Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most prevalent and widespread sexually transmitted disease and is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer worldwide. However, HPV has received little public health attention, is not a reportable STD, and often is absent from the repertoire of STDs. In addition, there is pervasive misinformation about HPV among health care providers, professionals, patients and the public. This paper provides a comprehensive literature review of HPV by 1) addressing important epidemiological issues such as HPV prevalence, contraction, symptoms, transmission, detection, prevention, screening and treatment, 2) addressing specific gaps in the literature and 3) addressing future steps that can be taken among public health agencies, health care professionals, health educators and the general public to ensure HPV prevention, detection and treatment. (Contains 1 figure.