Human Papillomavirus and Genital Warts

The human papillomavirus (HPV) has more than 100 forms. It causes warts, abnormalities of skin cells and cervical cancer. Of its different forms, 30 can infect the genitals. Genital warts are single or multiple growths or bumps that appear in the genital area, and sometimes are cauliflower shaped.

Five forms of HPV have been linked to cervical cancer in women and anal cancer in both men and women.

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. People with HIV are especially at risk of being infected with HPV. A woman with both HIV and HPV is at much greater risk of getting cervical cancer. The cancer will be more aggressive if it occurs. 

Symptoms

Most people infected with HPV don't know they have it. The virus lives in the skin or the moist (mucous) membranes of the body. If often causes no symptoms, especially in men.

Genital warts usually are soft, moist, pink or flesh-colored swellings. They can be raised or flat, appear singly or in clusters and be small or large. Some people get visible genital warts. Others may have pre-cancerous changes in the cells of the cervix, vulva, penis, anus, scrotum, groin or thigh.

The warts appear weeks or months after sexual contact with a person who has HPV. Sometimes warts never appear. Just because a person doesn't have genital warts, doesn't mean they donÕt have HPV.

Causes

The types of HPV that cause genital warts are spread through genital contact. Rarely, a pregnant woman can pass HPV to her baby during vaginal delivery. The more sexual partners a person has had the greater his or her risk of getting HPV.

Prevention

There is no test that can tell a person what his or her status is in regards to HPV infection. The best way to avoid HPV infection is not to have genital contact with another person.

An HPV test does exist for women. It is mainly used as part of cervical cancer screening and management.

Wearing a latex condom may reduce the risk of genital HPV infection. It does not, however, prevent HPV infection.

Since 2006, an FDA-approved vaccine against the most dangerous types of HPV has been available. It is most effective when give to girls before they become sexually active. If offers some protection to sexually active women up to the age of 26.

Diagnosis

Most women learn they have HPV when a Pap test comes back with abnormal results. (A Pap test is used to screen for cancer or pre-cancerous changes in the cervix.) No tests for HPV are available for men.

Genital warts are diagnosed by sight.

Treatment

There is no one preferred way to treat genital warts. Genital warts that can be seen can be removed by medicine that the patient applies. Health care providers can also take steps to remove the warts.

Some people choose to do nothing to see if the warts will go away on their own. Research has shown that nine out of 10 women with HPV infection of the cervix have no sign of it within two years.

Women should have regular Pap tests whether they know they have HPV or not. HPV infection can cause cervical cancer. Regular screening for cervical cancer has greatly reduces deaths from cervical cancer.

Men with HIV are more likely to get severe, long lasting cases of genital warts. These may be harder to treat. They are also more likely to develop anal cancer.