Medically reviewed by Dr Andrea Pinto Lopez, M.D.

HPV and herpes both fall under the category of “viral sexually transmitted diseases” but you may be interested in some more of the similarities and differences that can be found between HPV and herpes.

Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between HPV and herpes.

HPV vs Herpes

Similarities between HPV vs Herpes

Both HPV and herpes are classified as viral sexually transmitted diseases.

Both HPV and herpes may cause genital lesions.

Both HPV and herpes may be passed through intimate skin-to-skin contact.

If you are diagnosed with HPV or herpes, you need to speak with your doctor about the best ways to keep you and your sexual partners safe.

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Differences between HPV vs Herpes

HPV is caused by a family of viruses called the human papillomavirus. Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus.

HPV may clear on its own without treatment. There is no cure for herpes, although outbreaks generally heal on their own.

HPV if detected needs to be monitored for any abnormal cell changes. Herpes can be managed with anti-viral medications.

HPV may cause genital warts and cancer. Herpes does not cause cancer.

The symptoms of HPV if they do appear are warts and precancerous lesions in different organs. The symptoms of herpes if they do appear are pain, itching, red bumps, white blisters, ulcers, scabs.

Getting vaccinated against HPV is the best way protection against the virus. There is no preventative vaccination for herpes.

How do you get HPV and herpes?

You may get HPV and herpes through:

Intimate skin to skin contact
Oral sex
Vaginal sex
Anal sex
Congentially (from mother to child)

Below is an easy to understand infographic on how sexually transmitted diseases are spread. Take a screenshot to help you stay in the know!

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How do you prevent HPV and herpes?

There are a number of things that you can do to limit your risk of getting HPV and herpes including:

Always using protection
Getting vaccinated for HPV
Getting a sexual health screening at least once a year
Having open conversations with your sexual partner(s)
Limiting your number of sexual partners (recommended by the CDC)

HPV symptoms

Genital warts: These generally appear in the genital area as flat lesions, tiny protrusions, or small cauliflower-like bumps. In the case of women, most locate in the vulva, but can also occur near the anus, as well as in the cervix or vagina.
Plantar warts: Plantar warts usually appear on the balls of the feet causing discomfort.
Cancer: Different types of cancer are caused by HPV, in the case of cervical cancer, at least 91% are caused by HPV. Other types of cancers in the genital area or nearby are alco caused in their majority by HPV, as it is the case with cancer in the vagina (75%), vulva (69%), penis (63%), anus (91%) and oropharynx (89%) with an estimated total of 36,000 cases per year.

Read: Everything you need to know about HPV

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Herpes symptoms

A burning or tingling sensation where the blister may develop
Pain where the blister may develop
The appearance of a blistering sore (this may develop in the mouth or on the genitals)
Itching around the mouth or genitals
Pain during urination (genital herpes)
Ulcers, which may be followed by scabs while the ulcers heal
Flu-like symptoms (fever, tiredness, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, tiredness, lack of appetite.
Anal and perianal infections (more commonly in the MSM populations).

Read: Herpes symptoms: What are the symptoms of herpes?

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