THE HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS

What is HPV?

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are many different types of HPV. Some types can cause health problems including genital warts and cancers. But there are vaccines that can stop these health problems from happening.

The human papillomavirus

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How is HPV spread? Click the audio and image to learn more

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How can I avoid HPV and the health problems it can cause? Click the audio and image to learn more

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Prevention Click the audio and image to learn more

see all HPV content at the CDC webpage

Prevention Click the audio and image to learn more

How can I avoid HPV and the health problems it can cause? Click the audio and image to learn more

How is HPV spread? Click the audio and image to learn more

If you are sexually active use latex condoms the right way every time you have sex. This can lower your chances of getting HPV. But HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom – so condoms may not fully protect against getting HPV. Routine cervical cancer screening for women aged 21 to 65 years old can prevent cervical cancer. Cervical precancer can be treated. Women who get routine Pap tests and follow up as needed can identify problems before cancer develops.

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. HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person. You also can develop symptoms years after you have sex with someone who is infected. This makes it hard to know when you first became infected.

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. CDC recommends HPV vaccination for everyone through age 26 years, if not vaccinated already.