Human Papillomavirus: What You Need to Know
What is HPV? What is HPV? Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It is used to describe a group of viruses that can infect the penis, vulva (area outside of the vagina), anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix or rectum. Most of the time HPV infection is not serious, does not have any symptoms, and will go away on its own without treatment. HPV is most commonly found on the genitals and anus and is found less often on the mouth or in the throat. Approximately 75% of sexually active individuals will have at least one HPV infection in their lifetime, with the highest rates of HPV infection occurring in young people aged 15 to 24. There are more than 100 known types of HPV with at least 40 that cause genital warts and cancer. Low-risk types of HPV, which cause genital warts, often clear on their own. The 13 cancer-causing HPV types, the most common being HPV types 16 and 18, can also go away on their own, but if the infection lingers it can lead to cancer. Symptoms of HPV Genital Warts Genital warts are often the only visible sign that someone has an HPV infection.