HPV stands for human papillomavirus, which is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States. There are more than 200 types of HPV, and about 40 of them can infect the genital area, including the vulva, vagina, cervix, rectum, anus, penis, and scrotum, as well as the mouth and throat. HPV is spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and can be passed even when there are no signs or symptoms.
Most people with HPV have no symptoms and feel totally fine, so they usually don’t even know they’re infected. In most cases, HPV goes away on its own within two years without health problems. However, some types of HPV can cause health problems, including genital warts and cancers. Two types of HPV (types 6 and 11) cause most cases of genital warts, which are considered low-risk HPV because they don’t lead to cancer or other serious health problems. At least a dozen types of HPV can sometimes lead to cancer, though two in particular (types 16 and 18) lead to the majority of cancer cases. These are called high-risk HPV. HPV can cause cervical and other cancers, including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus, as well as cancer in the back of the throat.
Prevention of HPV includes getting vaccinated against it and receiving regular Pap smears. The HPV vaccine is recommended for both boys and girls at age 11-12 years, and can be started as early as age 9 years. Children who get the first dose before their 15th birthday only need two doses, while people who get the first dose on or after their 15th birthday need three doses. Regular Pap smears can detect changes in the cervix caused by HPV, and experts recommend that women get their first Pap test at age 21. If you are a woman between ages 30 and 65, your doctor might also do an HPV test with your Pap test every five years.
