What is HPV?
HPV (human papillomavirus) is a virus that is common in the United States and around the world and can cause cancer and genital warts. HPV is spread through sexual contact. There are about 40 types of genital HPV. HPV is the major cause cervical cancer in women and is also associated with several other types of cancer in both men and women.
The human papilloma (pronounced “pap-ah-LO-mah”) virus, also called HPV, is a common virus that infects the skin and mucous membranes. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Click here to view a magnified, color-enhanced picture of an HPV virus particle. The types of HPV that cause common warts, such as those found on the hands and feet, are spread through skin-to-skin contact. In addition, it is also possible to get these common types of warts after sharing towels or other objects with a person who has warts. About 30 types of HPV are spread only through direct genital contact. These “genital” types of HPV are either: 1) “high-risk” – which means they can cause certain kinds of cancer (most commonly, cervical cancer) if the infection persists, or 2) “low-risk” – which means they are not associated with cancer, but can cause genital warts. Unless you develop one of these problems, the only way to know whether you have HPV is by being tested. Learn more about the different types of the H
HPV is the human papillomavirus. Most Pap test abnormalities are caused by chronic infection with HPV. This virus is spread from person to person through genital skin contact. It is so common that it could be considered a normal part of being sexually active. Four out of five women will have HPV at some time in their lives. Over 100 types of HPV have been identified, of which around 40 affect the genital area. Some of these types (most commonly types 6 and 11) cause genital warts. However most infection is completely silent or asymptomatic. At least 14 types (most commonly types 16 and 18) have been associated with cancer of the cervix.
