What is it? Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a viral infection that commonly causes warts on the genitals. Some types of HPV infection cause warts, and some can cause different types of cancer.
What are the symptoms?
Most people with HPV don’t have any symptoms or health issues. However, HPV infections can cause: Genital warts Genital warts grow on the penis, scrotum, vulva, vagina, or anus. They look like warts you may find on your fingers, are skin colored with a rough surface, and usually are not painful or itchy. Warts do not develop into cancer. Cervical cancer High-risk strains of HPV can cause abnormal cell growth on the cervix, which is at the tip of the uterus. Early growth of abnormal cells, pre-cancers, and cancers usually have no symptoms and are found by doing a Pap test. Cancers of the penis, vulva, anus, or throat High risk strains of HPV can cause abnormal cell growth in these areas. Cancers on these areas can cause skin changes, pain, or tumors.
How is it spread?
HPV is easily spread from skin-to-skin contact during sex with someone who has it. You get it when your vulva, vagina, cervix, penis or butt touches someone else’s genitals or mouth and throat who has the infection.
How do I get tested?
Pap tests (or “Pap smears”) are important tests that look for cancers and abnormal cells, that might become cancer if they are not treated appropriately. A test to detect HPV may also be done along with a pap smear, depending on your age. Cancer screenings are recommended for: Women 21+ should talk to your provider about how soon follow up testing should be done People living with HIV While there are no national guidelines recommending anal cancer screening, regular testing may be appropriate for men who have anal sex. Talk with your provider about getting an anal pap test.
How do I get treated?
Most HPV infections go away on their own. For HPV symptoms that are uncomforable, or are more serious, here's how they can be treated: Treatment for warts: Lotions and gels Cryotherapy (a procedure to freeze and remove warts) Surgery may be needed for larger warts Treating pre-cancerous cells found on a Pap test: Your provider may recommend a procedure to sample (biopsy) and remove abnormal cell growth. The type of procedure will depend on the location and extent of the abnormal growth.
How do you prevent it? You can prevent HPV by:
Getting the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for children and young adults Using external (male) condoms and internal (female) condoms every time you have vaginal, oral or anal sex Getting regular Pap/HPV tests Having sex with one person who is only having sex with you
Druid Sexual Health Clinic 1515 W. North Ave. 2nd Floor Baltimore, MD 21217 (410) 396-0176 Metro Subway: Penn-North Station
Eastern Sexual Health Clinic 1200 E. Fayette St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 396-9410 Metro Subway: Shot Tower
Find Us Online health.baltimorecity.gov endhivbaltimore.com
*Last updated July 2021