What's the Difference Between Herpes and HPV?

Published on Jun 18, 2025 | 2:30 PM

Table of Contents

Causes of Herpes vs HPV Transmission of Herpes vs HPV Symptoms of Herpes vs HPV Appearance of Herpes vs HPV Testing and Diagnosis of Herpes vs HPV Treatment and Management of Herpes vs HPV Long-Term Health Effects of Herpes vs HPV Herpes and HPV Risk Factors Herpes and HPV Prevention Tips Frequently Asked Questions Discreet Treatment, Delivered to You

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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are incredibly common, and two of the most widespread are herpes and human papillomavirus (HPV). Although both are viral and can be transmitted through sexual contact, they differ significantly in terms of causes, symptoms, appearance, and health risks.

Understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about your sexual health, get the right testing, and seek the best treatment options if needed.

Causes of Herpes vs HPV

Although both herpes and HPV are viral infections, they stem from completely different viruses:¹,²

Herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). There are two main types: HSV-1, which most commonly causes oral herpes (cold sores), and HSV-2, which more often causes genital herpes.
HPV, or human papillomavirus, refers to a group of more than 200 related viruses. Some strains are considered low-risk and cause genital warts, while others are high-risk and associated with several types of cancer, including cervical, anal, penile, and throat cancers.

Bottom Line: Both HPV and herpes are caused by a virus, but herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 or HSV-2), while HPV stems from a large group of viruses.

Transmission of Herpes vs HPV

Both herpes and the HPV virus are transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, but the modes of transmission differ slightly:¹,²

Herpes is spread via direct contact with a herpes sore, saliva, or the skin around the mouth or genitals—even when no sores are visible. It can be transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex and even kissing.
HPV is primarily spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, but it can also be transmitted through skin contact with infected areas. Many people with HPV never show symptoms, yet they can still spread the virus.

Bottom Line: Herpes is often spread during periods of viral shedding, even without visible sores, while HPV can be unknowingly passed on by individuals who never develop symptoms at all.

Symptoms of Herpes vs HPV

While herpes and HPV are both viral infections, their symptoms can vary widely in severity, timing, and visibility:¹,³

Herpes often causes painful symptoms during active outbreaks. Early signs may include itching, tingling, or burning in the affected area, followed by small, fluid-filled blisters that rupture and form open sores. These outbreaks are sometimes accompanied by fever, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes, especially during the first episode. After healing, the virus remains in the body and may cause recurrent outbreaks that are generally milder and less frequent over time.
HPV is typically asymptomatic, meaning most people don’t realize they have it. When symptoms do occur, they may include genital warts, which are usually painless and vary in appearance. High-risk HPV types do not cause warts at all but can lead to abnormal cell changes in areas like the cervix, which are often detected only through screening tests such as Pap smears.

Bottom Line: Herpes tends to cause recurring and painful outbreaks, while HPV may go unnoticed for years and only show symptoms if genital warts or cellular changes occur.

Couple in bed discussing STDs

Appearance of Herpes vs HPV

While both herpes and the HPV virus can cause visible symptoms on or around the genitals, their appearance is quite different:¹,³

Herpes typically appears as clusters of clear or yellowish blisters that eventually burst and become painful open sores. The surrounding skin may look red, inflamed, and tender, and these lesions often show up on the mouth, genitals, buttocks, or inner thighs. The sores usually crust over and heal within two to four weeks.
HPV often presents as genital warts that can vary in appearance and color. These warts may be flat or raised, smooth or rough, and can sometimes resemble a cauliflower-like shape. They may appear singly or in clusters on the genitals, anus, cervix, or throat. Most warts are painless, though some may cause mild itching or bleeding.

Bottom Line: While both herpes and the HPV virus can cause bumps, Herpes typically causes fluid-filled blisters that lead to open sores, while HPV is more likely to cause painless warts with a variety of shapes and textures—or no visible signs at all.

Testing and Diagnosis of Herpes vs HPV

Accurate testing is essential for identifying herpes or HPV, especially since both infections can be present without obvious symptoms:¹,³

Herpes is typically diagnosed through a swab test taken from a visible sore. If no sores are present, a blood test may be used to detect antibodies, which indicate whether a person has been exposed to HSV in the past or currently carries the virus.
HPV is usually detected through a Pap smear, which checks for abnormal cell changes on the cervix. For people over a certain age or with abnormal Pap results, an HPV DNA test can identify high-risk HPV strains. In cases where genital warts are present, diagnosis is often made by visual inspection during a physical exam.

Bottom Line: Both infections can exist without symptoms, so regular screening and checkups are important for early detection and management.

Treatment and Management of Herpes vs HPV

Although there is no cure for herpes or HPV, both infections can be managed effectively with the right care and monitoring:¹,²

There is no cure for herpes but treatment is available in the form of antiviral medications. These medications can reduce the frequency, duration, and severity of outbreaks. Some people choose to take daily suppressive therapy, which can also lower the chance of transmitting the virus to sexual partners.
HPV cannot be cured, but genital warts can be removed through treatments like topical medications, freezing (cryotherapy), laser removal, or surgical excision. High-risk strains of HPV that lead to abnormal cell changes are monitored through regular Pap tests and may require further treatment to prevent progression.

Bottom Line: There is no cure for herpes or HPV, but both can be managed by relieving symptoms, preventing complications, and reducing transmission.

Long-Term Health Effects of Herpes vs HPV

While both viruses are manageable, their potential long-term health consequences differ:¹,²

Herpes typically does not lead to serious long-term health problems, but it can cause recurring symptoms, emotional stress, and relationship anxiety. In rare cases, herpes can lead to complications during childbirth if the virus is active at the time of delivery, potentially resulting in neonatal herpes.
HPV poses a more significant long-term risk, especially from high-risk strains. These can lead to cancers of the cervix, anus, penis, or throat—sometimes years after the initial infection.

Bottom Line: Herpes tends to affect quality of life through symptoms and stigma, while HPV’s greatest danger lies in its silent progression to cancer in certain cases.

Herpes and HPV Risk Factors

Anyone who is sexually active can contract herpes or HPV, but certain factors increase the risk of infection or complications, including:

Unprotected sex with partners whose STI status is unknown
Multiple sexual partners or starting sexual activity at a young age
Weakened immune system due to illness or medication
History of other STIs, which may make transmission more likely
Lack of HPV vaccination, especially before becoming sexually active
People with a cervix, due to the risk of HPV-related cancers

Knowing your risk can help you take preventive steps like safer sex practices, regular screenings, and vaccination.

Couple in bed about to use a condom

Herpes and HPV Prevention Tips

Reducing your risk of contracting or spreading these STIs involves proactive measures:

Use condoms or dental dams during sex (though not 100% protective, they reduce skin-to-skin transmission)
Get the HPV vaccine before becoming sexually active (recommended up to age 45)
Avoid sexual contact during active herpes outbreaks
Get regular STI screenings and communicate openly with partners
Limit the number of sexual partners to reduce exposure risk

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the HPV shot prevent herpes?

No, the HPV vaccine does not protect against herpes. It is designed specifically to prevent infection from certain strains of human papillomavirus, not the herpes simplex virus.

Is HPV the same as herpes?

No, HPV and herpes are two different viruses that cause different infections. While both are spread through skin-to-skin contact, they have distinct causes, symptoms, and long-term risks.

Can HPV turn into herpes?

No, HPV cannot turn into herpes. They are separate viruses that do not transform into one another, though they can sometimes be present at the same time in a person.

Discreet Treatment, Delivered to You

If you believe you’ve been exposed to herpes or HPV—or are experiencing unusual symptoms such as new sores, bumps, or irritation in the genital, anal, or oral areas—it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider.

Even if you're symptom-free, testing is recommended if a partner has been diagnosed, as both viruses can be transmitted without visible signs. Routine screenings are essential for people with a cervix, and those under 45 may still benefit from the HPV vaccine.

Whether you need help managing herpes outbreaks, monitoring HPV-related changes, or simply want clarity and peace of mind, timely medical care is key. At Call-On-Doc, we make that care private, simple, and accessible. Our licensed providers offer judgment-free online treatment for herpes, genital warts, and other STIs, with prescriptions delivered directly to your door—no appointments, no waiting rooms, and no unnecessary stress.

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Wayne Hahne,

English graduate and Call-On-Doc’s medical resource guide, Wayne C. Hahne is an experienced and passionate medical education content expert. Through diligent research, provider interviews and utilizing the industry's leading resources for wellness information, it is Mr. Hahne’s personal mission to educate the general public on medical conditions with in-depth and easy-to-understand written guides.

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What's the Difference Between Herpes and HPV?

Causes of Herpes vs HPV

Transmission of Herpes vs HPV

Symptoms of Herpes vs HPV

Appearance of Herpes vs HPV

Testing and Diagnosis of Herpes vs HPV

Treatment and Management of Herpes vs HPV

Long-Term Health Effects of Herpes vs HPV

Herpes and HPV Risk Factors

Herpes and HPV Prevention Tips