text: has anyone heard of the human papilomus virus? if so what is it? is it something that you can pass on to your partner? yes , it is a virus that is transmitted primarily sexually that may stay dormant in your body for several years.  when having a pap test done hpv is screened as it may eventually lead to cancer if left untreated.  most commonly it is treated with repeat pap smears colposcopies or leeps>