Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSigns and SymptomsTransmissionRiskTesting and ScreeningVaccineWho Should Get Vaccinated?Vaccination SchedulePreventionTreatmentIs Sex Safe With It?ComplicationsOutlookNext in HPV GuideUnderstanding Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Symptoms
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Signs and Symptoms
Transmission
Risk
Testing and Screening
Vaccine
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Vaccination Schedule
Prevention
Treatment
Is Sex Safe With It?
Complications
Outlook
Next in HPV Guide
Humanpapillomavirus(HPV)is a group of viruses commonly spread through sexual contact. It is themost commonsexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States, affecting 42.5 million Americans annually.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most sexually active people will get HPV at some point, and about 13 million new HPV infections occur yearly.
There are over 150 strains of HPV, and the types that cause genital warts (painless lumps or growths around your vagina, penis, or anus) differ from those that can cause cancer. Many low-risk strains resolve on their own. High-risk HPV strains can cause certain cancers. But having HPV does not necessarily mean you will get cancer.
This article will reviewHPV signs and symptoms, transmission, risks, screening, vaccine, prevention, treatment, sex safety, and complications.
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What Is the Difference Between an STD and STI?Asexually transmitted infection (STI)is when a pathogen (bacterium or virus) enters the body through sexual activity. An STI may progress into a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Many peopleuse these terms interchangeably.
What Is the Difference Between an STD and STI?
Asexually transmitted infection (STI)is when a pathogen (bacterium or virus) enters the body through sexual activity. An STI may progress into a sexually transmitted disease (STD). Many peopleuse these terms interchangeably.
Signs and Symptoms of HPV
Most people with low-riskHPVdo not have symptoms, and 90% of low-risk cases resolve independently within a few years. But, some low-risk strains (types 6 and 11) can causegenital warts.
Warts appear as bumps, growths, or lumps on or near the following:
Some “high-risk” strains lead to certain cancers. Symptoms rarely occur in the early stages of these cancers, but they can appear in later stages. Signs of these cancers are listed below in the complications section.
What Genital Warts Look Like and Where They Appear
How Is HPV Transmitted?
The most common mode of genitalHPV transmissionis vaginal or anal sex. However, it can spread through skin-to-skin sexual contact andoral sex.
Transmission can occur anytime your genitals or mouth touch your intimate partner’s genitals, mouth, or anal area. It does not require sexual intercourse or penetration. This is true even if there is no contact with a wart.
Can You Get HPV From Fingering or Fisting?
Who Is at Risk for HPV?
The following groups are athigher riskof getting HPV:
How to Know If You Have HPV: Testing and Preventive Screening
For females, HPV testing can be done along with aPap smear(cervical cancer screening test).
Routine cervical cancer and HPV screening recommendations for females, based on age, are as follows:
There is no penile HPV test available for males. However, some healthcare providers perform an HPV test on an anal Pap smear for individuals who engage in receptive anal sex.
HPV in Women
HPV Vaccine
Gardasil-9is the only HPV vaccine in the United States. It protects against two low-risk HPV types (6 and 11) and seven high-risk types (16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58).Gardasil-9 does not treat existing HPV infections, but it does protect you from getting different strains in the future.
Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?
The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for children aged 11 and 12 (before they are sexually active). However, it can be given as young as 9 years old.
They also recommend a “catch-up” vaccination for those between 13 and 26. Regardless of age, people with a compromised immune system should receive the vaccination.
If you are between the ages of 26 and 45, the CDC recommends shared clinical decision-making with a healthcare provider.Regardless of age, talk to a healthcare provider about the vaccine if you believe you are at high risk for cervical or anal cancer.
Gardasil-9 CostMost of the time, insurance covers thecostof the HPV vaccine. Otherwise, the price ranges between $10 and $270 per shot.There are programs available for those who have financial barriers or no insurance.
Gardasil-9 Cost
Most of the time, insurance covers thecostof the HPV vaccine. Otherwise, the price ranges between $10 and $270 per shot.There are programs available for those who have financial barriers or no insurance.
HPV Vaccination Schedule
The CDC recommends two doses for those who get their first dose before turning 15. Studies show that two doses between the ages of 9 and 14 provide as good or better protection as a three-dose schedule starting after age age 15.
Those who get the first dose after they turn 15 need three doses for full protection. The CDC also recommends three doses for those between 9 and 14 years old with a compromised immune system.
The schedulefor the two- and three-dose series is as follows:
Can You Prevent HPV?
There are severalpreventive measuresyou can take to decrease your risk of getting HPV, including:
Treatment for HPV
When HPV causes genital warts or cervical cancer, there is treatment, but no cure.
Genital Wart Treatment
Genital warts can remain and not cause significant health risks, but some people wish to remove them for cosmetic reasons. In this case,treatmentinvolves:
Cervical Cancer Treatment
Early detection of cervical cancer throughPap smearsimproves the treatment outcome and prognosis.
Surgery is the most common treatment. However,treatment options depend on staging and the type of cervical cancerand include the following:
Cervical Cancer
Is It Safe to Have Sex With HPV?
You should not have sex if you have active lesions due to the risk of transmitting the HPV infection. However, having an HPV diagnosis does not mean you should avoid sex altogether.
Barrier devices like condoms or dental dams can help reduce the risk of transmitting HPV. They offer the most protection when used correctly every time.If you use a condom too late or if it slips or breaks, it provides less protection. HPV can be transmitted from other genital areas, even with condom use.
Talking With Your Intimate Partner About HPVBefore engaging in sexual activity with your partner, it’s best to discuss testing, vaccinations, use of condoms and other barrier methods, and other sexual partners. This may feel awkward, but it’s essential for your well-being. Ifyou or your partner has HPV, remember it is very common.Many people carry it for years without knowing it. Educate yourself about the specific strain and risks. If you need help talking to your partner, ask your healthcare provider about discussing it during an appointment together.
Talking With Your Intimate Partner About HPV
Before engaging in sexual activity with your partner, it’s best to discuss testing, vaccinations, use of condoms and other barrier methods, and other sexual partners. This may feel awkward, but it’s essential for your well-being. Ifyou or your partner has HPV, remember it is very common.Many people carry it for years without knowing it. Educate yourself about the specific strain and risks. If you need help talking to your partner, ask your healthcare provider about discussing it during an appointment together.
Before engaging in sexual activity with your partner, it’s best to discuss testing, vaccinations, use of condoms and other barrier methods, and other sexual partners. This may feel awkward, but it’s essential for your well-being. Ifyou or your partner has HPV, remember it is very common.
Many people carry it for years without knowing it. Educate yourself about the specific strain and risks. If you need help talking to your partner, ask your healthcare provider about discussing it during an appointment together.
4 Questions to Ask a New Partner Before Having Sex
Complications of HPV
Genital warts and certain cancers are complications of some strains of HPV. The strains that cause genital warts (low-risk) differ from those that cause cancers (high-risk).
How Common Are Cancers From HPV?The following are estimates regarding HPV-related cancers in the United States:About 21,700 females experience cancers from HPV yearly.About 15,600 males experience cancers from HPV yearly.
How Common Are Cancers From HPV?
The following are estimates regarding HPV-related cancers in the United States:About 21,700 females experience cancers from HPV yearly.About 15,600 males experience cancers from HPV yearly.
The following are estimates regarding HPV-related cancers in the United States:
Screening for HPV is essential for females, even if you’ve had the HPV vaccine. If you have HPV, discuss the strain and risks with your healthcare provider. For low-risk strains, there is a good chance that your body can clear the infection within a couple of years. If HPV causes genital warts, there are effective treatments but no cure.
If you have a high-risk strain of HPV, talk with your provider about screening and testing for genital cancers. While some genital cancers (including cervical) can be fatal, early detection and treatment provide better outcomes.
21 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About genital HPV infection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sexually transmitted infections prevalence, incidence, and cost estimates in the United States.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Sexually transmitted infection treatment guidelines.
Kombe AJ, Li B, Zahid A, et al.Epidemiology and burden of human papillomavirus and related diseases, molecular pathogenesis, and vaccine evaluation.Front Public Health. 2020;8:552028. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2020.552028
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Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Cancers linked with HPV each year.
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HPV: Symptoms, Risk, Treatment, and VaccinesHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: Symptoms and PreventionHow HPV Is Diagnosed in Women and MenHow to Help Your Immune System Fight HPV
HPV: Symptoms, Risk, Treatment, and Vaccines
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection: Symptoms and Prevention
How HPV Is Diagnosed in Women and Men
How to Help Your Immune System Fight HPV
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