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THE FACTS
HOW CAN I LOWER MY RISK FOR HPV?
How does someone get HPV?Anyone who has ever had genital contact with another person can have genital HPV. Both men and women can get it - and pass it on - without even realizing it. What are the health effects of HPV?Genital HPV does not cause health problems for most people. There are many types of HPV. All HPV infections are either low-risk or high-risk. Low-risk HPV infections can cause genital warts. The warts are usually painless and not a serious problem. They can be flat or raised, single or in groups, and small or large. Without treatment, the warts may grow in size and number, or they may go away on their own. Women with HPV might have warts on the vagina, vulva, or cervix. Men with HPV might have warts on the penis, scrotum, or groin. Both men and women can have genital warts on the anus or thigh. High-risk HPV infections can sometimes develop into cancer of the cervix (the opening of the womb). These infections may also lead to other cancers, such as anal cancer. In some people, high-risk HPV infections can persist and cause cell changes. If these cell changes are not treated, they may lead to cancer over time. It is only persistent HPV infections (the kind that don’t go away for years) that put people at risk for cancer. The types of HPV that can cause cancer are not the same as the types that can cause genital warts. More important information about HPVIF YOU ARE A WOMANIt’s important to know about the link between genital HPV and cervical cancer and about the steps you can take to prevent this disease. Cervical cancer can be prevented with regular Pap tests and follow-up. Pap tests can find problems in the cervix that are caused by HPV. IF YOU ARE A MANIt’s important to know that you can have genital HPV—and pass it to your partner—even if you have no symptoms. Some types of HPV can lead to cancer of the anus and penis, but these cancers are rare in healthy men. Does having HPV mean I'll get cancer?No. Most types of HPV infection don't lead to cancer. Women can protect themselves from cervical cancer by getting regular Pap tests and by getting treated early for any problems that could turn into cancer. Do I need to know if I have HPV?There is no reason to be tested just to find out if you have genital HPV. Most people will have genital HPV at some time in their lives. Usually the infection goes away on its own. However, it is very important for women to get screened for cervical cancer that is caused by genital HPV. IF YOU ARE A WOMANYou should get regular Pap tests to check for changes in your cervix. The Pap test is the best way to screen for cervical cancer. Changes that are caught early can be treated before they lead to cancer. If you are 30 or over, or if the result of your Pap test is unclear, a doctor may also give you an HPV test. This test can help the doctor decide what other tests or treatment you should have. IF YOU ARE A MANThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved a test for HPV in men. See your doctor if you have genital warts. Can HPV be treated?
What about a vaccine?The FDA has approved a vaccine that protects against four types of HPV. Together, these four types of HPV cause 7 out of 10 cases of cervical cancer and 9 out of 10 cases of genital warts. Experts on vaccines have recommended that all girls should get the vaccine when they are 11 or 12 years old. Girls and women between 13 and 26 years old can also benefit from the vaccine. The vaccine is most effective in girls and women who have not been infected with any of the four types of HPV that the vaccine protects against. This is the reason the experts recommend that it be given to young girls before they become sexually active. Girls and women who are sexually active may get less benefit from the vaccine because they may already be infected with one or more of the four types of HPV. The vaccine is not approved for women older than 26. Studies are being done to find out if it is safe and effective for women in that age group. Other studies are being done to fi nd out if the vaccine is safe and effective for boys and men. A message for everyone PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR PARTNER. Most people who have sex will have HPV at some time in their lives. It usually goes away on its own without causing any health problems. If you’re a woman, it’s very important to have regular Pap tests to check for problems that could develop into cervical cancer. Most women who get cervical cancer have not had regular Pap tests. There is no blame, no shame about having genital HPV. The virus is very common. If you have HPV, don’t blame your current partner or assume your partner is cheating. People can have genital HPV for a very long time before it’s detected. Talk openly and honestly with your partner about HPV and other STDs. For more information
Download all three files to take to a commercial printer (see download instructions). Some files on this page require Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader. Page last modified: April 22, 2008 Page last reviewed:April 22, 2008 Content Source: Division of STD Prevention, National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention |
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