Genital Warts/Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Genital warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV). There are more than 100 types of HPV. Some produce warts — plantar warts on the feet, common hand warts, juvenile warts, butcher's warts, and genital warts. About 30 types of HPV can infect the genital area — the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, or scrotum. Some types may cause genital warts. Other types cause changes in cells and increase the risk of cervical and other certain types of cancers. Most types seem to have no harmful effect at all. There is no cure for genital warts. There are treatments to help remove the visible warts.

For more information on symptoms of genital warts, how it is spread, how it is treated, and how it is prevented, see below:

Genital Warts/Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Basics

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Testing and Screening Attention: Non-MDH link

Genital Warts/Human Papillomavirus

External Links

  • Genital Warts/HPV Disease Information
    CDC overview of genital warts: signs and symptoms, transmission, complications, prevention. Attention: Non-MDH link

  • Information To Live By: HPV
    American Social Health Association overview of HPV: signs and symptoms, transmission, complications, prevention. Attention: Non-MDH link

  • Talking with patients about HPV vaccine
    CDC has recently updated its HPV brochure for clinicians and posted four sets of counseling messages to assist providers in their HPV-related discussions with patients. The counseling messages address information for parents about the HPV vaccine, information for women about the Pap and HPV tests, information for women who receive a positive HPV test result, and information for patients receiving a genital warts diagnosis. Attention: Non-MDH link

  • HPV: Promoting Early Adolescent Vaccination (Health Plan Initiative) Attention: Non-MDH link
    The HPV performance improvement initiative is a collaborative effort by nine health plans contracted to provide quality improvement projects targeted at the Medicaid population in Minnesota. The goals of the initiative are to promote awareness of the HPV vaccination and to increase the percentage of females that receive vaccination. Learn more about the intervention strategies and resources available for providers on this site.

  • STD Treatment Guidelines
    CDC’s latest treatment guidelines for STDs. Attention: Non-MDH link

  • The Cincinnati STD/HIV Prevention Training Center: STD Image Library
    Image library of STD symptoms developed by the Cincinnati STD/HIV Prevention Training Center. Attention: Non-MDH link

  • Minnesota Family Planning and STD Hotline
    Toll-free hotline for confidential information about the prevention, testing locations and treatment of STDs in Minnesota. (1-800-78-FACTS)
    Attention: Non-MDH link

Content Notice: This site contains HIV or STD prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV and other STDs are spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please exit this web site.

Updated Tuesday, 26-Mar-2013 13:57:55 CDT