What are the symptoms of HPV infection?

After HPV infection, symptoms are diverse and related to the viral type, site of infection, and individual differences. HPV infection may lead to warts on the skin or mucous membranes, such as genital warts, common warts, and flat warts. These lesions are mostly proliferative and can appear on areas like the vulva and perianal region. Female patients may experience abnormal vaginal discharge, including increased volume, changes in color, or unusual odor; male patients may develop wart-like changes around the genital area. HPV infection may also cause cervical lesions, leading to contact bleeding, such as bleeding after sexual intercourse or gynecological examinations. Some patients may experience systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and headache, which may be related to the virus's stimulation of the immune system. In most cases, HPV infection does not produce obvious symptoms, making regular HPV screening and cervical cytology tests crucial for early detection and treatment.