What is genital HPV infection?

Genital HPV infection is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) that is caused by human papillomavirus (HPV).  Human papillomavirys is the name of a group of viruses that includes more than 100 different strains or types.  More than 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted, and they can infect the genital area of men and women including the skin of the penis, vulva (area outside the vagina), or anus, and the linings of the vagina, cervix, or rectum.  Most people who become infected with HPV will not have any symptoms and will clear the infection on their own.  Some of these viruses are called “high-risk” types, and may cause abnormal Pap tests.  They may also lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus or penis.  Others are called “low-risk” types, and they may cause mild Pap test abnormalities or genitals warts.  Genital warts are single or multiple growths or bumps that appear in the genital area, and sometimes are cauliflower shaped.