HPV and your Health

Genital human papillomavirus (HPV) is passed on during sex. Most times, HPV has no symptoms and goes away on its own. But sometimes, certain types of HPV can cause genital warts. Other HPV types can cause cervical cancer in women.

There are ways to protect yourself and loved ones from the possible health effects of HPV.

Parents: The HPV vaccine is routinely recommended for 11 and 12 year old girls. A catch-up vaccination is also recommended for girls and women 13 through 26 years old who have not been previously vaccinated or have not completed the vaccine series. Talk to your doctor about getting your daughter vaccinated.

Women: Get regular Pap tests, at least once every three years, even if you have received the HPV vaccine. Talk to your doctor about your test results and when you should come back for more testing.

Young Women: The HPV vaccine is recommended for you if you are age 13 through 26 years old and have not yet been vaccinated or completed the vaccine series. However, you will still need cervical cancer screening – Pap tests – starting no later than age 21, since the vaccine will not protect against all types of HPV that cause cervical cancer.

Men and women: Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent HPV. If you are sexually active, you can lower your chances of getting HPV or developing HPV-related diseases by using condoms all the time and the right way. You can also lower your chances of getting HPV by limiting your number of sex partners.

More Information and Resources

• Cervical Cancer
• Genital HPV Infection
• HPV Vaccine
• Pap Test
• Listen to the CDC podcast on the HPV vaccine.