Human papilloma virus woman

Since there might not be any signs, a person may have HPV even if years have passed since he or she had sex. There are over different kinds of HPV and not all of them cause health problems. Some kinds of HPV may cause problems like genital warts. Some kinds of HPV can also cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, or anus.

Most of these problems are caused by types 6, 11, 16 or Is there a test for HPV? It tests for the kinds of HPV that may lead to cervical cancer. It may find HPV even before there are changes to the cervix. Women who have the HPV test still need to get the Pap test. FDA has approved vaccines that prevent certain diseases, including cervical cancer, caused by some types of HPV. Ask your doctor if you should get the HPV Vaccine. There is no cure for the virus HPV itself. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press.

This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview HPV infection is a viral infection that commonly causes skin or mucous membrane growths warts. Common warts Open pop-up dialog box Close. Common warts Common warts can grow on your hands or fingers. Plantar warts Open pop-up dialog box Close. Plantar warts Plantar warts are caused by the same type of virus that causes warts on your hands and fingers.

Flat warts Open pop-up dialog box Close. Flat warts Flat warts are smaller and smoother than other warts. Female genital warts Open pop-up dialog box Close. Female genital warts Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection. Male genital warts Open pop-up dialog box Close. Male genital warts Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information HPV vaccine. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Jameson JL, et al.

Human papillomavirus infections. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. New York, N. Accessed Feb. Bennett JE, et al. Philadelphia, Pa. American Academy of Dermatology. Human papillomavirus HPV vaccination. Cancer often takes years, even decades, to develop after a person gets HPV.

Genital warts and cancers result from different types of HPV. There is no way to know who will develop cancer or other health problems from HPV. They may also be more likely to develop health problems from HPV. Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. It can protect against diseases including cancers caused by HPV when given in the recommended age groups.

Get screened for cervical cancer. Routine screening for women aged 21 to 65 years old can prevent cervical cancer. Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years.

However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their healthcare provider about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit. Most sexually active adults have already been exposed to HPV, although not necessarily all of the HPV types targeted by vaccination. At any age, having a new sex partner is a risk factor for getting a new HPV infection.

People who are already in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship are not likely to get a new HPV infection.

There are HPV tests that can screen for cervical cancer. This means you can get HPV from someone who has no signs or symptoms. Genital touching. A man does not need to ejaculate come for HPV to spread. HPV can also be passed between women who have sex with women. Childbirth from a woman to her baby. What are the symptoms of HPV? What health problems can HPV cause? But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems including: Cervical cancer Other genital cancers such as cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus Oropharyngeal cancer cancer of the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils Genital warts Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis a rare condition that causes warts to grow in the respiratory tract.

Do I need to get tested for HPV? If you are 21 to 29 years old, your doctor might suggest the HPV test if you have had an unusual or unclear Pap test result. The test will help determine if HPV caused the abnormal cells on your cervix. If results of both tests are normal, your chance of getting cervical cancer in the next few years is very low. Your doctor might then say that you can wait up to five years for your next HPV screening.

How does HPV affect pregnancy? Some possible problems during pregnancy include: Cervical cell changes. Continue to get regular cervical cancer screening during and after pregnancy to help your doctor find any changes.

Genital warts that bleed and grow. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause any genital warts that you had before getting pregnant or that you get during pregnancy to bleed and grow in size and number. Cesarean section. If genital warts block the birth canal, you may need to have a cesarean section C-section. Health problems in the baby. A woman with genital HPV can — very rarely — pass it on to her baby.

Babies and children may develop growths in their airways from HPV. This rare but potentially serious condition is called recurrent respiratory papillomatosis. Can HPV be cured? How can I prevent HPV? If you do have sex, lower your risk of getting an STI with the following steps: Use condoms. Condoms are the best way to prevent STIs when you have sex.