Understanding HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a virus that causes warts. It can be hard to detect, so many people never even know they have it. Some types (strains) of HPV may cause warts on the hands, legs, or genitals. These can spread from person to person. There are some strains of HPV that infect the genitals without causing visible warts. These are the HPV strains (HPV16 and 18) that can cause certain cancers:

• Cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women

• Cancers of the penis in men

• Cancers of the anus and back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils in both women and men

Treating genital forms of HPV now and getting regular health screenings can help prevent serious health problems in the future.

How does someone get infected with HPV?

HPV is passed from person to person through contact with infected skin. Everyone with HPV has a different experience. Some people notice genital warts (condyloma) within a few months of exposure. In other people, warts take years to appear. Or they may never appear. This makes it almost impossible to know when or by whom you were infected.

How warts form

HPV lives inside skin and mucous membrane (including in the mouth and vagina). The virus can make skin cells reproduce more often than they should. These extra skin cells build up into warts.

1. HPV invades the skin.

2. DNA from the virus enters skin cells.

3. HPV causes infected skin cells to multiply and form warts.

4. The virus sheds, allowing it to be passed to others.