Human papillomavirus (HPV) is extremely common worldwide. Nearly all sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Estimates suggest that more than 80% to 90% of sexually active men and women will acquire at least one HPV infection during their lifetime
. In the United States, about 42 million people are currently infected, and roughly 75–80% of sexually active Americans will be infected at some point
. A 2021 study estimated that in 2018, approximately 40% of the overall U.S. population was affected by HPV, with 41.8% prevalence in males and 38.4% in females
. Globally, HPV prevalence varies by region and population. For example, the highest prevalence among women is in sub-Saharan Africa (24%), followed by Latin America and the Caribbean (16%), Eastern Europe (14%), and Southeast Asia (14%)
. Prevalence is also higher among certain groups such as people living with HIV, men who have sex with men, and immunocompromised individuals
. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and is responsible for a significant burden of cancers, including cervical cancer, which is the most common HPV-related cancer in women, and oropharyngeal cancers, which are more common in men
. In summary, HPV is one of the most widespread sexually transmitted infections globally, with the vast majority of sexually active individuals becoming infected at some point in their lives.
