HPVs are a diverse group of viruses that attack the skin and mucous membranes of the mouth, genitalia and anus. Over 100 different human papillomavirus (HPV) types have been characterized. Some types of HPV cause benign skin warts, or papillomas, for which the virus family is named. HPVs associated with the development of such "common warts" are transmitted environmentally or by casual skin-to-skin contact.

A group of about 30-40 HPVs are typically transmitted through sexual contact and infect the anogenital region. Some sexually transmitted HPVs, such as types 6 and 11, can cause genital warts (condyloma acuminate). However, most HPV types that infect the genitals tend not to cause noticeable symptoms.

Furthermore, a persistent infection with a subset of about 13 so-called "high-risk" sexually transmitted HPVs, including types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, and 68 — different from the ones that cause warts — can lead to the development of cervical dysplasia, or precancerous lesions, which may in turn lead to cervical cancer in women, or penile cancer in men. An HPV infection is a necessary factor in the development of nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

There are 2 diagnostic tests for HPV-infections: PAP-test and HPV-DNA-testing. They are both used routinely in women. HPV-DNA-test is used when a PAP-smear is positive or with undetermined significance. Although it is possible to test for HPV DNA in men, there are no FDA-approved tests for general screening, since the testing is inconclusive and considered medically unnecessary. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) there is currently no test commercially available to determine infection in men. However, although there are no formal guidelines, some experts believe that men who receive anal sex should have a routine anal PAP-test, especially if they also have HIV infection.

Both men and women are carriers of human papillomavirus. Genital warts are the only visible sign of HPV in men, and can be identified with a visual check of the genital area. These visible growths however are usually caused by non-carcinogenic HPV types.

There is a vaccine against HPV-infections but for now is used only in women. To eradicate the disease, men will eventually need to be vaccinated. Studies are being conducted now to determine the efficacy of vaccinating boys with current technology.