How is HPV Transmitted? Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Duly Care
Jun 18
11 min read

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) globally, affecting millions of people every year. Despite its widespread occurrence, HPV remains surrounded by myths, misinformation, and societal stigma.

For many, discussing HPV feels taboo, leading to misunderstandings about its symptoms, transmission, prevention, and treatment. These gaps in knowledge often result in delayed medical care, unnecessary fear, or unsafe practices. However, understanding HPV is key to making informed health decisions and breaking the cycle of misinformation.

Key Takeaways

HPV Overview: HPV is a common STI with over 100 strains, some causing warts or cervical cancer.
Prevention Matters: Vaccines and condoms significantly reduce HPV risk.
Treatment and Management: While HPV often resolves on its own, medical care is crucial for persistent infections or associated conditions.
Empowerment Through Knowledge: Understanding HPV helps women make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health.

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) refers to a family of over 100 closely related viruses, each identified by a specific strain or "type." These strains are categorized into low-risk and high-risk types based on their potential health effects.

While low-risk strains might cause mild symptoms like genital warts, high-risk strains are more concerning, as they can lead to serious conditions such as cervical cancer, other genital cancers, and even throat cancers in some cases.

HPV is primarily transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. However, it is important to note that sexual intercourse is not the only mode of transmission, even intimate skin-to-skin contact can spread the virus.

Because HPV often doesn’t present symptoms immediately, many individuals carry and spread it unknowingly. This silent nature of HPV contributes to its high prevalence and underscores the importance of regular health screenings and preventive measures like vaccination.

Despite its potentially serious implications, not all HPV infections lead to severe health issues. In fact, a majority of infections clear up on their own within one to two years, thanks to the body's immune system. However, persistent infections with high-risk strains may progress to precancerous changes or cancer, making early detection and monitoring crucial.

How is HPV Caused and Transmitted?

Understanding the causes and risk factors associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is essential for prevention and early intervention. HPV is primarily a sexually transmitted infection, but several factors influence a person’s likelihood of acquiring and developing complications from the virus. Here’s a detailed look:

Causes of HPV

HPV is caused by a group of viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes. It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact, predominantly during sexual activity, including:

Vaginal, Anal, and Oral Sex: HPV is most commonly transmitted through these forms of sexual contact, with or without penetration.
Non-Penetrative Intimacy: Skin-to-skin genital contact, even without intercourse, can also lead to HPV transmission.
Contaminated Surfaces: Though rare, the virus may spread through contact with contaminated surfaces, such as shared sex toys.

Once the virus enters the body, it targets epithelial cells in the skin and mucous membranes, where it can remain dormant or cause changes leading to warts or precancerous lesions.

Risk Factors

Unprotected Sexual Activity: Having multiple sexual partners increases the likelihood of exposure to HPV. Additionally, unprotected sex raises the risk of transmission, as condoms do not provide complete protection against the virus.
Young Age Group: HPV is most common among adolescents and young adults aged 15–24, as this age group typically has higher sexual activity and their immune systems are still developing. HPV in this age group is often transient and resolves on their own.
Weakened Immune System: Medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, can make it more difficult for the body to clear HPV infections.
Tobacco Use: Smoking is associated with a higher risk of persistent HPV infections and can lead to cervical precancerous changes, as the chemicals in tobacco weaken the body’s immune defences.
Early Exposure and Sexual Practices: Beginning sexual activity at an early age increases the duration of exposure to HPV over a lifetime. Additionally, engaging in unprotected anal or oral sex can introduce HPV to other parts of the body, leading to infections in those areas.
Lack of Sexual Health Awareness: Women are more likely to develop complications such as cervical cancer due to the structure of the cervix, which is more susceptible to HPV’s effects. Limited access to regular screenings also increases risk, particularly in areas with inadequate healthcare infrastructure.
Lack of Vaccination: Individuals who have not received the HPV vaccine are at a higher risk of contracting the virus, particularly the high-risk strains that can lead to cervical cancer.

Other Contributing Factors

Poor Hygiene Practices: Sharing personal items like towels or razors may pose some risk, although minimal.
Co-Infection with Other STIs: Having other sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, can compound the risk of contracting HPV.

While HPV is highly common, it is important to recognize that the majority of infections clear on their own within two years. However, high-risk strains and certain risk factors can prolong infection or lead to severe health issues like genital warts or cancers of the cervix, throat, anus, or penis.

By addressing risk factors such as unsafe sexual practices, smoking, and delayed vaccination, individuals can significantly reduce their vulnerability to HPV and its complications.

Symptoms and Signs of HPV

One of the most challenging aspects of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is its often silent nature. Many individuals infected with the virus show no visible symptoms, making it difficult to detect and easy to unknowingly transmit. This asymptomatic nature has led HPV to be referred to as a "hidden epidemic."

However, in cases where symptoms do manifest, they can vary widely based on the strain of HPV and the area of the body affected. Here is a comprehensive overview of the symptoms associated with HPV:

Genital Warts: A Visible Indicator of Low-Risk HPV

Genital warts are among the most recognisable symptoms of HPV caused by low-risk strains, such as HPV types 6 and 11. These warts appear in the genital or anal region and exhibit the following characteristics:

Appearance: They are typically small, flesh-colored, or slightly raised. Warts may be smooth or rough to the touch, and in some cases, they cluster together, forming a cauliflower-like structure.
Location: In women, warts often develop on the vulva, around the vaginal opening, inside the vagina, or on the cervix. In men, they are more commonly found on the penis, scrotum, or around the anus.
Symptoms: Although painless in many cases, genital warts can cause itching, discomfort, or a burning sensation, especially if irritated. For some, the visible presence of warts may lead to feelings of embarrassment or anxiety.

While not life-threatening, genital warts require treatment to prevent spread to sexual partners and alleviate discomfort.

Precancerous Changes: A Hidden Threat from High-Risk HPV

Certain high-risk HPV strains, such as types 16 and 18, do not cause visible symptoms but can result in precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix, anus, or other genital areas. These changes, known as dysplasia, are typically detected only through medical screenings, like Pap smears or HPV DNA tests.

Cervical Changes: In women, high-risk HPV can cause abnormal cervical cell growth, which may progress to cervical cancer if left untreated. Early-stage changes are often asymptomatic, underscoring the importance of regular screenings.
Anal Dysplasia: Individuals engaging in receptive anal intercourse may develop abnormal cell changes in the anal region, which can also be detected through specialized screenings.
Oral and Throat Symptoms: Though less common, high-risk HPV strains can lead to precancerous changes in the throat and mouth (oropharyngeal dysplasia), particularly in individuals exposed through oral sex.

Oral and Throat Symptoms: Manifestations of Oral HPV

While oral HPV is relatively rare compared to genital infections, it can occur in individuals exposed through oral sex or intimate skin-to-skin contact. Symptoms associated with oral HPV include:

Sore Throat or Hoarseness: Persistent soreness or changes in voice quality that do not resolve over time.
Lumps or Growths: Visible lumps or rough patches in the mouth, on the tongue, or at the back of the throat.
Swallowing Difficulties: Difficulty or pain when swallowing may indicate the presence of lesions in the throat.
Ear Pain: Referred pain in the ears without an apparent ear infection can sometimes be linked to throat abnormalities.

Oral HPV infections are associated with the development of oropharyngeal cancers, making early detection and monitoring critical.

Rare Symptoms: When HPV Affects Other Areas

HPV may occasionally cause warts or lesions in non-genital areas, such as the hands, feet, or under the nails. These warts, often referred to as common warts or plantar warts, are caused by different HPV strains and are generally harmless.

Given that most HPV infections are asymptomatic, individuals may unknowingly carry the virus for years. Regular medical screenings, such as Pap smears and HPV tests, are essential for identifying hidden precancerous changes and managing potential risks. Recognising symptoms, even subtle ones, can lead to earlier diagnosis, timely treatment, and better outcomes.

While the silent nature of HPV can make it difficult to detect, understanding its symptoms and potential risks equips individuals with the knowledge to take control of their health and prevent serious complications.

Testing for HPV

Testing for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a critical step in identifying infections, particularly high-risk strains that may lead to serious health complications such as cervical cancer. Given HPV's often silent nature, regular screenings and timely testing are essential for early detection and effective management.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding how HPV is tested and when it is necessary:

Methods of Testing for HPV

Pap Smear (Papanicolaou Test): A cornerstone of women’s healthcare, the Pap smear is used to detect abnormal or precancerous changes in the cervical cells caused by HPV. During the test, a doctor collects a sample of cells from the cervix, which are then examined under a microscope for abnormalities. While it does not identify the virus itself, a Pap smear is instrumental in catching early signs of cellular changes that could progress to cervical cancer.
HPV DNA Test: This test directly detects the presence of high-risk HPV strains that are more likely to cause cervical cancer. Recommended primarily for women aged 30 and above, the HPV DNA test is often used alongside a Pap smear for enhanced screening accuracy. This test helps pinpoint the exact strain of HPV, enabling targeted monitoring and intervention.
Visual Inspection: For external symptoms like genital warts, a doctor can confirm the diagnosis through a physical examination. If needed, a biopsy of the warts may be performed to rule out other conditions and ensure accurate diagnosis.
HPV Self-Sampling: HPV self-sampling kits allow individuals to collect their own samples for testing at home, offering a private and accessible option.

When to Get Tested

Routine Screening for Women Over 30: HPV testing is typically included in cervical cancer screening protocols for women aged 30-65. Co-testing with both Pap smears and HPV DNA tests is often recommended to enhance the detection of high-risk strains and cellular changes.
Younger Women: Routine HPV testing is generally not advised for women under 30, as HPV infections in this age group are often transient and resolve on their own. However, testing may be necessary if a Pap smear indicates abnormalities.
Individuals with Symptoms or Risk Factors: People experiencing symptoms such as genital warts or those with risk factors like a history of multiple sexual partners, weakened immunity, or prior abnormal Pap results should consult their doctor about testing options.

Early detection of HPV-related complications, particularly those caused by high-risk strains, significantly reduces the likelihood of progression to cervical cancer. Routine testing empowers individuals to take proactive control of their reproductive health, ensuring timely intervention when needed.

By understanding the available testing methods and staying vigilant about screenings, individuals can protect themselves and contribute to breaking the silence surrounding this "hidden epidemic."

Can HPV Be Treated?

Although HPV itself cannot be cured, its effects can be effectively managed with timely medical interventions. Treatments vary based on the specific condition caused by the virus:

Genital Warts

Low-risk HPV strains may lead to genital warts, which can be treated through:

Topical Medications: Creams like podofilox or imiquimod can be applied directly to the warts.
Cryotherapy: This involves freezing the warts with liquid nitrogen, causing them to fall off.
Surgical Removal: In some cases, warts may be removed surgically, particularly if they are large or persistent.

Precancerous Changes

For women diagnosed with precancerous cervical changes due to high-risk HPV strains, medical procedures can prevent progression to cancer:

LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure): This procedure removes abnormal cervical tissue using a thin, electrically charged loop.
Cryosurgery: Freezing abnormal cells to destroy them.
Cone Biopsy: A surgical procedure that removes a cone-shaped section of abnormal tissue from the cervix.

Cancer Treatment

If HPV progresses to cancer, specialised treatment is required:

Cervical Cancer: Treatment typically includes surgery (e.g., hysterectomy), radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, depending on the stage and extent of cervical cancer.
Other Cancers: HPV-related cancers of the anus, throat, or genitals are treated similarly with a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy tailored to the individual’s condition.

While the absence of a cure for HPV might seem daunting, managing its effects through medical interventions, regular monitoring, and preventive measures offers individuals a path to a healthy and fulfilling life.

How can I Prevent HPV?

Preventing HPV is the most effective way to reduce the risk of its complications, including cervical cancer and genital warts. Prevention involves a combination of vaccination, safe sexual practices, and regular health screenings.

HPV Vaccination

The HPV vaccine is a groundbreaking medical advancement that offers protection against the most dangerous strains of the virus. Administering the vaccine at an early age ensures the highest efficacy.

The vaccine is most effective when given before the onset of sexual activity, typically between the ages of 9 and 26. However, adults up to the age of 45 may also benefit from vaccination, as per recent guidelines

By prioritising HPV vaccination, communities can take a significant step toward reducing the burden of HPV-related diseases.

Safe Practices

While vaccination provides critical protection, adopting safe practices is equally important for reducing HPV transmission:

Condom Use: Using condoms consistently can lower the risk of HPV transmission during sexual activity. However, it is important to note that condoms do not provide complete protection, as HPV can spread through skin-to-skin contact beyond the areas covered by a condom.
Regular Screenings: Routine Pap smears and HPV DNA tests are indispensable for detecting abnormal changes early. Women aged 21-65 should follow recommended screening schedules, even if vaccinated.

Together, vaccination and safe practices create a robust defence against HPV, empowering individuals to take control of their health.

Conclusion

Herpes may seem daunting, but understanding the facts can help dispel fear and stigma. With accurate information, early testing, and effective treatment, managing herpes is entirely possible. Education is key, not just for those living with the virus but also for society as a whole, to foster a more supportive and informed environment.

Remember, whether you're navigating this condition personally or seeking to better understand it, knowledge is empowerment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can HPV go away on its own?
Yes, most HPV infections resolve naturally within one to two years without causing any health problems. This is due to the body’s immune system effectively clearing the virus in most cases.
Is HPV life-threatening?
HPV itself is not life-threatening. However, untreated high-risk HPV infections can lead to serious health issues, including cervical and other types of cancer, which can become life-threatening if not detected and treated early.
Can HPV be transmitted through kissing?
HPV transmission through kissing is rare. However, certain strains that cause oral HPV may be spread through deep kissing or open-mouth contact.
Can condoms prevent HPV?
While condoms significantly reduce the risk of HPV transmission, they do not provide complete protection. This is because HPV can spread through skin-to-skin contact in areas not covered by a condom.
Is the HPV vaccine safe?
Yes, the HPV vaccine is proven to be safe and effective. Extensive research and global health authorities confirm its role in preventing infections caused by high-risk HPV strains, particularly those linked to cervical cancer.

Important

This blog, including its text, images, and infographics, is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. For personalized advice, always consult a doctor.

References

US Centers for Disease and Control. HPV Vaccination. Accessed on 19 January 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/vaccines/index.html
World Health Organization. Sexually Transmitted Infections. 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sexually-transmitted-infections-(stis)
Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports. Sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines, 2015. 2015. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26042815/
World Health Organization. Cervical Cancer. Accessed on 19 January 2025. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer
Us National Cancer Institute. HPV and Cancer. Accessed on 19 January 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-and-cancer