STD Information » Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Overview

HPV is thought to be the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. There are over 100 strains of the human papillomavirus. Thirty of these strains can be passed sexually and are generally divided into two categories: low-risk and high-risk. Low-risk strains cause genital warts, while high-risk strains are those associated with abnormal pap smears and cancer.

How is Human Papillomavirus (HPV) diagnosed?

Diagnosis of HPV is very difficult as people generally show no symptoms. If a person sees a doctor for treatment of genital warts they are screened for HPV. Additionally, an abnormal pap smear can lead a physician to diagnose HPV. Sometimes, a piece of cervical tissue may be taken for microscopic examination as well. There is also a test that can detect the DNA of HPV and as such, can indicate an infection.

How is Human Papillomavirus (HPV) treated?

There is no treatment for HPV. If symptoms, such as genital warts, flare up, those can be treated, but the root cause of them has no treatment and you will probably be a carrier for life.

Recovery Time

HPV cannot be treated or cured. Recent studies show that some very healthy people may be able to beat the disease. However, there is no definite timeline for that process. For the remainder of patients, they will probably be carriers of HPV for life.

Sexual Activity

It is important to notify your partner of your condition and use protection.

Partners and Re-infection

If you are diagnosed with HPV, there is a high likelihood that your partner has been exposed. However, this should not be assumed and condom use should become standard in your sexual activities. Like other viruses, it is possible to carry one strain of HPV and be infected with another, so you are still at risk of further infections.

Recurrence

As HPV itself has no obvious symptoms and cannot in fact be cured (though recent studies show that those with vary healthy immune systems might eventually be rid of HPV), you are never free from the disease, and as such recurrence is a misnomer. For those with strains of HPV that cause genital warts, recurrence of warts is very common: 20-50% of those infected will see a recurrence of the warts.