Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection, and most people catch it at some point without knowing. According to WHO, most infections clear on their own, about 90% within 2 years. But some types cause genital warts, and high-risk types can cause cancers if they persist.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Samir Ahmed Al-Samarrai, consultant urologist. Last reviewed:
Types of HPV
| Type | What it causes |
|---|---|
| Low-risk (such as 6 and 11) | Genital warts, which are not cancer |
| High-risk (such as 16 and 18) | If persistent, cervical cancer and cancers of the anus, penis, mouth and throat |
Symptoms
- Most infections cause no symptoms.
- Genital warts: small skin-coloured or darker bumps on or around the genitals, single or in clusters.
- Cervical changes usually cause no symptoms and are found by screening.
Diagnosis
- Warts are diagnosed by examination.
- In women: regular cervical screening and HPV testing by age.
- There is no approved routine test for men.
Treatment
No treatment removes the virus itself; treatment targets warts and cervical changes:
- Creams prescribed by a doctor.
- Freezing.
- Surgical removal, cautery or laser.
Warts can return after treatment, which does not mean treatment failed. No foods or supplements have been shown to clear the virus.
Prevention
- Vaccination: WHO recommends vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14 before exposure; some countries also vaccinate boys.
- Condoms: reduce but do not fully prevent infection, as HPV spreads by skin contact.
- Regular cervical screening for women.
- Telling and checking partners when warts appear.
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Frequently asked questions
Is HPV dangerous?
Most infections clear on their own, and about 90% clear within 2 years according to WHO. Some high-risk types can cause cervical or other cancers if they persist, so regular screening for women and vaccination matter.
Is there a cure for HPV?
There is no treatment that removes the virus itself, but the immune system usually clears it. Genital warts and cervical changes caused by HPV can be treated.
How are genital warts treated?
With creams prescribed by a doctor, freezing, or surgical removal, cautery or laser, chosen according to their number and site. They can come back after treatment.
Is there an HPV test for men?
There is no approved routine test for men; genital warts are diagnosed by examination. Women benefit from regular cervical screening.
Does vaccination prevent HPV?
The vaccine protects against the types that most often cause cancer and warts and works best before exposure. WHO recommends vaccinating girls aged 9 to 14, and some countries also vaccinate boys.
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Prof. Al-Samarrai and Dr. Amer Mousa assess genital warts and HPV in confidence at Prof. Al-Samarrai Medical Center, Dubai Healthcare City, and discuss the options that suit your case. Medical consultations are confidential.
This information is for health education and does not replace a medical examination. See our medical content policy.