Human Papillomavirus or HPV is a disease which can infect various parts of the human body. There are over 100 different types of HPV, and many are primarily sexually transmitted. It is estimated that more than 70% of sexually active Canadians will have an HPV infection at some point in their lives. Most HPV infection goes away on their own, without being treated, however, in some people, HPV can persist. HPV is especially dangerous if it is cancer causing and persistent, and HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer. Different types of HPV cause different symptoms, with the most common causing anal and genital warts, and some having more serious consequences such as cervical, penile and anal cancers.