HPV

HPV, or human papilloma virus, is a common virus that can cause warts. There are more than 100 types of HPV, most of which cause no harm, but about 30 types put you at risk for cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, or anus. These types of HPV are passed on through sexual contact with an infected partner and can be classified as either low risk or high risk.

Some people develop genital warts from HPV infection, while others have no symptoms. 

Although it is not known if condoms protect against HPV, they may reduce the risk of getting HPV. Vaccines can protect against several types of HPV, including some that can cause cancer.

This is no cure for HPV, however, there are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause.

Genital warts are very contagious. You can get them during oral, vaginal, or anal sex with an infected partner. You can also get them by skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or (rarely) oral sex with someone who is infected. About two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with a partner with genital warts will develop warts, usually within 3 months of contact.

If you are infected but have no symptoms, you can still spread HPV to your sexual partner and/or develop complications from the virus.

See your doctor about genital warts or abnormal screening results, ask about the HPV vaccine, and keep up with Pap and HPV testing. Screening catches HPV-related cervical changes early, when they are very treatable.