HPV

HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection. Most people with HPV never develop symptoms and clear the virus naturally within 1–2 years. However, some strains cause genital warts, while high-risk strains can cause cancers of the cervix, anus, throat, penis, vagina, and vulva.

HPV spreads through vaginal, anal, and oral sex — and through skin-to-skin genital contact even without penetration. It is so common that nearly all sexually active people get it at some point. HPV can be transmitted even when no symptoms are visible. Condoms reduce but do not fully prevent transmission because the virus can be present on skin not covered by a condom.

Most HPV infections produce no symptoms and clear on their own. When symptoms do occur:

• Genital warts — soft, flesh-colored bumps on or around the genitals, anus, or thighs (caused by low-risk strains)
• Cervical changes — detected by Pap/HPV screening, not felt by the person
• Cancer — high-risk strains may cause cancer years later with no early warning symptoms

That's why screening is essential even without symptoms.

There is no approved HPV test for people without a cervix. Testing options for people with a cervix:

• Pap test (Pap smear) — checks for abnormal cervical cells; recommended starting at age 21
• HPV test — checks for high-risk HPV strains directly; recommended starting at age 25–30
• Co-test — Pap + HPV together; most comprehensive

The CDC recommends cervical screening every 3–5 years depending on test type and age. There is no approved HPV blood test or home test.

There is no treatment for HPV itself — the immune system clears most infections. What can be treated:

• Genital warts — topical creams (imiquimod, podophyllin), cryotherapy, or minor procedures
• Precancerous cervical changes — procedures like LEEP or cryotherapy remove abnormal tissue before it becomes cancer
• HPV-related cancers — treated with standard cancer treatments (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy)

Regular screening is the key to catching problems early.

Prevention options:

• HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) — highly effective against the strains that cause most genital warts and HPV-related cancers; recommended for all people ages 9–26, and some adults up to 45
• Condoms — reduce but don't fully prevent transmission
• Regular cervical screening — catches precancerous changes early (for people with a cervix)

Getting vaccinated before becoming sexually active provides the best protection.