Over time, the infection can turn normal cells into precancerous lesions or cancer. But some people have a lasting infection. Your body's immune system can often get rid of this infection. Other types of HPV are known as high-risk HPV. Common types of low-risk HPV include HPV-6 and HPV-11. Some types of genital HPV cause warts that vary in size, shape, and number. It can also infect the anus and some areas of the head and neck. Genital HPV can infect any part of the genital area, including the vulva, inside the vagina, or the penis. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. They are contagious and spread by touch, but they do not cause cancer.Ībout 40 types of HPV are called 'genital HPV.' Genital HPV spreads by skin contact, usually during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. These warts can grow anywhere on the body and are often found on the hands and feet. What are the different types of HPV? How does HPV spread? These growths are called precancerous lesions.īecause HPV can cause cancer, it is important to know how to prevent HPV and how to prevent cancer after an HPV infection. However, some types of HPV cause cancer or abnormal growths that can turn into cancer. Most HPV infections do not cause symptoms or health problems, so you may not know if you have the virus.
There are more than 150 types or 'strains' of HPV. It usually spreads from person to person during skin-to-skin contact. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus.
