HPV infection may also cause more serious conditions, such as certain types of cancer. Of the more than 150 strains of HPV, 40 affect the genital area, but most don't pose a serious risk to health.

Are most cases of HPV harmless?

In most cases (9 out of 10), HPV goes away on its own within two years without health problems. But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer. Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area.

Which HPV strains dont cause cancer?

Low-risk HPV strains, such as HPV 6 and 11, cause about 90% of genital warts, which rarely develop into cancer. These growths can look like bumps. Sometimes, they're shaped like cauliflower. The warts can show up weeks or months after you've had sex with an infected partner.