• What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
• How common is HPV?
• Who gets genital HPV?
• Does everyone who has HPV get cervical cancer or genital warts?
• If HPV has no signs or symptoms, how can I know I have it?
• How can I decrease my risk of getting genital HPV?

Human Papillomavirus is a common virus that affects both females and males. There are more than 100 different types of HPV. Certain types of HPV cause common warts on hands and feet. Most types of HPV do not cause any signs or symptoms, and go away without treatment.

About 30 types of HPV are known as genital HPV because they affect the genital area. Some types cause cells in the lining of the cervix to change. If not treated, these abnormal cells can sometimes turn into cancer cells. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts and benign (abnormal but noncancerous) changes in the cervix. Many types of HPV can cause abnormal Pap tests.