HPV is a common virus infection resulting in genital warts, which is spread through sex or close skin-to-skin contact. You can help stop its spread by learning more about the disease and getting tested. This site provides the information you need.

If you are sexually active, make (sexually transmitted infection) STI testing part of your routine, including getting checked for HPV infection. There’s no standard tests for HPV for men but you have a few options:

Genital and/or anal warts may only be removed by a trained health care provider. Even after the warts have been removed, HPV may remain present after treatment.

HPV is a common virus that causes genital warts. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Approximately 20 million people have been exposed to HPV and about 5.5 million Americans are infected each year—yet, because many experience no symptoms or health problems, the vast majority are unaware of their condition.

More than 100 different types of HPV exist, most of which are harmless. About 30 types are spread through sexual contact. Some types of HPV cause genital warts—single or multiple bumps that appear in the genital areas of men and women including the vagina, cervix, vulva (area outside of the vagina), penis, and rectum. Many people infected with HPV have no symptoms.

There are high-risk and low-risk types of HPV. High-risk HPV may cause abnormal Pap smear results (a test for abnormal or cancerous cells on the anus or cervix), and could lead to cancers of the anus, penis, cervix, vulva or vagina. Low-risk HPV also may cause abnormal Pap results or genital warts.

Most people don’t know they’ve been infected with HPV because there are no physical symptoms. However, some people develop genital and/or anal warts that may be raised or flat.

Warts can appear within weeks or months of the time of infection. In women, warts can grow outside the vagina or vulva, or in or around the anus. In men, they can appear on the penis, scrotum, thigh or in and around the anus. In rare cases, genital warts can grow in the mouth or throat of a person who has been infected orally. Often, the warts present no symptoms—but, may sometimes cause pain or itching.

Almost all cases of precancerous changes in the cervix are caused by HPV, putting women at high risk for cervical cancer. In addition, HPV has been linked to cancers of anus, vulva, vagina, penis and even the oropharynx (middle part of throat).

Getting checked for HPV is easy. By getting checked regularly (every 6 months) you can get treatment before HPV becomes a problem. You’ll also be protecting your sexual partners and the Boston community.

There is no cure for HPV, however, over time the body may rid itself of the virus on its own. For removing genital or anal warts, several treatments are available including freezing the warts (cryotherapy), chemicals and acids, minor surgery performed in the physician’s office, laser surgery, electrocautery (burning off warts with an electrical current) and interferon (a protein injected into the wart).

If you are HIV-positive or your immune system is compromised for any reason, you should see your doctor regularly.

If you are sexually active, make getting checked for HPV part of your routine. Some experts believe that men who have anal sex (specifically bottoms) should get a cancer-screening test of the anus. In addition, use condoms, consider limiting the number of sexual partners, avoid sex or skin to skin contact with a partner with genital warts, never share sex toys and know each partner’s sexual history.

Condoms and dental dams may reduce the risk of transmitting HPV, but virus may spread from areas a condom or dam doesn’t cover.

If you are HIV-positive and think you’ve been exposed, you should get checked and get treatment right away.