Symptomatic infection with "low risk" sexually transmitted strains usually manifests as condylomata acuminata (genital warts), most commonly found on the vulva or the anus. Warts can also occur inside the vagina or (very rarely) inside the uterus in women. Men commonly develop warts within the urethra, however such cases are unlikely to be discovered unless the warts lead to sexual dysfunction or painful urination.
Chronic infection with "high risk" strains may lead to the development of cervical, anal, or penile cancer. Because these cancers take many years to develop (and can have many other causes), regular screening for cervical cancer is advisable even for women who consider themselves to be within a low risk population.
HPV is the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease. Population studies testing for the presence of antibodies against viral proteins suggest that around 75% of American women will be infected with at least one sexually transmitted strain of the virus at some point in their lives. These numbers are surprisingly consistent across all demographics examined.