Imagine a virus that almost everyone comes into contact with at some point — but most people don’t even know they have it. Now imagine that this virus could silently cause serious problems like cervical cancer if left unchecked. That’s the reality of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) — one of the most common infections worldwide, yet one of the least talked about, especially in countries like India.
Globally, around 80% of sexually active individuals will have HPV at some point in their lives (WHO 2023). In India, while awareness about diseases like diabetes and heart problems has increased, HPV and cervical cancer often remain hidden topics — leading to over 75,000 cervical cancer deaths every year (GLOBOCAN 2020).
HPV-related diseases are preventable with early vaccination, safe practices, regular screenings, and a little more conversation around this important topic.
Let’s dive deeper into what HPV is, its causes, symptoms, prevention strategies, and why understanding it matters — not just for individuals but for public health as a whole.
What is Human Papillomavirus (HPV)?
HPV refers to a group of over 100 related viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes.
Some types cause harmless conditions like common warts, while others can cause genital warts or even lead to cancers — especially cervical cancer in women, but also anal, penile, throat, and mouth cancers in both genders.
It’s important to know:
The human body often fights off HPV naturally — but when it doesn’t, the virus can stay hidden and create problems years later.
Quick Chart: HPV at a Glance
Aspect | Details |
Full Name | Human Papillomavirus |
Number of types | Over 100 |
Common Transmission | Skin-to-skin sexual contact |
Symptoms | Often silent; warts, precancerous changes, cancers |
Prevention | Vaccination, safe sex practices, screening |
High-risk types | HPV-16, HPV-18 (linked to cancers) |
Low-risk types | HPV-6, HPV-11 (linked to warts) |
What Causes Human Papillomavirus Infection?
HPV spreads mainly through direct skin-to-skin contact. The most common way is sexual activity, but penetration isn’t necessary — any intimate contact can spread the virus. Other contributing factors include:
Early initiation of sexual activity
Having multiple sexual partners
Weakened immune system (due to HIV/AIDS, cancer treatments, etc.)
Smoking (makes the body less able to clear infections)
Not using protection like condoms (though condoms don’t give 100% protection)
In India, increasing urbanization and changing lifestyles have led to higher rates of HPV transmission especially among young people — but public health education hasn’t fully caught up yet.
Symptoms of Human Papillomavirus Infection
Symptom | Description | Commonly Affected Areas |
Genital Warts | Small, flesh-colored or grey lumps that can be raised or flat, often grouped together like a cauliflower shape. | Genital area (vulva, cervix, penis, anus) |
Common Warts | Raised, rough, and bumpy growths. These can appear singly or in clusters and are usually painless but can become sore if irritated. | Hands, fingers, elbows |
Plantar Warts | Hard, grainy growths that may cause pain, particularly when walking or standing. | Soles of feet |
Flat Warts | Smooth, flat-top lesions that can appear in large numbers. | Face, neck, arms, legs |
Oral HPV | Warts inside the mouth or throat, often causing a persistent sore throat, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing. | Mouth, throat, lips |
Respiratory Papillomatosis | Warts grow in the airways, leading to breathing problems, hoarseness, chronic coughing, or voice changes. | Airways, larynx (voice box) |
Precancerous Lesions (Cervical) | Early abnormal cell changes that do not show symptoms but may lead to cervical cancer if untreated. | Cervix |
HPV-Related Cancers | Unexplained bleeding (not related to periods), pelvic pain, or unusual discharge. Symptoms occur in later stages of cancer. | Cervix, anus, throat, penis, vulva |
How is HPV Diagnosed?
Because HPV often hides silently, routine screening is the key to early diagnosis, especially for women. Diagnostic methods include:
Pap Smear Test: This simple test looks for changes in the cells of the cervix that could lead to cancer.
HPV DNA Test: Identifies whether high-risk types of HPV are present.
Visual Examination: Doctors can often spot visible warts during a routine check-up.
Biopsy: If needed, a small sample of abnormal tissue is taken and studied under a microscope.
The Government of India is gradually increasing cervical cancer screening efforts through programs like Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres, but much more work is needed to make HPV testing routine everywhere — especially in rural areas.
Treatment of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection
HPV may sound worrying, but in most cases, the body’s immune system can handle the virus on its own and clear it out naturally over time. That said, if you're dealing with symptoms like warts, abnormal cell changes, or anything more serious linked to HPV, there are plenty of treatment options to help manage and address these issues.
These treatments aim to ease symptoms, remove visible warts, and reduce the chances of more serious complications, like cancer. Whether you're looking to get rid of warts or manage the effects of HPV-related changes in the body, there are several ways to take control and protect your health. Let’s dive into the different treatments available to help with HPV-related concerns.
Treatment Type | Description | Purpose |
Topical Treatments for Warts | Apply creams or gels directly to warts. | To shrink and remove warts, especially external genital warts. |
Cryotherapy (Freezing) | Freezing warts with liquid nitrogen. | To remove visible warts through freezing. |
Electrocautery (Heat Treatment) | Using heat to destroy wart tissue. | To remove warts by burning the tissue. |
Laser Treatment | High-energy laser beams to vaporize warts. | Effective for larger or stubborn warts. |
Excisional Surgery | Surgical removal of warts or abnormal tissue. | To excise warts or abnormal tissue, especially if other methods fail. |
Colposcopy & Excisional Procedures | Examination of the cervix for abnormal cells, followed by removal if necessary. | To treat precancerous lesions and prevent cervical cancer. |
Cryotherapy for Cervical Lesions | Freezing abnormal cells on the cervix. | To remove precancerous cervical lesions. |
Surgical Removal of HPV-Related Cancers | Surgical removal of tumors or affected tissue. | For early-stage HPV-related cancers like cervical, penile, or oral cancer. |
Radiation Therapy | High-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. | For treating HPV-related cancers. |
Chemotherapy | Use of drugs to kill or shrink cancer cells. | For advanced HPV-related cancers. |
Immunotherapy | Boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer. | For advanced HPV-related cancers. |
HPV Vaccination | A vaccine that protects against the most common high-risk HPV types. | To prevent HPV infections and related cancers. |
How Can HPV Be Prevented?
Prevention is better than cure and in the case of HPV, it's 100% true. Doctors may recommend vaccination which is considered one of the most effective given before exposure to the virus (i.e., before becoming sexually active). Here are some eEffective ways to prevent HPV include:
HPV Vaccination
WHO recommends vaccinating boys and girls between 9–14 years.
Vaccines like Cervavac (India’s affordable HPV vaccine) and Gardasil are game-changers.
Safe Sex Practices: Use condoms and limit the number of sexual partners.
Routine Screening: Regular Pap tests and HPV DNA tests for women starting from age 21.
Avoid Smoking: Strengthens your body’s ability to fight infections.
Public Health Impact: Why HPV Awareness is Critical
Key Global vs. Indian Stats
Stats | Global | India |
Women diagnosed with cervical cancer annually | ~600,000 | ~123,000 |
Cervical cancer deaths annually | ~340,000 | ~75,000 |
Percentage of cervical cancers linked to HPV | 99% | 99% |
HPV vaccination coverage (teen girls) | ~15–20% | <5% |
Despite cervical cancer being largely preventable, low vaccination rates, lack of awareness, cultural stigma around sexual health, and poor access to screening services continue to cause thousands of avoidable deaths in India. More public health efforts are urgently needed, such as:
School vaccination programs
Subsidized vaccines
Mass awareness campaigns in local languages
Easy access to HPV screening, especially in rural areas
Choose Artemis Hospital for Effective HPV Treatment in Gurgaon
At Artemis Hospital, we combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to provide the best outcomes for patients dealing with HPV and related health issues. Our team of experienced gynecologists and specialists ensures early diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and continuous support at every step. With a strong focus on patient safety, privacy, and well-being, Artemis stands as a trusted name for advanced HPV care in India.
To book an appointment with some of the best Internal medicine specialists in Gurgaon at Artemis Hospitals, call our customer care at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp us at +91 959-928-5476. Appointments can also be scheduled through the online patient portal or by downloading the Artemis Personal Health Record mobile app, available on both iOS and Android devices.
Article By Dr. Nidhi Rajotia (Goel)
Sr. Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Artemis Hospitals
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HPV a life-threatening infection?
Not usually — but if a high-risk type persists undetected, it can lead to cancers that can be life-threatening.
Can HPV infections be completely cured?
The virus itself cannot be cured once acquired, but in most cases, the body clears it naturally. Treatments are available for warts and abnormal cell changes.
Should boys also get the HPV vaccine?
Absolutely! HPV doesn’t just affect women — men can get HPV-related cancers too. Vaccinating boys helps protect everyone.
Can I get HPV even if I only had one sexual partner?
Yes. HPV transmission can happen even after a single sexual encounter.
If I am vaccinated, do I still need Pap smears?
Yes! The vaccine doesn't protect against all HPV types, so regular screening is still important.
How safe is the HPV vaccine?
Extremely safe. Minor side effects like fever or swelling at the injection site can happen but serious side effects are very rare.
