Human Papillomavirus: HPV Information for Clinicians

Genital infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States (U.S.) today. Over half of sexually active women and men are infected with HPV at some point in their lives. In most cases, infections with HPV are not serious. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic, transient, and resolve without treatment. However, in some
individuals, HPV infections result in genital warts, Pap test abnormalities, or, rarely, cervical cancer.

The Pap test is useful in early detection of cervical cancer, one of the possible outcomes of an HPV infection. Early detection and treatment of pre-cancerous
lesions can prevent development of cervical cancer.