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Sexually Transmitted DiseasesHuman Papilloma VirusHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. Experts estimate that as many as 24 million Americans are infected with HPV, and the frequency of infection and disease appears to be increasing. Approximately 60 types of HPV exist and one third of these HPV types are spread through sexual contact and live only in genital tissue. Of the types of HPV infections that spread through sexual contact, there are low-risk and high-risk types. The low-risk type causes genital warts, the most recognizable sign of genital HPV infection. High-risk types of HPV cause cervical cancer and other genital cancers.High-risk HPV are also associated with vulvar cancer, anal cancer, and cancer of the penis (a rare cancer). Although most HPV infections do not progress to cancer, it is particularly important for women who have cervical dysplasia to have regular Pap tests. Potentially pre-cancerous cervical disease is readily treatable. Like many sexually transmitted organisms, HPV usually causes a silent infection, that is one that does not have visible symptoms. One study sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reported that almost half of the women infected with HPV had no obvious symptoms. Because the viral infection persists, individuals may not be aware of their infection or the potential risk of transmission to others and of developing complications.
This information is excerpted from public documents available at
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