 There are over 100 different viruses that are a part of the HPV
family of which about 40 types are sexually transmitted to
genital tissues.
 Certain HPV types can cause cervical cancer and do not cause
genital warts. Over 95% of cervical cancers are associated with
HPV.
 Some HPV types have also been linked to anal cancers,
especially among people living with HIV.
 Some clinical providers are doing anal pap testing though at
this time it is not recommended by the CDC.
 A few HPV types cause warts to grow in the genital and anal
area, however only 7% of HPV cases have visible warts.
 Common sites of infection are the cervix, vagina, vulva,
perineum, anus, rectum, penile shaft, corona of penis, scrotum.
 Most people with genital HPV infections will show no symptoms
(no visible warts, normal Pap tests).
 HPV can shed from infected skin/membranes and can be
transmitted without the presence of any warts through direct
contact.
 The vast majority of people (probably greater than 90%) with
HPV will self-resolve the infection within two years.
 There is no cure for HPV, but there are treatments for removal
of warts and abnormal cell growth. These treatments remove
the visible wart and/or abnormal cell growths but they do not
clear the underlying HPV infection. Warts and abnormal Paps
can come back even after treatment.
 Regular Pap tests for women are extremely important for
prevention of cervical cancer.
 Condoms are a good barrier to HPV for areas they cover.
Transmission occurs when infected areas are not covered by
condoms – or with viral shedding to areas not covered with
condoms.
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