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. 

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

 

 

 

HPV (human papillomavirus) 

Continued 

What Should I Know About Is There a Test for HPV?
 

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 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. 

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.

This fact sheet was developed by the FDA Office of Women’s Health. 

To get other women’s health resources, go to 

www.fda.gov/womens 

2017