What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a group of sexually transmitted viruses. Of the more than 200 types of HPV, around 12 are linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, including cervical cancer.
HPV is a very common virus. Over 80 percent of adults may be exposed to HPV during their lifetime. In most people, their immune system clears HPV from their body.
In people whose immune systems do not clear the virus, HPV can cause changes to the epithelial cells in their body. These cells are found in the anus, cervix, throat, and vulva. The changes in these cells, called dysplasia, can lead to cancer.
At Penn Medicine, our gynecology care includes fast and accurate diagnosis of HPV. When needed, our providers coordinate with other specialists (like gynecologic oncologists) to provide seamless care.
Signs and symptoms of HPV
Most of the time, HPV causes no symptoms. People often don’t know they have an infection.
Some strains of HPV cause genital warts. Warts appear only during active HPV infection. Genital warts may appear on and around the genitals or in the groin area, cervix, rectum, or anus. They can be small or large and look like flat, white patches or bumpy growths. Warts can appear alone or in groups.
Causes of human papillomavirus
HPV is transmitted through sexual contact. The virus can spread to or from the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat during sexual activities. This includes skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. You can spread the virus even if you don't have symptoms.
HPV diagnosis
To screen for a high-risk HPV infection, your provider may perform an HPV test by collecting a sample of cells from your cervix. The sample is sent to a lab to check for the genetic material (DNA) of the human papillomavirus.
Because HPV can cause cervical cancer, your provider may also recommend a Pap test with your HPV test. A Pap test checks for changes in the cells of your cervix, which is the lower part of your uterus. Using the same cell sample taken from your cervix, the lab examines the cells for certain changes that could turn into cervical cancer.
If your Pap test result is abnormal, it means the lab determined that some cells don't look normal. This doesn’t mean they’re cancerous. Your provider may recommend more testing to find out for sure.
To diagnose genital warts caused by HPV, your provider will examine your genital and anal areas. They may take a tissue sample from a wart for testing.
HPV prevention
The human papillomavirus vaccine protects against strains that cause HPV-related cancer and genital warts. We recommend vaccination for males and females ages 9 to 26. If you’re between ages 27 and 45, ask your doctor if the vaccine is appropriate.
You can also reduce your risk of exposure to HPV by:
- Avoiding sexual contact if you or your partner has symptoms of an active infection
- Limiting sexual partners
- Talking with sexual partners about sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like HPV and getting tested
- Using condoms to prevent HPV and other STIs