About Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection — nearly all sexually active people get it at some point. Of more than 100 types, low-risk types can cause genital warts, while about 30 high-risk types can lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, penis and throat.
Most infections clear on their own, and HPV can be passed on with no signs or symptoms. For women, a Pap smear combined with an HPV DNA test is recommended for cervical cancer screening. Vaccines protect against the types that cause most cervical cancers and genital warts.
Symptoms
What to Watch For
- Usually no symptoms
- Genital warts — small bumps, raised or flat, sometimes cauliflower-shaped
- Abnormal cervical cells found on a Pap smear
- Cancer can develop years or decades after infection
Test Options
How CARIGEN Tests
- HPV Screen — detects 12 high-risk HPV types, identifies the HPV type (genotype) and measures viral load