The human papilloma virus (HPV) is a family of viruses that are usually passed by close skin-to-skin sexual contact between someone with the infection and his or her partner.

There are many different types of HPV. Some types cause warts on the hands and feet; other types cause genital warts. (But many people are infected with HPV and never get warts.) When the virus causes warts, the warts are usually small, fleshy growths on the genitals or anus of males or females.

The warts can be treated with creams or removed, either through surgery or other methods. Large, untreated warts in the female reproductive system can cause complications in pregnancy and childbirth. They can also spread to the fetus during a vaginal birth.

Many people with HPV have a type that does not cause visible warts, but infects the cervix (in females) or urethra (in males). HPV increases a woman's risk of cervical cancer or a man's risk of penile cancer. HPV infections in the cervix are usually diagnosed by a Pap smear. Although there is no cure for HPV, some people's immune systems clear the infection.

The best way to prevent HPV 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, so be selective about your partners as well. The more sexual partners you have, the greater your risk of getting infected.

For more information, log on to the National HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention Resource Center or call the National HPV and Cervical Cancer Prevention Hotline at 1-919-361-4848 (Monday-Friday, 2-6 p.m., EST). You can also check out this Sex, Etc. story, "Messing With Myths About Genital Warts."