5 Things You Might Not Know About Human Papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that infects both women and men. Although most HPV infections go away on their own, infections that don’t go away (persist) can cause changes in the cells and lead to cancer. With HPV vaccine, we have a powerful tool to prevent most of these cancers from ever developing.

While cervical cancer is the most common and well-known HPV cancer, it’s not the only type of cancer HPV infections can cause. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, and in honor of that, here are five things you might not know about HPV.

HPV infections cause cancers other than cervical cancer.

HPV infections can cause

• cancers of the cervix, vagina, and vulva in women;
• cancer of the penis in men;
• and cancers of the anus and back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils (oropharynx) in men and women.

Every year in the United States, 31,500 women and men are diagnosed with a cancer caused by HPV infection.

HPV vaccination is recommended at ages 11 or 12.

HPV vaccination is recommended for preteen girls and boys (ages 11-12) to protect against cancer-causing HPV infections before they are exposed to the virus. HPV vaccination provides the best protection when given at the recommended ages of 11-12.

Screening isn’t an alternative to HPV vaccination.

Every year, nearly 13,000 women living in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cervical cancer, and more than 4,000 women die from cervical cancer—even with screening and treatment. There is no routine screening test for the other cancers HPV causes. Many of those HPV cancers are not discovered until they are late stage or invasive and can be very painful, disfiguring, and even deadly.

That’s why it’s so important for girls and boys to get the full HPV vaccine series. HPV vaccine is given as a series of two shots (the second dose should be given six to twelve months after the first dose) if it’s started before the 15 th birthday. If the series is started after the 15 th birthday then the vaccine is given as a series of three shots over six months. Women who have had the HPV vaccine should still start getting screened for cervical cancer when they reach age 21.

HPV vaccination also prevents invasive testing and treatment for “precancers.”

Every year in the U.S., more than 300,000 women endure invasive testing and treatment for changes in the cells (lesions) on the cervix that can develop into cancers. Testing and treatment for these “precancers” can cause lasting problems such as cervical instability which can lead to preterm labor and preterm birth. HPV vaccination protects against the types of HPV that cause the majority of the cervical cancers and precancers.

HPV vaccination is protecting children from HPV disease.

In the four years after the vaccine was recommended in 2006, the amount of HPV infections among teen girls in the U.S. dropped by more than half. Also, fewer young women are being diagnosed with cervical precancer caused by HPV infections. HPV vaccination is critical to protecting the next generation against cancers caused by HPV infections.

Thanks in advance for your questions and comments on this Public Health Matters post. Please note that the CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor.

Have a question for CDC? CDC-INFO (http://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html) offers live agents by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics.

37 comments on “5 Things You Might Not Know About Human Papillomavirus”

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great article, thank you

I had hvp in my early twenties,, and 6 years ago diagnosed with head and neck cancer .Site originated in my right tonsil ,(or where my tonsils were , prior to my tonsillectomy at age 5) .. Can the vaccine possibly prevent future occurrences ,, such as the Shingle prophylactics does ??

My daughter had several issues after the vaccinations. This cause us concerns about the vaccination. She first began testing position for HVP and after biopsies that proved negative. She was required to obtain several of these test all proving negative. The cost was very high needlessly. Then after all that she began testing negative but developed ITTP a severe form. After four years she still fights ITTP and fighting to stay out of the hospital. The strange issue here also is the fact that she is a virgin. You must understand why we are concerned to have other family members receive this vaccine. she has been told she should never have a baby her life would be too high a risk.

Thank you for all the objective education and support to increase HPV vaccination in both girls and boys.

Hello, Michael! Currently available HPV vaccines have been studied in clinical trials and have been found to prevent infection with vaccine type HPV if given before exposure. They have not been found to clear existing HPV infections or treat HPV-associated disease. HPV is a different type of virus than the shingles virus. While some small studies have looked at whether vaccination after treatment of cervical disease cancer can prevent recurrences, HPV vaccines have not been studied to see if they can prevent recurrent disease in randomized trials. CDC makes recommendations for the public’s health but is not in a position to provide individual medical advice. You can talk to your healthcare professional to figure out what’s best for you.

Hi Kandi,
CDC makes recommendations for the public’s health but is not in a position to provide individual medical advice. You should talk to your doctor to figure out what’s best for you.

Some people have touted HPV vaccine as an “anti-cancer” drug. Does the CDC agree with this characterization of the vaccine?
Personally, I think it is dangerous because the HPV vaccine is meant to prevent HPV and not cancer which is a separate issue despite the fact that HPV is associated with some cancers.

Hi Aadil! HPV vaccination is the best way to prevent many types of related cancers. Every year, nearly 27,000 women and men in the U.S. are diagnosed with a cancer caused by HPV. HPV vaccination prevents infection of the most common cancer-causing HPV types and has the potential to prevent up to three out of four HPV-associated cancers.

I found out 5 years ago that I had hpv. I just recently had a pap to check and see if it’s gone. The doctor told me to call him in two weeks to see had I went away. I would like to know, would it be okay to have sex with a condom?

HPV infections are very common in women and men. Most sexually active people get infected with some type of HPV at some point in their lives, although most never know it. HPV vaccination is the best way to protect against HPV infections. However, 90 percent of HPV infections clear within 2 years. Condoms used consistently and correctly can lower the chances of getting and spreading HPV and developing HPV-related diseases (e.g., genital warts and cervical cancer). However, because HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom, condoms might not fully protect against HPV. It’s important to note that CDC makes recommendations for the public’s health but is not in a position to provide individual medical advice. You can talk to your healthcare professional to figure out what’s best for you

I found out 5 years ago that I had hpv. I just recently had a pap to check and see if it’s gone. The doctor told me to call him in two weeks to see had I went away. I would like to know, would it be okay to have sex with a condom?

HPV infections are very common in women and men. Most sexually active people get infected with some type of HPV at some point in their lives, although most never know it. HPV vaccination is the best way to protect against HPV infections. However, 90 percent of HPV infections clear within 2 years. Condoms used consistently and correctly can lower the chances of getting and spreading HPV and developing HPV-related diseases (e.g., genital warts and cervical cancer). However, because HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom, condoms might not fully protect against HPV. It’s important to note that CDC makes recommendations for the public’s health but is not in a position to provide individual medical advice. You can talk to your healthcare professional to figure out what’s best for you.

I recently found out that the guy I am dating has HPV and is currently being treated for genital warts. We haven’t been sexually active. I am reading some conflicting information on different websites. If I contract the virus from him does this automatically mean I will get genital warts as well? He told me I would only get the warts if I came in contact with an actual wart. He told me that as long as he doesn’t have any warts present that I will not get them. Is this true? Or because the virus strain that he has causes genital warts, then I would get the same strain and get warts? Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

HPV is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex. HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. If you are exposed to a strain of HPV that causes genital warts, you may become infected with the same strain and get genital warts. However, it is possible to be infected with HPV and not have any symptoms. There are ways to protect yourself from HPV:

Get vaccinated. HPV vaccines are safe and effective. They can protect males and females against diseases (including cancers) caused by HPV when given in the recommended age groups (males through age 21 and for females through age 26). HPV vaccines are given in three shots over six months.

Get screened for cervical cancer. Routine screening for women aged 21 to 65 years old can prevent cervical cancer.

If you are sexually active:
• Use latex condoms the right way every time you have sex. This can lower your chances of getting HPV. But HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom – so condoms may not give full protection against getting HPV;
• Be in a mutually monogamous relationship – or have sex only with someone who only has sex with you.

As a registered nurse and mother of 5 daughters we make sure when they are old enough they are vaccinated against HPV. As a mother no one wants to think of their children having sexual intercourse, but statistically speaking it will happen. Knowing that HPV is the most common form of STI, so common that most sexually active individuals will contract the virus at some point in life (CDC,2016). As a mother I want to do everything I can to protect my children. As a nurse I am educated to know that HPV can cause not only genital warts, but a host of cancers to include genital and oral-pharyngeal. I educate my children on the importance of safe sex and protecting themselves. Having my children take part in the HPV vaccination series is just another step in protection.

I HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH HPV AND NOW HAVE MET SOMEONE WITH WHOM I’D LIKE TO BECOME INVOLVED . i’M 65, WHAT ARE THE CHANCES THAT I COULD INFECT HIM?

I have been testing positive for HPV for almost 10 years. My doctor is recommending a LEEP procedure if it doesn’t clear up by next January. It has remained low-grade all this time (CIN-1). Does anyone recommend any particular diet, vitamin or vaginal pack to help get rid of this situation?

Why are vaccinations as a preventive to HPV infections in older men not recommended? Is it due to reduced immune system? A family member 70+ years old is being treated for squamous cell cancer of neck and tonsils due to HPV. I am concerned I might get that cancer. My doctor will not allow the HPV vaccination.

HPV vaccine is recommended for routine vaccination at ages 11-12 to protect against cancer-causing HPV infections. For HPV vaccine to be most effective, the series should be given prior to exposure to HPV. Vaccination is recommended for teen girls and young women who did not get vaccinated at the recommended age through age 26 and for teen boys and young men who did not get vaccinated at the recommended age through age 21. Since many people at older ages have already been exposed to HPV, vaccination would not work as well in that age group. While most people who are sexually active get HPV infection, almost all HPV infections (9 out of 10) go away by themselves within two years. The vaccine does not help infections clear or prevent progression to precancer or cancer for those that don’t clear.

People get HPV from another person during intimate sexual contact. Most of the time, people get HPV from having vaginal and/or anal sex. There haven’t been any documented cases of people getting HPV from surfaces in the environment, such as toilet seats. If you are sexually active and not in an age group recommended for vaccination, using latex condoms the right way every time you have sex can help lower your chances of getting HPV.

I had abnormal cells when i was younger. I had laser treatment. It all seems good at my regular pap smears. But i am concerned i gave HPV to husband who has now passed away from penile cancer. Do i need to be tested or am i more likely to give to another partner and make them higher risk to develop into cancer?

I am a student at Grand Valley State University. I am writing a feature article on HPV. I am looking for someone who is wiling to give an statement on HPV or their diagnosis. My Email is dungym@mail.gvsu.edu

Thank you all so much

Can a male get HPV infection from a female through vaginal penetration with the male’s fingers?

Most of the time, people get HPV from having vaginal and/or anal sex. Men and women can also get HPV from having oral sex or other sex play. Yes, it is possible for a man to become infected with HPV from a women through vaginal penetration with his fingers. This may occur if the man touches his own genital areas or the inside of his mouth before washing his hands. Infection of fingers is thought to be uncommon. A person can get HPV even if their partner doesn’t have any signs or symptoms of HPV infection.

Many HPV infections can be prevented by vaccination, which is routinely recommended at age 11-12 years for all U.S. adolescents. Although HPV vaccine is most effective when administered prior to exposure, HPV vaccine is recommended through age 26 years for females and through age 21 years for males who were not adequately vaccinated previously. For more information on HPV vaccination, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/vaccine.html

I just found out that I’m hpv-positive through my anual pap. They found irregular cells .My doctor is recommending a LEEP procedure now. (CIN-2). My question is since this sexually transmitted do I need to have my partner tested

When the CDC says that in 90 percent of HPV cases, the body naturally clears the virus within 2 years is that true for people with active warts or cancer?

I had genital warts when I was 16 from being sexually assaulted, I am now 46 years old. They surgically removed them from what I can remember. It has been 30 years ago and I have never had anything reappear since that first time of having it. (Like I said 30 years ago) I got married at 16 after I was sexually assaulted and my husband got a few warts on him from when I had them. but he got that taken care of 30 years ago as well. I didn’t even know that genital warts were hpv so I never told a doctor or anybody about it until recently when I found out that genital warts were hpv, I looked it up and found out. Being married for 30 years my husband and I tried oral and anal sex a couple of times, am I going to get anal cancer or throat cancer now? I am so scared. I knew I shouldn’t have tried anal or oral sex but being married for 30 years we gave into temptation and curiosity and now I’m so scared.

CDC does not give personal medical advice. If you are concerned you have a disease or condition, talk to your doctor. If you don’t have a doctor, CDC’s National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program provides low-income, uninsured, and underserved women access to timely breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services.

I had vaginal warts 25 years ago that required laser surgery. I have been fine all these years and now my pap showed HPV strain #16. How does this happen after so many years with no issues?

For how long can a person spread the HPV virus? Does it stop being contagious after sometime?

I’m starting to see a guy that is HPV positive. I am unsure about what strain he has, but he is concerned that even kissing will cause him to transfer the virus. I did have the HPV vaccine when I was 20. After research it said skin to skin contact is a form of transfer. Is it within the affected area or everywhere?

Related to Michael’s question:
How long can the virus live on fingers and hand before moving to genitals?
Michael’s question:
“Can a male get HPV infection from a female through vaginal penetration with the male’s fingers?”

I’m dealing with it now by the grace of God and firm foundation and Dr we get rid of the cancer

I am a 45 year old female who was recently diagnosed with genital warts. My testing came back as a low risk hpv. I am also hsv positive. Will my body clear the virus within 2 years or am I looking at never clearing this virus due to age and another virus? Also, what are the chances of developing esophageal cancer if my boyfriend gets the hpv from me and I perform oral sex on him?

Thanks for your comment on this Public Health Matters post. If you have a question for CDC, please contact CDC-INFO (https://www.cdc.gov/cdc-info/index.html). Operators are available by phone and email to help you find the latest, reliable, and science-based health information on more than 750 health topics. The phone number is 800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636).

I have read a lot of comments and replies here and advice sbout uding CB ondkms to minimize risks. It is also stated that this does not stop infections which are not related to penetration.
Is there a risk to men engaging in oral sex with women and if a man who has hpv gives oral sex to a woman is there a risk she van catch it this way