human papillomavirus (hpv).
human papillomavirus (hpv) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (sti). there are many different types of hpv, and some types can cause health problems including genital warts and cancers. hpv can infect anyone who is sexually active, even if they don't have signs or symptoms.
most hpv infections are asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously without causing any health problems. however, hpv can cause genital warts and is also associated with certain types of cancers, including cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, penile, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
hpv is often detected through routine screening, such as pap tests for cervical cancer, or through visual diagnosis of genital warts. there are also specific tests for hpv.
there's no cure for the virus itself, but there are treatments for the health problems that hpv can cause, such as prescription medications or surgery for genital warts and procedures to treat cervical pre-cancer.
vaccination against hpv is recommended for preteens and can prevent most cases of cervical cancer and several other types of cancer.
