HPV known as the human papillomavirus is a common infection with as many as 70% of the population suffering from this condition. To understand more about this condition it is important to identify the HPV symptoms. It is important to understand that people can be infected with this infection and yet not have any symptoms.

The HPV symptoms caused by some strains include genital warts and these resemble cauliflower like growth and these growths may be observed in areas near the penis, vagina and the anus. A regular pelvic exam along with a pap smear can help in making a diagnosis of this condition. In a pelvic exam the doctor is able to examine the vagina up close and check it for genital warts.

Pap smear is helpful as it helps to detect changes of cancerous nature in the cervix that is caused by HPV. Among men the condition can be identified through examination of the penis along with surrounding areas. The HPV symptoms can be identified by taking a swab of cells from inside the cervix and these cells are analyzed for the infection.

Among the HPV symptoms observed the most genital warts are caused by the type 6 and 11 HPV strains or infections. In some HPV infections cellular changes may be observed and this can cause precancerous lesions. In some HPV infections warts and lesions may be observed on the tongue, soft palate, larynx and tonsils or even in the nose.

Almost all cases of cervical cancer result from HPV infections. As many as 11000 women suffer from cervical cancer every year and HPV 16 and 18 infections cause 70 percent of the cervical cancer cases. Some HPV types cause HPV symptoms that include common warts. These common warts are basically skin growths that are non-malignant in nature and these appear on finger, fingernails and hands. These warts are rough and raised bumps and in some cases they may also be quite painful and susceptible to injury along with bleeding.

Plantar warts are non-malignant growths that are hard and grainy and normally appear on the heel or the ball of a person’s feet or the areas that get pressure. These warts may result in discomfort and pain and plantar warts are rather common in adults. Flat warts are non malignant lesions that are flat topped and slightly raised. These lesions are darker as compared to the skin color and appear on regions of the neck, hands, elbows, knees and wrists.

Many individuals infected with this condition are not aware of it because of the absence of HPV symptoms. This infection affects both men and women equally but men are more likely to be asymptomatic as compared to women. Individuals experiencing genital warts may develop the associated symptoms around a few weeks or months after the exposure.

In some cases the virus may remain within the system in a dormant condition and the symptoms may develop later. The genital warts that are part of the HPV symptoms may not be painful but they tend to interfere with the normal body functions including urination and bowel movements. The presence of these warts can make these actions rather painful and uncomfortable. Genital warts are very contagious and can spread quite easily. A person having an outbreak of this condition should refrain from sexual contact till the warts are treated.