HPV is a common virus. In fact, most men and women are infected with HPV at some time in their lives. There are approximately 100 types of HPV in humans. Some types affecting the genital area and may cause warts, some cause mild changes in cervical cells that do not turn into cancer, and some cause changes that may become cervical cancer if present for many years.

99.7% of the time, HPV is the main cause for cervical cancer.

How do people get HPV?

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted virus that affects both women and men. Anyone who has any kind of sexual activity involving skin to skin genital contact with an infected person can get HPV—intercourse isn’t necessary. Many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms, so they can pass the virus on without even knowing it.  HPV is asymptomatic, transient and could be resolved without treatment, but when HPV infection persists, this may lead to cervical cancer.