HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the U.S. There are many different types of HPV. Some types can cause health problems, including genital warts and cancers.
How is HPV spread?
You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. It also spreads through close skin-to-skin touching during sex. A person with HPV can pass the infection to someone even when they have no signs or symptoms.
Does HPV cause health problems?
In most cases, HPV goes away on its own within two years without health problems. But when HPV does not go away, it can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer.
HPV can cause cervical and other cancers, including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. It can also cause cancer in the back of the throat, called oropharyngeal cancer. This can include the base of the tongue and tonsils.
People with weak immune systems (including those with HIV) may be less able to fight off HPV. They may also be more likely to develop health problems from HPV.
How can I avoid HPV and the health problems it can cause?
You can do several things to lower your chances of getting HPV:
- Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. It can protect against diseases (including cancers) caused by HPV when given in the recommended age groups.
- Get screened for cervical cancer. Routine screening for women aged 21 to 65 years old can prevent cervical cancer.
If you're sexually active:
- Use condoms every time you have sex. This can lower your chances of getting HPV. But, HPV can infect areas the condom does not cover. So, condoms may not fully protect against getting HPV.
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
CDC recommends HPV vaccination for:
- All preteens around the ages 11-12 years old. Children as young as 9 can receive the vaccine as well. The CDC recommends preteens receive two doses of HPV vaccine at least six months apart.
- Everyone through age 26 years old, if not vaccinated already. Teens and young adults who begin the vaccine series later should receive three doses.
- Some adults age 27-45 who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their healthcare provider.
How do I know if I have HPV?
- There isn’t a useful test to determine a person’s overall "HPV status" because HPV can infect different parts of the body, and the results of an HPV test can change over time, sometimes within months or years.
- The FDA has only approved tests for detecting HPV in the cervix.
- Research is still ongoing for HPV tests in other areas of the body. For example:
- There are commercially available oral HPV tests that are not yet FDA-approved or included in screening guidelines.
- Doctors often recommend anal HPV testing for high-risk men and some high-risk women.
- Research is underway to explore options for male genital HPV testing.
Is there treatment for HPV or health problems that develop from HPV?
There is no treatment for the virus itself. However, there are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause.
Genital warts can go away with treatment from your healthcare provider or with prescription medicine. If left untreated, genital warts may go away, stay the same, or grow in size or number.
Cervical precancer treatment is available. Women who get routine Pap tests and follow up as needed can find problems before cancer develops. Learn about Trillium Health's Gynecology office here.
Other HPV-related cancers are also more treatable when found and treated early.
Take control of your sexual health. Call us at 585.545.7200 to schedule an appointment.