What is HPV?
Written by Dr. Specialist Stine Andreassen
Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, PhD in Obstetrics in 2015 and more than 15 years of clinical practice in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that affects the skin and mucous membranes. HPV is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact and is one of the most common viral infections worldwide.
Most sexually active people will be exposed to HPV at some point in their lives, often without knowing it. In many cases, the body's immune system clears the infection naturally without causing any health problems.
Is HPV common?
Yes, HPV is extremely common and affects millions of people worldwide. Most HPV infections do not cause symptoms, which means many people are unaware they have the virus. Because HPV often causes no symptoms, regular cervical screening plays an important role in detecting HPV-related changes before they become a health concern.
What types of HPV are there?
There are more than 100 different types of HPV.
Some HPV types are considered low-risk and may cause conditions such as genital warts. Other types are considered high-risk because they can cause changes in cervical cells that may increase the risk of cervical cancer over time. Not everyone who develops an HPV infection will experience complications.
How is HPV transmitted?
HPV is primarily transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. Because HPV is very common and often causes no symptoms, it is possible to transmit or acquire the virus without being aware of it. HPV infection is not necessarily related to the number of sexual partners, and infection can occur even in long-term relationships.
Does HPV cause cervical cancer?
Most HPV infections do not lead to cervical cancer. However, persistent infection with certain high-risk HPV types can cause abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. If these changes are not detected and monitored, they may develop into cervical cancer over many years. This is why cervical screening programs are important. Screening can identify HPV-related cell changes before cancer develops.
How is HPV detected?
HPV is commonly detected through cervical screening tests. Depending on local screening guidelines, healthcare professionals may use:
HPV testing
Cervical cell sampling (Pap smear)
Follow-up examinations if abnormal results are found
Regular screening is one of the most effective ways to detect HPV-related changes early.
Can HPV be treated?
There is currently no treatment that removes HPV itself. In most cases, the immune system clears the infection naturally. If HPV causes genital warts or cervical cell changes, these conditions can often be monitored or treated depending on their severity and clinical significance.
Can HPV be prevented?
HPV vaccination can help protect against several HPV types associated with cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Regular cervical screening is also an important part of prevention because it helps identify abnormal cell changes before they become serious.
Related resources
What are cervical cell changes?
What is a pap smear?
What is a pelvic exam?
What is a vaginal speculum?
FAQ – HPV
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HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus that affects the skin and mucous membranes. Most people will be exposed to HPV at some point during their lifetime.
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No. Most HPV infections cause no symptoms and resolve naturally without treatment.
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No. Most HPV infections do not cause cancer. However, certain high-risk HPV types can increase the risk of cervical cell changes and cervical cancer if the infection persists over time.
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Yes. Most HPV infections are cleared naturally by the immune system within a few years.
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Yes. HPV and cervical cell changes often cause no symptoms. Regular screening can help detect changes before they develop into more serious conditions.