HPV Symptoms

An HPV infection usually causes no symptoms. Most people therefore do not notice that they carry the human papillomavirus (HPV). In many cases, the immune system clears the virus on its own without the need for treatment.

However, some types of HPV can cause genital warts. Other types show no visible symptoms but can cause cellular abnormalities after a long-term presence. Therefore, it is important to take HPV seriously, even when you have no complaints.

Does HPV always have symptoms?

No. By far, most people with HPV develop no symptoms at all.

As a result, someone can unknowingly transmit the virus to a sexual partner. Often, an HPV infection is only discovered during a medical examination or a Pap smear.

What symptoms can HPV cause?

The symptoms depend on the type of HPV you are infected with.

Possible symptoms include:

• Genital warts on or around the genitals.
• Genital warts around the anus.
• Abnormal results on a Pap smear.
• Cellular abnormalities that are only visible during medical examination.

High-risk types of HPV usually cause no visible symptoms.

What do genital warts look like?

Genital warts are small, skin-colored or pink bumps that can appear individually or in clusters.

They can occur on the penis, labia, vagina, anus, or in the area around the genitals. Usually, they are not painful, but sometimes they cause itching or irritation.

Can you have HPV without warts?

Yes. Most HPV infections do not cause any warts at all.

Especially high-risk types often run completely without symptoms. That's why participating in the cervical cancer screening program is important for women who are invited to do so.

When do the first symptoms appear?

When HPV causes genital warts, these can appear weeks to months after infection.

With high-risk types, usually no immediate symptoms occur. Any cellular abnormalities often develop only after a longer period.

When should you consult a doctor?

Contact a doctor when:

• You discover bumps or warts on the genitals.
• You have received an abnormal Pap smear result.
• You are unsure about changes in your skin.
• You have symptoms that could be indicative of an STI.

A doctor can assess whether further examination or treatment is necessary.

How is HPV diagnosed?

In women, HPV can be detected with an HPV test or during the cervical cancer screening program.

Genital warts are usually recognized during a physical examination. For men, there is no standard HPV screening without symptoms.

Frequently asked questions about HPV symptoms

Does everyone with HPV have symptoms?

No. Most people notice nothing at all from an infection.

Are genital warts always a sign of HPV?

Yes. Genital warts are almost always caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus.

Can you have HPV without warts?

Yes. This is even much more common than an infection with warts.

Can HPV be present for years without symptoms?

Yes. Especially high-risk types can cause no noticeable symptoms for a long time.

Should I get tested if I have warts?

Yes. If you notice warts or other changes on your genitals, it is wise to consult a doctor.

Not every HPV infection is visible

HPV usually causes no symptoms, so many people do not know that they are infected. Do you see genital warts or do you receive an abnormal Pap smear result? Then get yourself checked. A timely diagnosis helps to treat any abnormalities or warts correctly.