It is a collection of viruses that cause warts on the hands, feet, and genitals. There are over 200 known genetically different strains of human papillomavirus. Some strains of the virus are responsible for common warts and plantar warts and other strains can infect the inner linning of the cervix. You can get HPV by having sex and through skin-skin transmission. It does not cause any health problems; it will go by its own. In some cases it will cause cervical cancer and other cancers. We can do several things to lower the chances of getting HPV by regular screening for cervical cancer and by getting vaccination.