by the condom. It also greatly reduces risk to have only one sexual partner who has no other partners. If you, or your sexual partner, have symptoms of genital warts, do not be embarrassed to consult your provider.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File SEXU5272.RF2 VRS# 5272 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1998, 2000, 2002-2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.