HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that spreads through sexual contact. Most HPV infections clear on their own without causing any problem. But some types can cause genital warts, and others — persistent "high-risk" types — can lead to cancer, particularly cervical cancer in women, and also cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and throat.

Cervical cancer is the second-most-common cancer among women in India, and almost all cases are caused by HPV — making it one of the few cancers that is largely preventable through vaccination and screening.

How HPV spreads

• Through skin-to-skin sexual contact — vaginal, anal, or oral sex
• Condoms reduce the risk but don't eliminate it (HPV can be on skin not covered by a condom)
• Rarely, from mother to baby during childbirth

Symptoms

Most HPV infections have no symptoms. When they do:

• Genital warts — soft, flesh-coloured bumps on the genital or anal area
• Other warts — common warts (hands), plantar warts (feet), flat warts
• Cervical changes — usually painless, detected only through screening

HPV and cancer

Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can, over years, cause cervical cancer. It can also cause anal, vulval, vaginal, penile, and some throat cancers. The progression from infection to cancer is slow — which is why regular screening is so effective.

Prevention

• HPV vaccination — highly effective. Best given before any sexual contact (typically ages 9-14). Two doses at this age; three doses if starting after 14. Vaccines are available at private clinics and in public programmes in several Indian states, with ongoing expansion nationally. Catch-up vaccination is still useful for older adolescents and young adults.
• Cervical screening — Pap smears or HPV tests detect pre-cancerous changes early. Recommended every 3-5 years for women from age 25-30 to 65 (consult your doctor).
• Condoms — reduce but don't eliminate risk
• Limiting sexual partners — reduces exposure

Treatment

There is no treatment for the HPV infection itself — the body usually clears it. Treatment targets what HPV causes:

• Warts — can be removed with creams, cryotherapy (freezing), or other procedures
• Pre-cancerous cervical changes — can be treated with minor outpatient procedures before they progress
• Cancers — treatments depend on the specific cancer

If you're eligible, getting the HPV vaccine and attending cervical screening are the two most important things you can do.