What Is Human Papilloma Virus?
- Two types of HPV are known. Low-risk types of HPV infection can have no symptoms or may cause warts. High-risk types of HPV can cause cervical cancer.
- Transmission of HPV is most commonly through sexual contact. The virus is not carried in bodily fluids; it is passed along via physical skin contact.
- In some cases, HPV infection can occur with no symptoms. Strains of HPV are known to cause genital warts and cervical cancer.
- The HPV vaccine helps to prevent certain strains of HPV. Safe-sex practices and limiting sexual partners can help reduce the risk of transmission of other strains of HPV.
- No direct treatment for HPV is available. In many cases, the body's immune system will fight and eliminate the infection on its own.