OVER

2011

HPV (human

papillomavirus)

What is HPV?

HPV (human papillomavirus) is 

a sexually transmitted virus. It is 

passed on through genital contact 

(such as vaginal and anal sex). It 

is also passed on by skin-to-skin 

contact. At least 50% of people 

who have had sex will have HPV at 

some time in their lives.

Why haven’t I heard of HPV?

HPV is not a new virus. But many 

people don’t know about it. Most 

people don’t have any signs. HPV 

may go away on its own-- without 

causing any health problems.

Who can get HPV?

Anyone who has ever had genital 

contact with another person may 

have HPV. Both men and women 

may get it -- and pass it on-- 

without knowing it. Since there 

might not be any signs, a person 

may have HPV even if years have 

passed since he or she had sex. You 

are more likely to get HPV if you 

have:

• sex at an early age,

• many sex partners, or

• a sex partner who has had many 

partners.

If there are no signs, why do I need 

to worry about HPV?

There are over 100 different kinds 

of HPV and not all of them cause 

health problems. Some kinds of 

HPV may cause problems like 

genital warts. Some kinds of HPV 

can also cause cancer of the cervix, 

vagina, vulva, or anus. Most of these 

problems are caused by types 6, 11, 

16 or 18.

Is there a cure for HPV?

There is no cure for the virus 

(HPV) itself. There are treatments 

for the health problems that HPV 

can cause, such as genital warts, 

cervical changes, and cervical 

cancer.

What should I know about genital 

warts?

There are many treatment choices 

for genital warts. But even after the 

warts are treated, the virus might 

still be there and may be passed on 

to others. If genital warts are not 

treated they may go away, stay the 

same, or increase in size or number, 

but they will not turn into cancer.

What should I know about cervical 

cancer?

All women should get regular Pap 

tests. The Pap test looks for cell 

changes caused by HPV. The test 

finds cell changes early -- so the 

cervix can be treated before the 

cells turn into cancer. This test can 

also find cancer in its early stages 
TAKE TIME TO CARE... For yourself, for those who need you.

so it can be treated before it becomes too 

serious. It is rare to die from cervical cancer if 

the disease is caught early.

What should I know about vaginal or vulvar 

cancer?

Vaginal cancer is cancer of the vagina (birth 

canal). Vulvar cancer is cancer of the clitoris, 

vaginal lips, and opening to the vagina. Both 

of these kinds of cancer are very rare. Not all 

vaginal or vulvar cancer is caused by HPV.

What should I know about anal cancer?

Anal cancer is cancer that forms in tissues 

of the anus. The anus is the opening of the 

rectum (last part of the large intestine) to the 

outside of the body.

Is there a test for HPV?

Yes. It tests for the kinds of HPV that may 

lead to cervical cancer. The FDA approved the 

HPV test to be used for women over 30 years 

old. It may find HPV even before there are 

changes to the cervix. Women who have the 

HPV test still need to get the Pap test.

Can I prevent HPV? 

FDA has approved vaccines that prevent 

certain diseases, including cervical cancer, 

caused by some types of HPV. Ask your 

doctor if you should get the HPV Vaccine.

What else can I do to lower my chances of 

getting HPV?

• You can choose not to have sex 

(abstinence).

• If you have sex, you can limit the number of 

partners you have.

• Choose a partner who has had no or few sex 

partners. The fewer partners your partner 

has had -- the less likely he or she is to have 

HPV.

• It is not known how much condoms protect 

against HPV. Areas not covered by a 

condom can be exposed to the virus.

HPV (human

papillomavirus)

FDA Office of Women’s Health http://www.fda.gov/womens

To Learn More:

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

http://www.fda.gov/BiologicsBloodVaccines/Vaccines/ApprovedProducts/ucm172678.htm