HPV (human papillomavirus) is an STD that is caused by a virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), genital HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. About 20 million Americans are currently living with HPV, and there are an estimated six million new cases every year. There are about 100 different strains (kinds or types) of HPV and about 40 of those can infect someone’s genital areas. HPV is usually passed by close skin-to-skin sexual contact (including oral, anal or vaginal sex) between someone with the infection and their sexual partner.

Different strains of HPV affect the body differently; some strains can be cleared from the body over time with no negative effects. Others cause visible genital warts or an increased risk for cancer of the cervix, penis, anus, vulva, vagina and/or throat. The types of HPV that cause genital warts are not the same as the types that can cause cancer.

In the U.S. there are two vaccines, Gardasil^® and Cervarix^®, which have been approved to offer protection against HPV. Gardasil has been shown to protect females from the four types of HPV that cause most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration recently cleared Gardasil to be given to boys, ages 9-26, as well.

Cervarix is approved only for females and targets the two strains of HPV that are the leading causes of cervical cancer.

There are many types of HPV. Some cause genital warts, but only a medical professional can diagnose HPV. A Pap smear test can be used to diagnose irregular  cells caused by HPV. This test can be done to check the cervix or the anus. Talk with your health care provider about whether you might benefit from a cervical or anal Pap.

Once a health care provider makes a diagnosis for HPV, he or she will talk with you about the specific options that are available to you. Treatments are available to help people manage their HPV symptoms, but because it is a virus, it may remain in someone’s body for life.

HPV is spread through certain sexual behaviors. If you choose to be sexually active, the best way to minimize your risk is to use condoms and other latex barriers during all types of sexual touching. Keep in mind that condoms may not cover all areas of the genital skin where the virus is present. Also, the more sexual partners you have, and the more partners they’ve had, the greater your risk of getting infected.

For more information, visit the National HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention Resource Center or call their hotline at 1-919-361-8488, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. EST. You can also check out this Sex, Etc. story, “Messing With Myths About Genital Warts.”