Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of viruses that include more than 100 types and strains and can infect the skin. Certain types of HPV cause warts on the hands or feet. More than 30 types of HPV are sexually transmitted and can cause warts on the genitals of both men and women.

But some people never have warts they can see and many never get warts, so most people with HPV do not know they have it. About 30 of these types are sexually transmitted and cause genital HPV. Some types of genital HPV may cause genital warts, while other types of genital HPV are linked to abnormal cell changes on the cervix (detected through Paps). However, HPV infections in many people do not cause any symptoms.
 

HPV in Women Human papillomavirus, or HPV, belongs to a group of viruses that can infect the skin and mucous membranes of women. These infections may cause no symptoms, produce warts, or be associated with a range of different non-cancerous growths or cancer. Read more	HPV in Men HPV in men in almost all cases is transmitted through some form of sexual contact –most often during vaginal, oral or anal sex. Since HPV usually causes no symptoms, most men are not aware of the hidden danger – and pass it on - without realizing it. People can have HPV even if years have passed since they had sex. Read more
Safe Sex with HPV A condom may not protect you. It does not cover the base of a man's penis, his pubic hair or scrotum (all places where the human papillomavirus lurk). Skin to skin contact is all that is necessary so rubbing during foreplay (when a condom often isn't used) can deposit the virus as can fingers or toys. Washing with soap and water after sex can help reduce your chances of infection. Read more	Signs and Symptoms Most HPV infections go undetected because they don't cause warts or other lesions. Even if you don't exhibit signs and symptoms of the infection, they may emerge later and you may transmit the virus to someone else. Read more
HPV and Pregnancy A woman with a history of HPV should be sure her doctor knows. She should tell her doctor whether she has a history of genital warts, tissue changes in the cervix (such as an abnormal Pap test), or other problems. Her doctor will want to monitor her closely because more rapid cell changes can occur during pregnancy. Read more	High Risk HPV High risk strains may cause changes in a Pap smear which may rarely progress to cancer. There are approximately 13 high-risk strains of HPV, of which two (16 & 18) are believed to cause about 70% of all cervical cancer. Read more