What kind of virus is hpv

Most sexually active adults have already been exposed to HPV, although not necessarily all of the HPV types targeted by vaccination. At any age, having a new sex partner is a risk factor for getting a new HPV infection. People who are already in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship are not likely to get a new HPV infection.

There are HPV tests that can be used to screen for cervical cancer. These tests are only recommended for screening in women aged 30 years and older.

HPV tests are not recommended to screen men, adolescents, or women under the age of 30 years. Most people with HPV do not know they are infected and never develop symptoms or health problems from it. Some people find out they have HPV when they get genital warts.

Women may find out they have HPV when they get an abnormal Pap test result during cervical cancer screening. In that same year, there were 13 million new infections. Genital warts: Before HPV vaccines were introduced, roughly , to , women and men were affected by genital warts caused by HPV every year.

Cervical cancer: Every year, nearly 12, women living in the U. There are other conditions and cancers caused by HPV that occur in people living in the United States. Every year, approximately 19, women and 12, men are affected by cancers caused by HPV. This could be an underestimate of the actual number of people who get genital warts.

If you are pregnant and have HPV, you can get genital warts or develop abnormal cell changes on your cervix. The vaccines provide the most protection when people get them before they are exposed to the virus.

This means that it is best for people to get them before they become sexually active. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. HPV Also called: Human papillomavirus. Learn More Related Issues Specifics. See, Play and Learn Videos and Tutorials. Resources Find an Expert. What is HPV? Who is at risk for HPV infections? What are the symptoms of HPV infections?

How are HPV infections diagnosed? Health care providers can usually diagnose warts by looking at them. What are the treatments for HPV infections? Can HPV infections be prevented? Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Overview HPV infection is a viral infection that commonly causes skin or mucous membrane growths warts. Common warts Open pop-up dialog box Close. Common warts Common warts can grow on your hands or fingers. Plantar warts Open pop-up dialog box Close. Plantar warts Plantar warts are caused by the same type of virus that causes warts on your hands and fingers.

Flat warts Open pop-up dialog box Close. Flat warts Flat warts are smaller and smoother than other warts. Female genital warts Open pop-up dialog box Close. Female genital warts Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection. Male genital warts Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Male genital warts Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. More Information HPV vaccine. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Jameson JL, et al. Human papillomavirus infections. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. New York, N. Accessed Feb. Bennett JE, et al. Philadelphia, Pa. American Academy of Dermatology. Human Papillomavirus HPV. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate.

HPV Infection. Minus Related Pages. The HPV vaccine series is most effective when given before a person is exposed to the virus.