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HPV infection

Also called: HPV, human papillomavirus, genital warts

A very common sexually spread virus. Most infections clear on their own, but some types cause genital warts and others can cause cervical, throat, anal, and penile cancers. The HPV vaccine prevents most of these.

CommonMost sexually active people get it
VaccineAges 9 to 26, some up to 45
ScreeningPap and HPV tests for women

Overview

Most people never have symptoms.

Condoms lower but don't fully prevent spread.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • HPV infection or genital warts
  • Genital bumps or warts
  • Abnormal Pap test or positive HPV test

Less common

  • Usually no symptoms

Look up a symptom: Abnormal Pap test or positive HPV test · Genital bumps or warts

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayNew or worse symptoms, or symptoms with fever.
See a doctor soonWarts, an abnormal Pap, or vaccine questions.

Causes

Skin-to-skin sexual contact.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • Yes, it can spread from person to person.
  • How it spreads: sex or touch.
  • Condoms lower the risk. Sex partners should be tested and treated too.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Multiple partners
  • Smoking

Possible complications

Diagnosis

Tests for women; warts by looking.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • HPV test:

Treatment

Prevent and screen.

Self-care

  • Get the HPV vaccine
  • Keep up with cervical screening
  • Use condoms

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Wart creams
Genital wartsPrescription.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Warts can be frozen or treated with creams.

Prevention

To prevent HPV:

  • HPV vaccine
  • Condoms

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a sexual health clinic, an OB-GYN, or a urologist; your local health department can test for free or low cost.

Back to school, work, or sports

  • You can go to school and work as usual.
  • Don't have sex until you and your partners finish treatment and your doctor says it's OK.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most clear in 2 years.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

  • A list of your medicines and supplements
  • Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

  • Should I get the vaccine?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on HPV infection

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.