Human Papillomavirus (HPV): What You Need to Know

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are “naked” viruses that affect skin and mucous membranes. They’re categorized into low-risk and high-risk types. Low-risk viruses cause warts and are rarely linked to cancer, while high-risk types can lead to cancer, such as cervical, genital, and throat cancers.

HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, though it can also spread through skin-to-skin contact. Around 80% of people will contract HPV at some point, often without symptoms. Detection involves molecular techniques like PCR and, in women, a Pap smear.

Though there’s no cure, HPV vaccines are available to prevent infections from high-risk types, particularly 16 and 18. Treatment focuses on removing affected tissue, but recurrence is possible.

During pregnancy, HPV rarely affects the baby but can be transmitted during natural childbirth, leading doctors to recommend a C-section in such cases.