Genital Human
 

Papillomavirus (HPV)
 

At least 50% of sexually active women 

and men will get it. Most will not 

know they have it. 

Native Women: 

Learn what HPV 

is, and what 

you can do 

to protect 

yourself from 

the possible 

effects of HPV. 

 

 

What is genital human 

papillomavirus (HPV)? 

HPV is a common virus. There are about 40 types of HPV that can 

infect the genital areas (private or sex parts) of men and women. 

These viruses are passed on through sexual contact. 

 Usually the body fights off HPV before it can cause 

health problems. But sometimes the body does not. 

 HPV can cause health problems, such as: 

•		 Genital warts in both men and women. 

Warts are not life threatening, but can be 

emotionally hard for a person to 

deal with; 

•		 Cervical cancer in women; 

•		 Other less common cancers in men and 

women, like anal cancer. 

		Most people with HPV do not have symptoms and 

do not know they are infected. 

1 
 

2 

Genital HPV types are split into two categories: 

1) wart-causing HPV 

2) cancer-causing HPV 

Genital HPV is not the 

same as HIV or herpes. 

It is important to know that: 

		Most of the time, people with any type of HPV will 

not develop genital warts or cervical cancer. 

		Genital warts will not turn into cancer, even if they 

are not treated. 

		The cancer-causing HPV types have to stay on 

the cervix many years to cause cervical cancer. 

Cancer 

causing 

Wart 

causing 

HPV 
 

How do people get HPV? 

You can get HPV by having sexual contact – like vaginal and 

anal sex— with someone who has it. 

		Any man or woman who has ever been sexually 

active can have HPV and pass it on to their partner. 

		You can have HPV, even if years have passed since 

you were sexually active. 

You CANNOT get HPV from: 

• Toilet seats 

• Kissing on the mouth, hugging, or holding hands 

• Being unclean (bad hygiene) 

• Sharing food or utensils 

• Swimming in pools or hot tubs 

• Family history (heredity) 

Your partner may not show 

any signs of HPV. Most 

people get HPV—and 

pass it on—without even 

knowing it. 

3 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I s HPV more common in women 

or in men? 

HPV is just as common in men and women. But HPV is less 

likely to cause serious health problems in men. Most men with 

HPV never get symptoms or health problems from it. There is 

no approved test for HPV in men. 

Are HPV and related diseases more common in Native women 

than in other women in the U.S.? 

		HPV and genital warts are just as common in Native 

women as in women of other races/ethnicities. 

		Cervical cancer is less common in Native 

women than in African-American and Hispanic 

women. But cervical cancer is more common 

in Native women than in white women. As 

more Native women take steps to prevent 

cervical cancer, fewer are 

getting this disease 

(see pages 7-10). 

4 
 

What is cervical cancer? 

Cancer can grow on a woman’s cervix the same way it can 

grow on other body organs. 

The cervix is the opening of a woman’s uterus (womb). 

Ovary 

Fallopian 

tube 

Uterus (womb) 

Vagina 

Cervix 

Cervical cancer can be prevented. It can also be 

treated when it is found early. 

Cervical cancer often does not cause symptoms until it is 

advanced. So it is important to get a screening test, which can 

find problems early. (See page 9.) 

5 
 Howcan HPV cause cervical 

cancer? 

HPV can infect a woman’s cervix and cause normal cells to 

become abnormal. If HPV goes away, cervical cells go back 

to normal. But if HPV stays on the cervix for many years, it 

can turn those cells into cancer over time. 

Abnormal cells can be found with a screening test, called 

the Pap test. 

Problems that are found 

early can be treated before 

they turn into cancer. That 

is why cervical cancer is the 

easiest female cancer to 

prevent. 

6 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can HPV and its possible effects be prevented? 

1.	 There is now an HPV vaccine that protects females 

from the types of HPV that most often cause cervical 

cancer and genital warts (see page 8). 

2.	 Women should get routine Pap tests to screen for 

cervical cancer (see page 9). Screening tests can find 

problems that can be treated before they become 

cancer. 

3.	 Sexually active people should use condoms with every 

sex act. Condoms can lower your chances of getting 

HPV. They can also lower your chances of getting 

genital warts or cervical cancer. But HPV can infect 

areas that are not covered by a condom. So condoms 

may not fully protect against HPV. 

4. Sexually active people should limit their number of 

partners. The more sex partners you have, the more 

likely you are to be with someone who has HPV. But 

HPV is so common that even people with only one 

partner can have it. So the only sure way to prevent HPV 

is to avoid sexual contact with others. 

A new condom should be used with every sex act, 

every time you have sex. The condom should be 

put on properly before any sexual contact. 

7 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T he HPV vaccine protects against
 most cervical cancers and 

genital warts.
 

The vaccine has been widely tested in girls and women. It is safe 

and has no serious side effects. The most common side effect is 

soreness in the arm. 

 The vaccine is given in three doses over six months. 

 The vaccine protects females from getting HPV. It does 

not cure those who already have HPV or HPV disease 

(like genital warts or cervical cancer). 

 The HPV vaccine is recommended for 11 and12 year-old 

girls. It is also recommended as a catch-up vaccine for 

girls and women, ages 13 through 26, if they did not get 

any or all of the shots when they were younger. Note: It 

can be given starting at age 9. 

 The vaccine does not protect against all cervical cancers. So 

women who get vaccinated will still need regular Pap tests. 

 Ask your clinic or doctor for information about programs that 

may help pay for the vaccine for girls ages 18 and younger. 

(Also, see “Resources,” page 12.) 

Protect the Circle of Life: Get vaccinated against 

cervical cancer.Tell your friends and female 

relatives about getting the HPV vaccine, too. 

The HPV vaccine 

is one way to protect 

against cervical cancer. 

8 
 

 

 

 

 

Screening Tests Can Save Your Life! 

The Pap test is a cervical cancer screening test. It checks 

for changes on your cervix so that problems can be found and 

removed before they turn into cancer. 

An HPV test may also be used with the Pap test in certain cases 

(and where available). The HPV test looks for HPV, the virus that 

can cause cell changes on your cervix. 

		Women should start getting Pap tests three years 

after they first have sex, or by age 21, which ever 

comes first. 

		Women should get a Pap test at least 

once every three years. 

For the Pap 

test, your health 

care provider will 

use a swab to 

collect cells from 

your cervix. Your 

cells will then be 

checked under a 

microscope for any 

problems. 

9 
 

 

 

Y ou need regular Pap tests even if you: 

 Feel healthy 

 Have gone through the change of life (menopause) 

 Are no longer having sex 

 Are two-spirited (gay or lesbian) 

 Got the HPV vaccine (remember that the vaccine 

does not protect against all cervical cancers) 

More Native women are getting regular Pap tests. 

Now, fewer Native women get cervical cancer. 

Some reasons why Native women may not get Pap tests: 

 Some may be embarrassed to get the test. 

 Some may only see traditional healers. 

 Some may not know where to get free or lowcost Pap tests. 

Make an appointment today. Ask your sister, 

mother or a friend to go with you. 

Remember: Pap tests can save your life! See page 

12 for places where you can get a free Pap test. 

10 
C 

ervical cancer can be prevented 

and treated when problems are 

found early. 

If a problem is found on your Pap or HPV test: 

 It does not mean you have cervical cancer now. 

 Follow up with your doctor for all recommended 

appointments and tests. 

Is there a treatment for HPV? 

There is no treatment for HPV (a virus). But there are treatments 

for the health problems that HPV can cause—like abnormal 

cervical cells, cervical cancer, and genital warts. 

There is no blame, no shame about HPV 

Many people who learn they have HPV want to know who gave 

it to them. But there is no way to know for sure. 

The virus is common. A person can have HPV for a long time 

before it is found. 

If you have HPV, don’t blame 

your partner. Also, don’t assume 

that your partner is cheating. 

HPV is not a sign that you or your 

partner is having sex with someone 

else. 

Instead, focus on protecting your 

health: Follow up with your doctor 

to make sure HPV does not lead to 

cervical cancer. 

11 
 

RESOURCES
 

You can get free or low-cost Pap tests through: 

 Indian Health Service (IHS) 

www.ihs.gov/FacilitiesServices/AreaOffices/AreaOffices_index.asp 

 The CDC Breast and Cervical Early Detection Cancer 

Program (BCCEDP): 

Phone: (888) 842-6355 or 

http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/contacts.asp 

 OR, your local BCCEDP at: 

 Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs 

www.fns.usda.gov/wic/ 

 Medicaid 

www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp 

 Medicare (if you’re 65 years or older): 

www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicare.asp 

 Most health plans 

 Many tribal, state, and community programs, such as:
 

For eligible girls age 18 or younger, there are programs to 

help pay for the vaccine. Ask your doctor or clinic for more 

information. 

 Some states may offer free vaccines for girls.
	

 Most insurance plans cover the HPV vaccine. 

For women age 19 and older, Medicaid and other insurers may 

pay for the vaccine. Check with your doctor. 

12 
RESOURCES
 

Free condoms & reproductive health services: 

 Family Planning Clinics 

http://opa.osophs.dhhs.gov/titlex/ofp-service-grantees.html 

 Federally Qualified Health Centers 

http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc 

For more information about HPV and related 

diseases, contact: 

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

www.cdc.gov/std/hpv 

24-hour Hotline: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or 

1-888-232-6348 TTY or www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info 

 American Cancer Society (ACS) 

www.cancer.org 

24-hour Hotline: (800) ACS-2345 [800-227-2345] 

 The American Social Health Association 

www.ashastd.org/ 

Resource Center/Hotline: 1-800-227-8922 (M-F, 9am-6pm EST) 

Or email: hpvnet@ashastd.org 

13 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HPV is not something to fear. More 

than ever, Native girls and women 

are preventing cervical cancer. 

You and your family can, too. 

Some facts about HPV: 

• Most sexually active people will get HPV at some time 

in their lives. 

• HPV is usually harmless. But some types can cause 

genital warts. Other types can cause cervical cancer 

in women. 

• Men and women can lower their chances of getting 

HPV by using condoms with every sex act, and limiting 

their number of partners. But the only sure way to 

avoid HPV is never to have sex. 

• What is most important is to prevent the most serious 

health effect of HPV: cervical cancer. Cervical cancer 

can be prevented with a safe HPV vaccine and regular 

screening (Pap) tests. 

For more about HPV, call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) 

or visit, www.cdc.gov/std/hpv 

 

 

What is genital human 

papillomavirus (HPV)? 

HPV is a common virus. There are about 40 types of HPV that can 

infect the genital areas (private or sex parts) of men and women. 

These viruses are passed on through sexual contact. 

 Usually the body fights off HPV before it can cause 

health problems. But sometimes the body does not. 

 HPV can cause health problems, such as: 

•		 Genital warts in both men and women. 

Warts are not life threatening, but can be 

emotionally hard for a person to 

deal with; 

•		 Cervical cancer in women; 

•		 Other less common cancers in men and 

women, like anal cancer. 

		Most people with HPV do not have symptoms and 

do not know they are infected. 

1 
 

2 

Genital HPV types are split into two categories: 

1) wart-causing HPV 

2) cancer-causing HPV 

Genital HPV is not the 

same as HIV or herpes. 

It is important to know that: 

		Most of the time, people with any type of HPV will 

not develop genital warts or cervical cancer. 

		Genital warts will not turn into cancer, even if they 

are not treated. 

		The cancer-causing HPV types have to stay on 

the cervix many years to cause cervical cancer. 

Cancer 

causing 

Wart 

causing 

HPV 
 

How do people get HPV? 

You can get HPV by having sexual contact – like vaginal and 

anal sex— with someone who has it. 

		Any man or woman who has ever been sexually 

active can have HPV and pass it on to their partner. 

		You can have HPV, even if years have passed since 

you were sexually active. 

You CANNOT get HPV from: 

• Toilet seats 

• Kissing on the mouth, hugging, or holding hands 

• Being unclean (bad hygiene) 

• Sharing food or utensils 

• Swimming in pools or hot tubs 

• Family history (heredity) 

Your partner may not show 

any signs of HPV. Most 

people get HPV—and 

pass it on—without even 

knowing it. 

3 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 I s HPV more common in women 

or in men? 

HPV is just as common in men and women. But HPV is less 

likely to cause serious health problems in men. Most men with 

HPV never get symptoms or health problems from it. There is 

no approved test for HPV in men. 

Are HPV and related diseases more common in Native women 

than in other women in the U.S.? 

		HPV and genital warts are just as common in Native 

women as in women of other races/ethnicities. 

		Cervical cancer is less common in Native 

women than in African-American and Hispanic 

women. But cervical cancer is more common 

in Native women than in white women. As 

more Native women take steps to prevent 

cervical cancer, fewer are 

getting this disease 

(see pages 7-10). 

4 
 

What is cervical cancer? 

Cancer can grow on a woman’s cervix the same way it can 

grow on other body organs. 

The cervix is the opening of a woman’s uterus (womb). 

Ovary 

Fallopian 

tube 

Uterus (womb) 

Vagina 

Cervix 

Cervical cancer can be prevented. It can also be 

treated when it is found early. 

Cervical cancer often does not cause symptoms until it is 

advanced. So it is important to get a screening test, which can 

find problems early. (See page 9.) 

5 
 Howcan HPV cause cervical 

cancer? 

HPV can infect a woman’s cervix and cause normal cells to 

become abnormal. If HPV goes away, cervical cells go back 

to normal. But if HPV stays on the cervix for many years, it 

can turn those cells into cancer over time. 

Abnormal cells can be found with a screening test, called 

the Pap test. 

Problems that are found 

early can be treated before 

they turn into cancer. That 

is why cervical cancer is the 

easiest female cancer to 

prevent. 

6 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How can HPV and its possible effects be prevented? 

1.	 There is now an HPV vaccine that protects females 

from the types of HPV that most often cause cervical 

cancer and genital warts (see page 8). 

2.	 Women should get routine Pap tests to screen for 

cervical cancer (see page 9). Screening tests can find 

problems that can be treated before they become 

cancer. 

3.	 Sexually active people should use condoms with every 

sex act. Condoms can lower your chances of getting 

HPV. They can also lower your chances of getting 

genital warts or cervical cancer. But HPV can infect 

areas that are not covered by a condom. So condoms 

may not fully protect against HPV. 

4. Sexually active people should limit their number of 

partners. The more sex partners you have, the more 

likely you are to be with someone who has HPV. But 

HPV is so common that even people with only one 

partner can have it. So the only sure way to prevent HPV 

is to avoid sexual contact with others. 

A new condom should be used with every sex act, 

every time you have sex. The condom should be 

put on properly before any sexual contact. 

7 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T he HPV vaccine protects against
 most cervical cancers and 

genital warts.
 

The vaccine has been widely tested in girls and women. It is safe 

and has no serious side effects. The most common side effect is 

soreness in the arm. 

 The vaccine is given in three doses over six months. 

 The vaccine protects females from getting HPV. It does 

not cure those who already have HPV or HPV disease 

(like genital warts or cervical cancer). 

 The HPV vaccine is recommended for 11 and12 year-old 

girls. It is also recommended as a catch-up vaccine for 

girls and women, ages 13 through 26, if they did not get 

any or all of the shots when they were younger. Note: It 

can be given starting at age 9. 

 The vaccine does not protect against all cervical cancers. So 

women who get vaccinated will still need regular Pap tests. 

 Ask your clinic or doctor for information about programs that 

may help pay for the vaccine for girls ages 18 and younger. 

(Also, see “Resources,” page 12.) 

Protect the Circle of Life: Get vaccinated against 

cervical cancer.Tell your friends and female 

relatives about getting the HPV vaccine, too. 

The HPV vaccine 

is one way to protect 

against cervical cancer. 

8 
 

 

 

 

 

Screening Tests Can Save Your Life! 

The Pap test is a cervical cancer screening test. It checks 

for changes on your cervix so that problems can be found and 

removed before they turn into cancer. 

An HPV test may also be used with the Pap test in certain cases 

(and where available). The HPV test looks for HPV, the virus that 

can cause cell changes on your cervix. 

		Women should start getting Pap tests three years 

after they first have sex, or by age 21, which ever 

comes first. 

		Women should get a Pap test at least 

once every three years. 

For the Pap 

test, your health 

care provider will 

use a swab to 

collect cells from 

your cervix. Your 

cells will then be 

checked under a 

microscope for any 

problems. 

9 
 

 

 

Y ou need regular Pap tests even if you: 

 Feel healthy 

 Have gone through the change of life (menopause) 

 Are no longer having sex 

 Are two-spirited (gay or lesbian) 

 Got the HPV vaccine (remember that the vaccine 

does not protect against all cervical cancers) 

More Native women are getting regular Pap tests. 

Now, fewer Native women get cervical cancer. 

Some reasons why Native women may not get Pap tests: 

 Some may be embarrassed to get the test. 

 Some may only see traditional healers. 

 Some may not know where to get free or lowcost Pap tests. 

Make an appointment today. Ask your sister, 

mother or a friend to go with you. 

Remember: Pap tests can save your life! See page 

12 for places where you can get a free Pap test. 

10 
C 

ervical cancer can be prevented 

and treated when problems are 

found early. 

If a problem is found on your Pap or HPV test: 

 It does not mean you have cervical cancer now. 

 Follow up with your doctor for all recommended 

appointments and tests. 

Is there a treatment for HPV? 

There is no treatment for HPV (a virus). But there are treatments 

for the health problems that HPV can cause—like abnormal 

cervical cells, cervical cancer, and genital warts. 

There is no blame, no shame about HPV 

Many people who learn they have HPV want to know who gave 

it to them. But there is no way to know for sure. 

The virus is common. A person can have HPV for a long time 

before it is found. 

If you have HPV, don’t blame 

your partner. Also, don’t assume 

that your partner is cheating. 

HPV is not a sign that you or your 

partner is having sex with someone 

else. 

Instead, focus on protecting your 

health: Follow up with your doctor 

to make sure HPV does not lead to 

cervical cancer. 

11 
 

RESOURCES
 

You can get free or low-cost Pap tests through: 

 Indian Health Service (IHS) 

www.ihs.gov/FacilitiesServices/AreaOffices/AreaOffices_index.asp 

 The CDC Breast and Cervical Early Detection Cancer 

Program (BCCEDP): 

Phone: (888) 842-6355 or 

http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/cancercontacts/nbccedp/contacts.asp 

 OR, your local BCCEDP at: 

 Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) programs 

www.fns.usda.gov/wic/ 

 Medicaid 

www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp 

 Medicare (if you’re 65 years or older): 

www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicare.asp 

 Most health plans 

 Many tribal, state, and community programs, such as:
 

For eligible girls age 18 or younger, there are programs to 

help pay for the vaccine. Ask your doctor or clinic for more 

information. 

 Some states may offer free vaccines for girls.
	

 Most insurance plans cover the HPV vaccine. 

For women age 19 and older, Medicaid and other insurers may 

pay for the vaccine. Check with your doctor. 

12 
RESOURCES
 

Free condoms & reproductive health services: 

 Family Planning Clinics 

http://opa.osophs.dhhs.gov/titlex/ofp-service-grantees.html 

 Federally Qualified Health Centers 

http://ask.hrsa.gov/pc 

For more information about HPV and related 

diseases, contact: 

 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

www.cdc.gov/std/hpv 

24-hour Hotline: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or 

1-888-232-6348 TTY or www.cdc.gov/cancer/cervical/basic_info 

 American Cancer Society (ACS) 

www.cancer.org 

24-hour Hotline: (800) ACS-2345 [800-227-2345] 

 The American Social Health Association 

www.ashastd.org/ 

Resource Center/Hotline: 1-800-227-8922 (M-F, 9am-6pm EST) 

Or email: hpvnet@ashastd.org 

13 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HPV is not something to fear. More 

than ever, Native girls and women 

are preventing cervical cancer. 

You and your family can, too. 

Some facts about HPV: 

• Most sexually active people will get HPV at some time 

in their lives. 

• HPV is usually harmless. But some types can cause 

genital warts. Other types can cause cervical cancer 

in women. 

• Men and women can lower their chances of getting 

HPV by using condoms with every sex act, and limiting 

their number of partners. But the only sure way to 

avoid HPV is never to have sex. 

• What is most important is to prevent the most serious 

health effect of HPV: cervical cancer. Cervical cancer 

can be prevented with a safe HPV vaccine and regular 

screening (Pap) tests. 

For more about HPV, call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) 

or visit, www.cdc.gov/std/hpv