Common viral infection that can cause genital warts and certain cancers. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care opti
About HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
Common viral infection that can cause genital warts and certain cancers
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. There are many types of HPV, some cause genital warts while others can lead to cancer.
Most HPV infections clear on their own within 2 years, but persistent infections with high-risk types can cause cervical, anal, and other cancers.
HPV vaccines are highly effective at preventing infection with the most dangerous types.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
Care can range from monitoring and fluids to prescribed treatment, infection-control measures and follow-up. Ask whether antibiotics or other medicine are actually indicated and how to prevent spread.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
Symptoms
- Often no symptoms
- Genital warts (low-risk types)
- Abnormal Pap test results
- Precancerous changes
- Rarely, warts in throat
Possible causes
- Skin-to-skin sexual contact
- Vaginal, anal, or oral sex
- Rarely, mother to baby during birth
Care and treatment options
- No treatment for the virus itself
- Wart removal (freezing, laser, surgery)
- Treatment of precancerous lesions
- Regular screening (Pap tests)
- HPV vaccination (preventive)
Key points
- Most common STI
- Usually clears on its own
- Vaccine prevents most dangerous types
- Can cause cancer
- Condoms reduce but don't eliminate risk
Preparing for a consultation
- Fever readings and timing of symptoms.
- Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures.
- Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines.
- Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell.
Questions worth asking
- Is HPV (Human Papillomavirus) the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is HPV (Human Papillomavirus)?
Common viral infection that can cause genital warts and certain cancers This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess HPV (Human Papillomavirus)?
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include No treatment for the virus itself, Wart removal (freezing, laser, surgery), Treatment of precancerous lesions, Regular screening (Pap tests). Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should HPV (Human Papillomavirus) be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Fever readings and timing of symptoms. Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures. Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines. Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about HPV (Human Papillomavirus) can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.