Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, a group of more than 100 related viruses spread through skin-to-skin genital contact. Most infections cause no symptoms and clear on their own, but certain high-risk types can lead to genital warts or cancers. Vaccination and screening are the strongest protections.
What is HPV?
HPV stands for human papillomavirus, a family of over 100 virus types. Around 40 of them affect the genital area, mouth, and throat. Health experts sort them into two broad groups based on the risk they carry.
- Low-risk types can cause genital warts but do not cause cancer.
- High-risk types can, if they persist for years, trigger cell changes that may develop into cancer.
HPV is different from HIV and herpes, even though all three can spread through sexual contact. It is its own virus with its own risks and prevention.
How does HPV spread?
HPV passes through close skin-to-skin contact, most often during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Because it lives on the skin rather than only in body fluids, it can spread even when no symptoms are present and even without penetration.
A person can pass HPV to a partner without knowing they carry it. Someone may also test positive years after their last new partner, since the virus can stay dormant. This makes it hard to know exactly when or from whom an infection came — and that uncertainty is no cause for blame.
If you are unsure how soon infections can be detected, see our guide on how long STIs take to show up.
HPV symptoms
The tricky part of HPV is that it usually causes no symptoms at all. Most people never know they had it. When signs do appear, they depend on the type of virus.
Genital warts
Low-risk HPV types can cause genital warts, which may show up weeks or months after exposure. They can appear as:
- Small, flesh-colored or grey bumps in the genital or anal area
- Clusters that look like a tiny cauliflower
- Flat or raised growths, sometimes itchy but often painless
Signs of high-risk infection
High-risk HPV usually causes no warts and no obvious symptoms. Instead, it can quietly cause changes in cells — for example, on the cervix — that are only found through screening. Left undetected over many years, these changes can develop into cancer.
HPV and cancer
Persistent infection with high-risk HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer and is linked to cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and throat. The key word is persistent — most infections clear before they ever cause harm. Cancer risk rises only when a high-risk type lingers for years undetected, which is exactly why regular screening matters so much.
How to prevent HPV
You cannot completely eliminate HPV risk, but a few evidence-based steps lower it dramatically and catch problems early.
Get vaccinated
The HPV vaccine is the single most effective tool. It protects against the types most likely to cause cancer and genital warts. Health authorities recommend it for preteens around age 11–12, before any sexual activity begins, with catch-up doses available for older teens and some adults.
Get screened
Cervical screening (a Pap test and/or HPV test) finds cell changes early, when they are easiest to treat. People with a cervix are generally advised to begin screening in their 20s and continue on a schedule set by their provider.
Reduce day-to-day risk
- Use condoms and dental dams — they lower risk but do not cover all skin, so protection is partial.
- Limit the number of partners and talk openly about testing.
- Avoid smoking, which is a known risk factor that can make it harder for the body to clear HPV.
For broader strategies, read our guide on how to prevent STIs, and if you are due for a check, see how STI testing works. You can also explore the full STIs and testing hub for related conditions, including genital herpes.
The bottom line
HPV is extremely common, usually harmless, and most often clears on its own without symptoms. The real concern is the small share of high-risk infections that persist and can lead to cancer over time. The good news is that prevention works: the HPV vaccine plus routine cervical screening offer powerful, well-established protection. If you have questions about the vaccine, screening, or any genital changes, talk with a healthcare provider for guidance tailored to you.
