What is human papillomavirus?
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a group of more than 100 viruses. Certain types of HPV can cause genital warts, which are growths or bumps that appear: • On the vulva • In or around the vagina or anus • On the cervix • On the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh Some strains of HPV are associated with cervical cancer , or less commonly, cancers of the vulva, anus, or penis. HPV is easily spread during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner. About two-thirds of people who have sexual contact with a partner who has genital warts will develop them also. Usually this happens within three months of contact. Symptoms include: • Fleshy, raised growths with a cauliflower shape in or around the vagina or anus; on the cervix; and on the penis, scrotum, groin, or thigh • Bleeding • Itching • Irritation • Burning • Secondary bacterial infection with redness, tenderness, or pusMost people will be exposed to a form of HPV at some point in their lives. Not all will become infected or develop
