In most cases, HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any 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.

Are warts HPV related?

HPV is short for human papillomavirus. HPVs are a large group of related viruses. Each virus in the group is given a number, which is called an HPV type. Most HPV types cause warts on the skin, such as on the arms, chest, hands, or feet.

Is the HPV that causes warts the same as the STD?

Genital warts is one of the most common types of STDs. Even when infected, however, only around 50% of women will have symptoms (warts), and an even smaller percentage of men will have symptoms. So is HPV the same as genital warts? No, they are not the same thing, though HPV can sometimes cause genital warts.