Human papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a very common virus that most people get at some point in their lives, usually through sexual activity. Most people with HPV don’t know they have it because they don’t have any symptoms.

While HPV often goes away on its own, it can sometimes lead to health problems, like genital warts or cancer.

Health Risks

Most HPV infections cause no harm and go away without treatment.
 But in some cases, HPV sticks around and can lead to:

• Genital warts
• Cervical cancer
• Other cancers, including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus, and the back of the throat (such as the base of the tongue and tonsils)

It can take many years—even decades—for cancer to develop after someone is infected with HPV.

HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine is safe and protects against the types of HPV that cause most warts and cancers.

• All kids should get the HPV vaccine at ages 11–12 (it can be given as early as age 9)
• If you missed it when you were younger, catch-up vaccination is recommended:
  • Up to age 21 for most males
  • Up to age 26 for females
  • Up to age 26 for gay and bisexual men and others at higher risk

How to Prevent HPV

• Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine protects against the most harmful types of the virus.
• Get regular screenings. Women ages 21–65 should get routine Pap tests or HPV tests to help prevent cervical cancer.
• Use condoms. Using condoms every time you have sex can lower your chances of getting or spreading HPV, but it doesn’t offer full protection since HPV can spread through skin-to-skin contact.

Is There a Treatment?

There is no cure for the virus itself, but there are treatments for the health problems it can cause:

• Genital warts can be treated by a healthcare provider or with medicine you apply at home. They may go away on their own, stay the same, or get larger if left untreated.
• Cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers can be treated, especially if found early. That’s why regular screening is important.