What does HPV stand for?
HPV is an acronym for human papillomavirus, which is a large family of viruses capable of inducing warts or other skin and mucous membrane lesions.
How common is HPV?
HPV is very widespread—perhaps every sexually active person will be infected with at least one type of HPV at some point in their life and may not even be aware of it.
Can males contract HPV?
Yes. Males can be infected by HPV through direct skin-to-skin contact and may develop genital warts or HPV-induced cancers of the throat or genitals.
How can I tell if I have HPV?
Many individuals do not show symptoms. Women can detect HPV through a Pap test or HPV DNA test, while men may notice warts or lesions. A healthcare provider can perform swab tests if infection is suspected.
What are early signs of HPV?
Initial symptoms include small, soft lesions in the genital area, white spots on the lips or in the mouth, mild itching, or discomfort after exposure to HPV.
Can men get tested for HPV?
Routine FDA-approved testing for men does not exist, but some clinics provide anal or penile swabs and biopsies for high-risk patients. Consult your healthcare provider for options.
Do doctors recommend the HPV vaccine?
Top health officials recommend vaccination. At GastroDoxs, we follow CDC guidelines and strongly endorse HPV vaccination to reduce the risk of high-risk strains.
Can HPV cause cancer?
Yes. High-risk HPV strains can lead to cancers of the cervix, anus, throat, and penis if infections are persistent and untreated.
How long does HPV last?
In most cases, HPV infections resolve spontaneously within 1-2 years. Chronic infections, especially high-risk strains, require ongoing monitoring and potential treatment.
Where can I find HPV specialists in Katy?
GastroDoxs in Katy provides professional HPV assessment, treatment, and vaccination. Schedule an appointment with our board-certified gastroenterologist and care team for personalized attention.
Medically Reviewed by
Dr. Bharat Pothuri, MD, FACG
| Updated 03-17-2026