What is Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)?
Human Papilloma Virus or HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. In fact, most sexually active people will get some type of HPV in their lives, even if they have few sexual partners.
There are many different types of HPV. Some types can cause health problems like genital warts, while other types (known as “high-risk” types) can cause changes in the body that may lead to cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, or throat.
Protect Myself
- Get Vaccinated — This is the best way to prevent new HPV infections.
- Get Screened — Regular Pap tests are the best way to find and prevent cervical cancer.
- Use Condoms — While condoms cannot offer full protection (as HPV can be on skin not covered by a condom), they can lower your chances of getting HPV and other STIs.
HPV, Screening & Prevention
How is HPV Spread?
HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact. This most commonly includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. Because it's a skin-to-skin virus, it can be spread even when there are no signs or symptoms.
HPV, Pap Tests, and Your Health
This is why regular cervical cancer screening (pap test or pap smear) is so important.
Finding these changes early is the key to preventing cervical cancer. Most of the time, your body's immune system will fight off an HPV infection on its own within one to two years without causing any problems. However, sometimes the infection persists and can cause cell abnormalities.
How Do I Know If I Have HPV?
Most people with HPV do not know they are infected and never develop symptoms. The best way to know your risk for cervical cancer is to follow the screening guidelines recommended by your provider.
If you have a high-risk type of HPV, your provider will talk to you about a personalized plan for follow-up, which may include more frequent monitoring or a procedure called a colposcopy to look at your cervix more closely.
What About the HPV Vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is a safe and highly effective way to protect against the types of HPV that cause most cervical cancers and genital warts.
- The CDC recommends vaccination for all preteens (boys and girls) at age 11 or 12.
- The vaccine is also available for everyone through age 26.
- If you are between 27 and 45 and have not been vaccinated, please talk to your provider. They can discuss whether the vaccine might still be beneficial for you.
You still need regular cervical cancer screening even if you have received the HPV vaccine.