Human papillomavirus, or HPV, infection is a sexually transmitted disease, or STD, caused by a group of viruses.

What is going on in the body?

More than 70 types of HPV have been classified but not all cause genital warts. It is estimated that 70% of sexually active women have been exposed to HPV. Those women who become infected do not always have visible genital warts.

The virus may be quiet, or not active, for a long time. Symptoms may then occur as a result of illness or stress on the immune system, such as other vaginal infections. Sexual contact with a new partner who is infected with a different type of HPV may trigger an outbreak of visible lesions.

What are the causes and risks of the infection?

The human papilloma virus is usually passed from one partner to another during sexual intercourse. Any other intimate contact of the genitals, mouth, rectal area, or the sharing of sexual toys can transmit the organism from one individual to another. A woman's risk of HPV infection is increased if she has more than one sexual partner.