Human Papillomavirus Infection: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Written by Harsha Moole, MD. Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Human Papillomavirus Infection?
Many people start with a primary care doctor. A gynecologist (a doctor for the female reproductive system) often handles cervical cancer screening. Warts or cancers may need a dermatologist (a skin doctor) or an oncologist (a cancer doctor). A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is human papillomavirus infection?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of more than 200 related viruses. Some of them spread through sexual contact. Most people have been exposed to HPV.
Usually, the immune system (the body's defense system) controls HPV, and the infection goes away on its own. CDC says 9 out of 10 infections go away within 2 years.
Sexually spread HPV falls into two groups, called low-risk and high-risk. A few low-risk types can cause warts on or around the genitals, anus, mouth, or throat. High-risk types can cause several cancers.
Symptoms
Many HPV infections cause no symptoms. What you notice depends on the type of HPV:
- Warts. Some people get warts from certain low-risk HPV types.
- Infection with high-risk HPV does not cause symptoms by itself.
- If a high-risk infection lasts for many years and causes cell changes, symptoms may appear. They depend on which part of the body is affected.
- Precancers and cancers caused by long-lasting HPV may cause lumps, bleeding, and pain.
Causes and who gets it
HPV spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact. You can get it from vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus, even if that person has no signs or symptoms.
HPV infections are very common. Nearly all sexually active people are infected with HPV soon after they become sexually active.
Sometimes a high-risk infection stays at the cervix, the lower part of the uterus (womb), for many years. This can lead to cell changes. If these changes are not screened for and treated, they may get worse over time and become cancer. Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by a long-lasting infection with a high-risk type of HPV.
HPV can also cause cancers of the anus, the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat, behind the mouth), penis, vagina, and vulva.
How doctors diagnose it
Health care providers can usually tell if you have warts by looking at them.
For women, cervical cancer screening can find changes in the cervix that might lead to cancer. Screening may include a Pap test (also called a Pap smear), an HPV test, or both. An HPV test uses a sample of cervical cells. Your provider may also suggest a colposcopy to check for abnormal cells.
Treatment
MedlinePlus says an HPV infection itself cannot be treated. Your provider can talk with you about other tests and how often you should be checked to prevent cervical cancer.
- Warts: you can apply medicines to a wart. If they do not work, a provider can freeze, burn, or surgically remove it.
- Cell changes caused by high-risk HPV: treatment may include medicines applied to the affected area or various surgical procedures.
- HPV-related cancers: people usually get the same treatments as people with cancers that HPV does not cause. Some oral and throat cancers may have different options.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have lumps, bleeding, or pain in a part of the body where HPV-related cancers can form. These can be signs of precancers or cancers caused by an infection that lasted many years. Ask your provider about cervical cancer screening and about the HPV vaccine.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can look at warts, talk about screening and vaccination, and arrange tests. They can refer you to a gynecologist or another specialist when needed.
Common questions
Does HPV go away on its own?
Yes, most HPV infections go away on their own. CDC says 9 out of 10 go away within 2 years. Sometimes an infection lasts longer and can cause cancer.
Is HPV the same as genital warts?
No. HPV is a group of viruses, and only some low-risk types cause warts on or around the genitals. Other types cause no symptoms, and high-risk types can lead to cancer.
Can HPV be prevented?
Yes, you can lower your risk, but not remove it completely. Vaccines protect against several types of HPV. They work best before exposure to the virus. Using latex condoms correctly greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk.
When should children get the HPV vaccine?
CDC recommends 2 doses of HPV vaccine at ages 11 to 12, and the series can start at age 9. Teens who get the first dose on or after their 15th birthday need 3 doses.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - HPV
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - About HPV
- National Cancer Institute - HPV and Cancer
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
