HPV stands for human papilloma virus. There are more than 100 different viruses that belong in the HPV family, according to the American Cancer Society. Of the different strains of HPV, there are about 60 that cause warts on regular tissues of the body, such as the hands and feet. The other 40 strains can infect the mucus membranes of the body, such as the skin of the genitals and anal regions. Female symptoms of HPV are not always so apparent.
Asymptomatic
The Mayo Clinic points out that HPV infections are likely to go unnoticed because they do not cause any outward signs or symptoms of infection. It is for this reason that women should continue receiving an annual pelvic exam to screen for the virus. A woman can have HPV and spread it to other sexual partners without realizing it.
Lesions
There are several strains of HPV that can cause genital lesions, or warts. The American Cancer Society points out that such lesions may not appear immediately after contracting the virus and may actually appear for the first time several moths or even a year after infection. Some strains of HPV are fought off by the immune system within two years. These warts appear on the vulva, near the anus or in the vagina in women, explains the Mayo Clinic. The wart appears as a tiny cauliflower-like bump or stem-like growth. These lesions are not always associated with cancer. Most warts are not painful and do not cause any discomfort. An examination of the cervix can also reveal warts.
Bleeding
Strains of HPV that can cause cancer present different symptoms when the infection goes unidentified or untreated. Such symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, excessively heavy menstrual bleeding and bleeding between periods.
