What Is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
There are more than 100 types, some causing genital warts and others linked to cancers such as cervical, anal, and throat cancer.
Most HPV infections clear naturally, but high-risk types can persist and cause long-term complications.

HPV Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of HPV?

Most people have no symptoms and never know they’re infected.
When symptoms appear, they may include:

  • Genital warts (small bumps or clusters on genital or anal areas)
  • Changes in cervical cells (detected during Pap smears)
  • Rarely, throat or anal warts

Did you know? About 90% of people with HPV never develop any symptoms, even though they can still pass the virus to others.

How is HPV spread?

HPV spreads through skin-to-skin sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.
It can be transmitted even when no symptoms are present.
Condoms reduce risk but do not offer complete protection since HPV infects skin not covered by condoms.How common is chlamydia?

Chlamydia is the most commonly reported bacterial STI in the United States. In 2023, a total of 1,648,568 cases of Chlamydia trachomatis infection were reported, making it the most common nationally notifiable STI in the U.S. for that year. The national rate was 492.2 cases per 100,000 population in 2023. The number of chlamydia cases in 2023 was stable compared to 2022 (change of less than 1%).

HPV Statistics

Who is most at risk for HPV?

  • Sexually active people under 30
  • Those with multiple partners
  • People with weakened immune systems
  • Individuals not vaccinated

HPV Incidence by Age and Sex (U.S., 2023)

  • Nearly 43 million Americans are currently infected
  • About 13 million new cases occur yearly
  • Most infections occur in people aged 18–29
  • Both men and women are affected equally

HPV Treatment

There is no cure for HPV itself, but most infections resolve on their own.
Treatment focuses on removing warts or abnormal cells caused by the virus.
The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) protects against the most dangerous strains, including those linked to cancer.

HPV FAQs

Can a Chlamydia Infection go away on its own?

No. Chlamydia does not go away without treatment. Untreated chlamydia can cause serious health problems.

Does HPV ever go away?

Yes, in most cases, the body’s immune system clears HPV naturally within two years. However, some strains can persist and may require monitoring, so regular check-ups are important.

Can I live normally with HPV?

Yes, you can live a normal, healthy life with HPV. Most HPV infections clear up on their own without causing any symptoms or health problems.

How to remove HPV virus from body?

There is currently no cure to completely remove the HPV virus from the body, but in most cases, the immune system clears the infection naturally over time.

What to do if HPV is positive?

If your HPV test is positive, it’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation, which may include additional testing or a Pap smear to check for any changes in your cervical cells.

Will I always be positive for HPV?

No, you won’t always test positive for HPV. In many cases, the body’s immune system clears the virus naturally within a couple of years.

What vitamins clear up HPV faster?

While no vitamins can cure HPV, certain nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, and folate may support your immune system in clearing the virus more effectively.

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