How common is HPV?
HPV is extremely common, as more than half of the population that is sexually active in the United States is infected with some strain of the virus. Approximately 20 million people in the US are currently infected with HPV.1
Currently, there is very little information on the number South Asians in the United States that are experiencing STIs. Information that is available shows that STIs are a health concern for all communities, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, education, income, culture, or religion. It is important to note that shame, stigma, and fear surrounding STIs make communities, including South Asians, particularly vulnerable as it prevents people from getting informed, tested, and treated. It also keeps people from speaking openly and honestly to their doctors and partners.
For information on STIs and South Asian communities, read about the research that is available.
What are the symptoms?
HPV can go unnoticed and may not always show symptoms. When symptoms are visible, you can see either individual or a cluster of warts on or near the genitalia, including labia, vulva, and scrotum. High-risk HPV could lead to cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, or penis and usually have no symptoms.
Can HPV cause problems with fertility or pregnancy?
HPV does not cause problems with fertility directly. However, if left untreated, for women, HPV can lead to severe precancerous or cancerous conditions of the cervix. In these cases, the treatments and surgeries needed (for example, cone biopsy, and LEEP excision) sometimes lead to problems becoming pregnant. In men, if left untreated, could impair sperm function that could lead to male infertility. HPV can also be passed during birth from mother to new born baby.