You Probably Have HPV

The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted infection.  In fact, it’s so prevalent that nearly all sexually active women and men will get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives.  In other words, you probably have had —or currently have—it.  Here, we highlight must-know facts about HPV.

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How many Americans are infected? About 79 million Americans are currently infected with HPV, and about 14 million people become newly infected each year.

How do you get it? You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus, as well as by genital skin to skin contact. It can be passed even when an infected person shows no signs or symptoms.

How do you treat it? For the most part, HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems.

Health issues. However, when HPV does not go away, it can cause health issues like genital warts and cancer.

Genital warts. Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps in the genital area, and can be small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like a cauliflower. They can either be treated at home or by a physician.

Cancer. HPV can cause cervical cancer and other cancers, including cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, or anus. Additionally, it can cause cancer in the back of the throat. Cancer often takes years, sometimes even decades, to develop after a person gets infected.

The types of HPV that can cause genital warts are not the same as the types of HPV that can cause cancers.

Unfortunately, there is no way to know which people who have HPV will develop cancer or health problems. For the most part, this is dependent on the infected individual's immune system.

When do symptoms show up? You can develop symptoms years after you have intercourse with someone who is infected, making it hard to know when you actually first became infected.

What about if you’re pregnant and you have it? If you are pregnant and are infected, you can get genital warts or develop abnormal cell changes on your cervix.

Is it preventable? To lower your chances of getting HPV, get vaccinated. HPV vaccines are not only effective, but also safe. They are given in three shots over six months—it is essential to get all three doses. Keep in mind, however, that there are many who are against the vaccine and who have cited its negative side effects.

Prevention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all boys and girls ages 11 or 12 years old should get vaccinated.

Prevention. Women should get routinely screened for cervical cancer at least once a year.

Prevention. Use latex condoms. However, keep in mind that HPV can infect areas that are not covered by a condom, so condoms may not give full protection against it.