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)

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 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.

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