While many people know HPV to be an STI (sexually transmitted infection), Human Papilloma Virus is, in fact, an umbrella term for an entire group of viruses, all of them transmissible via skin-to-skin contact.

The following guide will take a deeper look into what HPV really is, which types there are, which symptoms it may cause, how it may be contracted, and what to do if you have it.

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What is HPV?

The HPV or Human Papilloma Virus is not just one single, but an entire group of more than 200 different viruses, all transmissible via skin-to-skin contact, sexual intercourse, or contact with surfaces that have been touched by someone with HPV.

While some of them can therefore be categorized as STIs, not all HPV variants are contracted during sex. Equally, depending on the type of HPV, they may cause different symptoms, ranging from warts and lesions to cancer.

Types and symptoms of HPV

There are dozens of types of HPV, and while some won’t cause any symptoms at all, others may manifest as lesions, warts, or – in the case of so-called high-risk strains such as HPV 16, or 18 – even develop into cancer. In this section, we’ll therefore take a look at the most common symptoms of HPV rather than the different types themselves.

Common warts

Common warts are rough bumps that most commonly occur on the hands and fingers. They can be painful or not.

Plantar warts

Plantar warts are small, hard growths on the balls and/or heels of the feet that can be superficial or grow inward. They can be sensitive or even painful.

Flat warts

Flat warts are, as the name suggests, small, flat lesions that typically occur either on the face or, especially in women, on the legs. They are usually painless.

Genital warts

Genital warts are flat lesions that occur either on the vulva or penis and around the anus. Sometimes, they can also grow in the vagina or cervix. They are typically painless but may itch.

Cancer

In some cases, infections with HPV can lead to cancer, either of the cervix, the anus, the vagina, the vulva, or the upper respiratory tract, including the back of the throat, the tongue, the tonsils, and the larynx.

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV, while it also accounts for 90% of all anal cancer cases, and almost 80% of all vaginal cancer cases.

An HPV infection doesn’t necessarily lead to cancer, though, and the virus may also lie dormant for decades before it causes any symptoms at all.

What causes HPV? Risk factors for Human Papilloma Virus

HPV is transmitted from person to person, either by direct skin-to-skin contact, by touching surfaces that have been in contact with HPV (e. g. in public pools or showers), or during sexual intercourse.

Normally, your immune system will fight off the virus before it causes any symptoms. Certain risk factors can, however, inhibit the body’s ability to fight it off or increase your chances of contracting HPV. These include:

• High number of sexual partners
• Age: the virus can lie dormant for 20+ years before any symptoms develop
• Impaired immune system (after certain treatments, other infections, etc.)
• Skin contact while having open wounds or skin damage
• Frequent direct skin contact with surfaces in public spaces (such as public pools, showers, etc.)

How is HPV diagnosed?

HPV is typically diagnosed by means of visual exams and/or biopsies (taking tissue samples to examine them in a laboratory).

HPV treatment?

Depending on your symptoms and where warts or lesions are located, your doctor might decide to prescribe ointments and other medications to treat them. If your HPV infection doesn’t show any symptoms, specific treatment usually isn’t necessary. The virus may remain in your body for years, or your immune system may clear it completely within a couple years.

If HPV develops into cancer, this will require appropriate cancer treatments.

Living with HPV

HPV is very common, and it is estimated that about 80% of all sexually active men and women will contract it during their lifetime. The infection can be long-term, or your immune system may get rid of it completely within a couple of years. In either case, most infections will come with no or only light symptoms that are easily treatable and won’t cause too much discomfort.

In some cases, however, HPV can also evolve into cancer, especially of the cervix. Because of this, it’s important for women to undergo regular screenings to make sure any cancerous growths are found as soon as possible.

HPV FAQs

Looking for answers to some of your most important questions about HPV? Take a look here:

How is HPV transmitted?

HPV is commonly transmitted via skin-to-skin or mucous membrane (e.g. during sex) contact, or by touching surfaces that have been in contact with HPV, such as public pools or showers.

What are the main symptoms of HPV?

In most cases, HPV will show no symptoms at all. The most common ones, however, are different types of lesions and warts, typically on the hands, feet, legs, or face.

Is HPV an STD?

There are more than 200 types of HPV, and some of them are sexually transmissible, making them an STI, a sexually transmitted infection.

How long can HPV be dormant?

HPV can be dormant for many years. Cases of the virus lying dormant for up to 20 years aren’t uncommon.

My girlfriend has HPV. Do I have it?

Since HPV is transmitted via skin-to-skin or sexual contact, there is a high probability you might have it, too. This does, however, not mean that you will develop the same – or any – symptoms.

How common is HPV?

HPV is very common, and it is estimated that up to 80% of sexually active men and women contract it in the course of their life.

How can an infection with HPV be prevented?

There is a vaccination against HPV that significantly lowers the risk of infection.

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HPV resources

• NHS UK
• CDC
• Australian Department of Health and Aged Care
• Cancer.org
• Planned Parenthood
• FDA

With roughly 4 out of 5 adults contracting HPV in the course of their lifetime, Human Papilloma Virus infections are incredibly common. Vaccinations can lower the risk of infection, but even if you have the virus, most cases will luckily show only mild symptoms, if any at all. Still, HPV should not be underestimated, since it can occasionally develop into certain types of cancer. Regular screening, especially for women, are therefore recommended.

Guide Sources

• NHS UK
• CDC
• Australian Department of Health and Aged Care
• Cancer.org
• Planned Parenthood
• FDA