{"id":2862,"date":"2026-06-17T01:24:45","date_gmt":"2026-06-17T01:24:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edmpackz.com\/?p=2862"},"modified":"2026-06-17T01:24:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-17T01:24:45","slug":"human-papillomavirus-hpv","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edmpackz.com\/?p=2862","title":{"rendered":"Human Papillomavirus (HPV) \u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<header><\/header>\n<div class=\"med-wrap\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"asset-med-rev\">\n<div class=\"photo-container\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"reading-wrapper\">\n<div id=\"audio-placeholder-091e9c5e800a8989\">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\"overview\" data-testid=\"cmp-section\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"aem-container   aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 cmp-aside-container\">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-dita-title\">\n<div class=\"cmp-title\" data-testid=\"cmp-title\">\n<h2 id=\"overview\" class=\" cmp-title__text--h2\" tabindex=\"-1\">Overview<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-dita-content cmp-text--body-sans-medium  \">\n<p>HPV infection is a viral infection. There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Some types of HPV infection cause skin growths called warts and some types of HPV infection can cause cancer.<\/p>\n<p>Most HPV infections don&#8217;t lead to cancer. But some types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina, called the cervix. Other types of cancers have been linked to HPV infection. These include cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva and back of the throat. Cancer at the back of the throat is called oropharyngeal cancer.<\/p>\n<p>These infections are often passed through sex or through other skin-to-skin contact. Vaccines can help protect against the strains of HPV most likely to cause genital warts or cervical cancer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-related-content cmp-related-content--inline\" data-testid=\"cmp-relatedContent\">\n<div class=\"cmp-title\" data-testid=\"cmp-title\">\n<h3 id=\"related-content-heading-products-&amp;-services\" class=\"cmp-title__text--color-primary  cmp-related-content__title\">Products &amp; Services<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<ul class=\"cmp-list__container cmp-related-content__list \" aria-labelledby=\"related-content-heading-products-&amp;-services\" data-testid=\"cmp-list\">\n<li class=\"cmp-list__item cmp-related-content__list-item\">\n<div class=\"cmp-link\" data-testid=\"cmp-button\"><a class=\"cmp-anchor--plain cmp-button cmp-button__link cmp-related-content__list-item-link\" href=\"https:\/\/order.store.mayoclinic.com\/flex\/mmv\/fhblc01\/?altkey=FHBORG&amp;utm_source=MC-DotOrg-PS&amp;utm_medium=Link&amp;utm_campaign=FamilyHealth-Book&amp;utm_content=FHB\" data-cmp-data-layer=\"{&quot;action&quot;:&quot;top&quot;,&quot;category&quot;:&quot;products &amp; services&quot;,&quot;target&quot;:&quot;a book: mayo clinic family health book&quot;}\" data-di-id=\"di-id-f205aecb-9643a9a7\"><span class=\"cmp-button__inner  cmp-related-content__list-item-text    cmp-button__inner--focus-primary\" aria-hidden=\"false\"><span class=\"cmp-button__inner-wrapper\"><span class=\"cmp-button__inner-main\"><span class=\"cmp-button__text\" role=\"text\">A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"aem-container cmp-container--column-padding-0x  aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 \">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"aem-container   aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 \">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\"symptoms\" data-testid=\"cmp-section\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"aem-container   aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 aem-Grid--mayo_x-large--12 aem-Grid--mayo_medium--12 aem-Grid--mayo_large--12 aem-Grid--mayo_small--12 cmp-aside-container\">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-separator cmp-dita-title__separator\" data-testid=\"cmp-separator\">\n<hr class=\"cmp-separator__horizontal-rule\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-dita-title\">\n<div class=\"cmp-title\" data-testid=\"cmp-title\">\n<h2 id=\"symptoms\" class=\" cmp-title__text--h2\" tabindex=\"-1\">Symptoms<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-dita-content cmp-text--body-sans-medium  \">\n<p>Usually, the body&#8217;s immune system defeats an HPV infection before it creates warts. Different types of HPV produce different warts, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Genital warts.<\/b>\u00a0Some appear flat. Others look like small cauliflower-like bumps or tiny stemlike bumps. In women, genital warts appear mostly on the vulva. But they also can occur near the anus, on the cervix or in the vagina.\n<p>In men, genital warts appear on the penis and scrotum or around the anus. Genital warts rarely cause discomfort or pain. But they might itch or feel tender.<\/li>\n<li><b>Common warts.<\/b>\u00a0Common warts appear as rough, raised bumps. They usually occur on the hands and fingers. Most common warts are simply not attractive. But they also can be painful. And it&#8217;s easy for them to get injured or bleed.<\/li>\n<li><b>Plantar warts.<\/b>\u00a0Plantar warts are hard, grainy growths that usually appear on the heels or balls of the feet. These warts might cause discomfort.<\/li>\n<li><b>Flat warts.<\/b>\u00a0Flat warts are flat-topped, slightly raised sores called lesions. They can appear anywhere on the body. But children usually get them on the face, men tend to get them in the beard area, and women tend to get them on the legs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_x-large--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_medium--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_large--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_small--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--none aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"aem-container   aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 aem-Grid--mayo_x-large--12 aem-Grid--mayo_medium--12 aem-Grid--mayo_large--12 aem-Grid--mayo_small--12 \">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-image-with-title cmp-image__corners--small\">\n<div class=\"  cmp-image    \" data-testid=\"cmp-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"cmp-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.mayoclinic.org\/content\/dam\/media\/global\/images\/2023\/02\/09\/common-warts.jpg\" alt=\"Common warts\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-image-with-title__title-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"cmp-title\" data-testid=\"cmp-title\">\n<h3 class=\"  cmp-title__text--body-sans-small-bold\">Common warts<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-text--caption-small  \">Common warts can grow on hands or fingers. They&#8217;re small, grainy bumps that are rough to the touch. They&#8217;re usually flesh-colored, white, pink or tan.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_x-large--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_medium--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_large--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_small--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--none aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"aem-container   aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 aem-Grid--mayo_x-large--12 aem-Grid--mayo_medium--12 aem-Grid--mayo_large--12 aem-Grid--mayo_small--12 \">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-image-with-title cmp-image__corners--small\">\n<div class=\"  cmp-image    \" data-testid=\"cmp-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"cmp-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.mayoclinic.org\/content\/dam\/media\/global\/images\/2023\/02\/10\/plantar-warts.jpg\" alt=\"Plantar warts\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-image-with-title__title-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"cmp-title\" data-testid=\"cmp-title\">\n<h3 class=\"  cmp-title__text--body-sans-small-bold\">Plantar warts<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-text--caption-small  \">Plantar warts are caused by the same type of virus that causes warts on the hands and fingers. But, because of where they are, they can be painful.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_x-large--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_medium--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_large--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_small--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--none aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"aem-container   aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 aem-Grid--mayo_x-large--12 aem-Grid--mayo_medium--12 aem-Grid--mayo_large--12 aem-Grid--mayo_small--12 \">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-image-with-title cmp-image__corners--small\">\n<div class=\"  cmp-image    \" data-testid=\"cmp-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"cmp-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.mayoclinic.org\/content\/dam\/media\/global\/images\/2023\/02\/09\/flat-warts.jpg\" alt=\"Flat warts\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-image-with-title__title-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"cmp-title\" data-testid=\"cmp-title\">\n<h3 class=\"  cmp-title__text--body-sans-small-bold\">Flat warts<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-text--caption-small  \">Flat warts are smaller and smoother than other warts. They generally occur on the face or legs. They&#8217;re more common in children and teens than in adults.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_x-large--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_medium--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_large--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_small--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--none aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"aem-container   aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 aem-Grid--mayo_x-large--12 aem-Grid--mayo_medium--12 aem-Grid--mayo_large--12 aem-Grid--mayo_small--12 \">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-image-with-title cmp-image__corners--small\">\n<div class=\"  cmp-image    \" data-testid=\"cmp-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"cmp-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.mayoclinic.org\/content\/dam\/media\/global\/images\/2023\/02\/09\/female-genital-warts.jpg\" alt=\"Female genital warts\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-image-with-title__title-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"cmp-title\" data-testid=\"cmp-title\">\n<h3 class=\"  cmp-title__text--body-sans-small-bold\">Female genital warts<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-text--caption-small  \">Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection. They can appear on the genitals, in the pubic area or in the anal canal. Genital warts also can grow inside the vagina.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_x-large--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_medium--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_large--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--none aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--12 aem-GridColumn--offset--mayo_small--0 aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--none aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"aem-container   aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 aem-Grid--mayo_x-large--12 aem-Grid--mayo_medium--12 aem-Grid--mayo_large--12 aem-Grid--mayo_small--12 \">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_x-large--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_medium--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_large--12 aem-GridColumn--mayo_small--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-image-with-title cmp-image__corners--small\">\n<div class=\"  cmp-image    \" data-testid=\"cmp-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"cmp-image__image\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.mayoclinic.org\/content\/dam\/media\/global\/images\/2023\/02\/09\/male-genital-warts.jpg\" alt=\"Male genital warts\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-image-with-title__title-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"cmp-title\" data-testid=\"cmp-title\">\n<h3 class=\"  cmp-title__text--body-sans-small-bold\">Male genital warts<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-text--caption-small  \">Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection. They can appear on the genitals, in the pubic area or in the anal canal.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-dita-content cmp-text--body-sans-medium  \">\n<h3>Cervical cancer<\/h3>\n<p>HPV infections cause almost all cervical cancers. But cervical cancer may take 20 years or longer to develop after an HPV infection. The HPV infection and early cervical cancer typically don&#8217;t cause symptoms. Getting vaccinated against HPV infection is the best way to protect against cervical cancer.<\/p>\n<p>Because early cervical cancer doesn&#8217;t cause symptoms, it&#8217;s vital that women have regular screening tests. These tests can find changes in the cervix that might lead to cancer. Current guidelines recommend that women ages 21 to 29 have a test that checks cervical cells for cancer, called a Pap test, every three years.<\/p>\n<p>Women ages 30 to 65 are advised to keep having Pap tests every three years. Or the Pap test can be every five years for women who also get an HPV DNA test at the same time. Women over 65 can stop testing if they&#8217;ve had three regular Pap tests in a row, or two HPV DNA and Pap tests with no irregular results.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\"when-to-see-a-doctor\" data-testid=\"cmp-section\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"aem-container   aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 cmp-aside-container\">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-separator cmp-dita-title__separator\" data-testid=\"cmp-separator\">\n<hr class=\"cmp-separator__horizontal-rule\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-dita-title\">\n<div class=\"cmp-title\" data-testid=\"cmp-title\">\n<h2 id=\"when-to-see-a-doctor\" class=\" cmp-title__text--h2\" tabindex=\"-1\">When to see a doctor<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-dita-content cmp-text--body-sans-medium  \">\n<p>If you or your child has any warts that cause embarrassment, discomfort or pain, seek advice from your healthcare professional.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"aem-container cmp-container--column-padding-0x  aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 \">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"aem-container cmp-container--column-padding-3x  aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 \">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-link\" data-testid=\"cmp-button\"><a id=\"button-3d9542b7ce\" class=\"cmp-anchor--plain cmp-button cmp-button__link \" href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/appointments\" data-cmp-data-layer=\"{&quot;label&quot;:&quot;Request an appointment&quot;,&quot;link_url&quot;:&quot;\/appointments&quot;,&quot;target&quot;:&quot;mid link 2&quot;,&quot;category&quot;:&quot;appointment&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:&quot;appt click&quot;}\" data-di-id=\"#button-3d9542b7ce\"><span class=\"cmp-button__inner cmp-button__inner--width-full cmp-button__inner--type-pill cmp-button__inner--color-primary cmp-button__inner--focus-primary    \" aria-hidden=\"false\"><span class=\"cmp-button__inner-wrapper\"><span class=\"cmp-button__inner-main\"><span class=\"cmp-button__text\" role=\"text\">Request an appointment<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"aem-container   aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 \"><\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-container cmp-container--column-padding-0x  aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 \">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"aem-container cmp-container--container-padding-8x   \">\n<div class=\"container-child  \">\n<div class=\"cmp-news-letter-signup-from-model\">\n<div class=\"cmp-news-letter-signup \" data-testid=\"cmp-newsletterSignup\">\n<div class=\"cmp-eloqua-form\">\n<div class=\"cmp-title\" data-testid=\"cmp-title\">\n<h2 class=\"  cmp-eloqua-form__title\">From Mayo Clinic to your inbox<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\" cmp-text\" data-testid=\"cmp-text\">\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-eloqua-form__description  \">Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/links.e.response.mayoclinic.org\/EmailPreview-GeneralHealth\" data-di-id=\"di-id-b6559603-166dda07\">Click here for an email preview.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-form \">\n<form>\n<div class=\"cmp-form__email-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"mc-input\"><label class=\"\" for=\"input-011116d4-48f8-44ba-b0dc-c54fc34f512e\">Email<span aria-hidden=\"true\">\u00a0*<\/span><\/label><\/p>\n<div class=\"text-field-wrapper\"><input id=\"input-011116d4-48f8-44ba-b0dc-c54fc34f512e\" autocomplete=\"off\" name=\"search_011116d4-48f8-44ba-b0dc-c54fc34f512e\" type=\"text\" placeholder=\"\" aria-autocomplete=\"none\" aria-describedby=\"  \" aria-required=\"true\" data-di-id=\"#input-011116d4-48f8-44ba-b0dc-c54fc34f512e\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"cmp-button cmp-button__button cmp-form__submit\" type=\"submit\" data-testid=\"cmp-button\" data-di-id=\"di-id-a8b4a812-53d0922d\"><span class=\"cmp-button__inner cmp-button__inner--width-full  cmp-button__inner--color-primary cmp-button__inner--type-pill  cmp-button__inner--focus-primary\" aria-hidden=\"false\"><span class=\"cmp-button__inner-wrapper\"><span class=\"cmp-button__inner-main\"><span class=\"cmp-button__text\" role=\"text\">Subscribe!<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/button><\/form>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-expando cmp-expando--body-small cmp-eloqua-form__expando\" data-testid=\"cmp-expando\">\n<div class=\"cmp-expando__button\"><button class=\"cmp-button cmp-button__button cmp-eloqua-form__expando-title\" type=\"button\" aria-expanded=\"false\" data-testid=\"cmp-button\" data-di-id=\"di-id-727a89af-4e43a5f8\"><span class=\"cmp-expando__button-inner\"><span class=\"cmp-expando__button-title cmp-eloqua-form__expando-title\">Learn more about Mayo Clinic\u2019s use of data.<\/span><\/span><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\"causes\" data-testid=\"cmp-section\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"aem-container   aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 cmp-aside-container\">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-separator cmp-dita-title__separator\" data-testid=\"cmp-separator\">\n<hr class=\"cmp-separator__horizontal-rule\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-dita-title\">\n<div class=\"cmp-title\" data-testid=\"cmp-title\">\n<h2 id=\"causes\" class=\" cmp-title__text--h2\" tabindex=\"-1\">Causes<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-dita-content cmp-text--body-sans-medium  \">\n<p>HPV infection occurs when the virus enters the body, usually through a cut or other damage to skin. The virus spreads mainly by skin-to-skin contact.<\/p>\n<p>Genital HPV infections are contracted through having sex, anal sex and other skin-to-skin contact of the genitals. Some HPV infections spread through oral sex.<\/p>\n<p>People who are pregnant and have an HPV infection with genital warts can give the infection to the baby. Rarely, the infection may cause a noncancerous growth in the baby&#8217;s voice box, called the larynx.<\/p>\n<p>Warts spread easily. This means that warts are contagious and can spread through direct contact with a wart. Warts also can spread by touching something that has touched a wart.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\"risk-factors\" data-testid=\"cmp-section\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"aem-container   aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 cmp-aside-container\">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-separator cmp-dita-title__separator\" data-testid=\"cmp-separator\">\n<hr class=\"cmp-separator__horizontal-rule\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-dita-title\">\n<div class=\"cmp-title\" data-testid=\"cmp-title\">\n<h2 id=\"risk-factors\" class=\" cmp-title__text--h2\" tabindex=\"-1\">Risk factors<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-dita-content cmp-text--body-sans-medium  \">\n<p>HPV infections are common. Risk factors for HPV infection include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Number of sex partners.<\/b>\u00a0The more sex partners, the higher the risk of getting a genital HPV infection. Having sex with a partner who has had multiple sex partners also increases the risk.<\/li>\n<li><b>Age.<\/b>\u00a0Common warts occur mostly in children. Genital warts occur most often in adolescents and young adults.<\/li>\n<li><b>Weakened immune system.<\/b>\u00a0HIV\/AIDS or certain medicines used after organ transplants can weaken immune systems. People who have weakened immune systems are at greater risk of HPV infections.<\/li>\n<li><b>Damaged skin.<\/b>\u00a0Areas of skin that have been injured are more likely to develop common warts.<\/li>\n<li><b>Personal contact.<\/b>\u00a0Touching someone&#8217;s warts might increase the risk of HPV infection. So can touching surfaces that have been infected with HPV, such as public showers or swimming pools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\"complications\" data-testid=\"cmp-section\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"aem-container   aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 cmp-aside-container\">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-separator cmp-dita-title__separator\" data-testid=\"cmp-separator\">\n<hr class=\"cmp-separator__horizontal-rule\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-dita-title\">\n<div class=\"cmp-title\" data-testid=\"cmp-title\">\n<h2 id=\"complications\" class=\" cmp-title__text--h2\" tabindex=\"-1\">Complications<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-dita-content cmp-text--body-sans-medium  \">\n<ul>\n<li><b>Oral and upper respiratory sores, called lesions.<\/b>\u00a0Some HPV infections cause lesions on the tongue, tonsils or soft palate, or within the larynx and nose.<\/li>\n<li><b>Cancer.<\/b>\u00a0Certain strains of HPV can cause cervical cancer. These strains also might play a part in cancers of the genitals, anus, mouth and upper respiratory tract.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<section aria-labelledby=\"prevention\" data-testid=\"cmp-section\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"aem-container   aem-Grid aem-Grid--12 aem-Grid--default--12 cmp-aside-container\">\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-separator cmp-dita-title__separator\" data-testid=\"cmp-separator\">\n<hr class=\"cmp-separator__horizontal-rule\" \/>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cmp-dita-title\">\n<div class=\"cmp-title\" data-testid=\"cmp-title\">\n<h2 id=\"prevention\" class=\" cmp-title__text--h2\" tabindex=\"-1\">Prevention<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-dita-content cmp-text--body-sans-medium  \">\n<h3>Common warts<\/h3>\n<p>It&#8217;s hard to prevent HPV infections that cause common warts. If you have a common wart, you can prevent the spread of the infection and keep new warts from forming by not picking at a wart and not biting your nails.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-dita-content cmp-text--body-sans-medium  \">\n<h3>Plantar warts<\/h3>\n<p>To lower the risk of contracting HPV infections that cause plantar warts, wear flip-flops or other shoes on public pool decks and in locker rooms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-dita-content cmp-text--body-sans-medium  \">\n<h3>Genital warts<\/h3>\n<p>Lower the risk of getting genital warts and other HPV-related genital sores by:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Having only one sex partner who&#8217;s not having sex with anyone else. This is a monogamous relationship.<\/li>\n<li>Using a latex condom during sex, which might lower the risk of HPV.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"aem-GridColumn aem-GridColumn--default--12 aem-GridColumn\">\n<div class=\"cmp-text__rich-content cmp-dita-content cmp-text--body-sans-medium  \">\n<h3>HPV vaccines<\/h3>\n<p>Gardasil 9 is an HPV vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and can be used for males and females to protect against cervical cancer and genital warts.<\/p>\n<p>The vaccine works best if a person gets it before having the first sexual contact. Once someone has HPV, the vaccine might not work as well or at all. Also, younger people respond better to the vaccine than older people do. If given before someone has HPV infection, the vaccine can prevent most cervical cancers.<\/p>\n<p>Two doses of the HPV vaccine are recommended for children age 11 and 12, but this vaccines can be given as young as 9 years of age. The two-dose series is given until age 14. The doses are given at least five months apart. Teens and young adults who begin the vaccine series at ages 15 through 26 should get three doses of the vaccine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article__body\" data-metrics-module=\"embd-lnk\">\n<div class=\"article-page active-page\" data-page=\"1\">\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"1-1\" class=\"jumplink-headers\">What Is HPV?<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">HPV, short for human papillomavirus, is a very common group of viruses. Nearly everyone gets HPV at some point in their life, often\u00a0through sexual contact. This type of HPV is considered a sexually transmitted infection.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">In most cases, your body fights off the virus within a couple of years. You may never know you have it because HPV doesn\u2019t always cause symptoms. However, some types of HPV can cause warts, and other strains can lead to more serious conditions such as cancer.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Around 14 million Americans get a new HPV infection every year. You can get HPV no matter your gender, but women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) are more likely to have serious health problems from an infection.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>HPV in women<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Researchers have found that nearly 40% of women aged 15-59 may have at least one type of HPV infection each year. And around 8 out of 10 women will get HPV at some point during their life.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<div id=\"ad-centerwell-pos-141-1\" class=\"module ad emb-center-well-ad\" data-google-query-id=\"\">\n<div id=\"google_ads_iframe_\/4312434\/consumer\/webmd_16__container__\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Your odds of getting a new HPV infection go down as you get older. That\u2019s because you\u2019re usually exposed to the virus when you first become sexually active. However, your chances of cervical cancer go up the longer you have HPV in your body.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Women or people AFAB can get 5 out of the 6 kinds of cancers related to high-risk strains of HPV. Those include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Cervical cancer<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Vaginal cancer<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Vulvar cancer<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Anal cancer<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Mouth and throat cancer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Around 14,000 women may be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2024. More than 4,000 of those women may die. The cause of cervical cancer is almost always HPV-related. The good news is there\u2019s an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/sexual-conditions\/hpv-genital-warts\/hpv-vaccines-human-papillomavirus\" data-crosslink-type=\"article\" data-metrics-module=\"embd-lnkiclt\" data-metrics-link=\"\">HPV vaccine<\/a>. Ask your doctor if it\u2019s right for you.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Your doctor can find early signs of cervical cancer through a Pap test. This is a routine test that checks for abnormal cell changes in your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/cancer\/cervical-cancer\/cervical-cancer\" data-crosslink-type=\"article\" data-metrics-module=\"embd-lnkiclt\" data-metrics-link=\"\">cervix<\/a>\u00a0and it\u2019s how most people find out they have HPV. If you get abnormal Pap test results, your doctor may order follow-up tests.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-page active-page\" data-page=\"2\">\n<section>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>HPV in men<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Studies show that up to half of men or people assigned male at birth (AMAB) between the ages of 18-59 may have an HPV infection in a given year. Around 1 in 4 of those men may have high-risk HPV.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Around 90% of men will get HPV at some point in their life.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">HPV often goes undiagnosed in men or people who don\u2019t have a cervix. That\u2019s because people with male sex organs are less likely to have symptoms of an infection, and there\u2019s no FDA-approved way to test men for HPV.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">However, high-risk HPV can cause the following types of cancer in males:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Penile cancer<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Anal cancer<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Mouth and throat cancer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Mouth and throat cancers are the most common kinds of HPV-related cancers diagnosed in men or people AMAB. You\u2019re more likely to get anal cancer if you have\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/hiv-aids\/understanding-aids-hiv-symptoms\" data-crosslink-type=\"article\" data-metrics-module=\"embd-lnkiclt\" data-metrics-link=\"\">HIV<\/a>\u00a0or if you\u2019re a man who has sex with other men.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">If you\u2019re a man or AMAB, you can give HPV to other people even if you don\u2019t have symptoms. Ask your doctor if the HPV vaccine is right for you.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"1-2\" class=\"jumplink-headers\">Types of HPV<\/h2>\n<p>Human papillomavirus isn\u2019t just one virus. There are 200 different types of HPV (that we know about). Each type, or strain, has its own number.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">HPV lives in thin, flat cells called squamous epithelial cells. You have these cells on your skin and in wet places. These moist &#8220;mucous membranes&#8221; are found on the surface of your vagina, anus, vulva, cervix, and head of the penis, along with the inside of your mouth and throat.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Besides the number, you can break down HPV types into different groups based on which type of cells they affect. These include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Cutaneous HPV.\u00a0This type lives on your skin and causes warts on areas such as your arms, hands, legs, or feet. These warts are different from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/sexual-conditions\/hpv-genital-warts\/genital-warts-and-hpv\" data-crosslink-type=\"article\" data-metrics-module=\"embd-lnkiclt\" data-metrics-link=\"\">genital warts<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"art-091e9c5e800a8989-em-image-1\" class=\"em-mod-image\">\n<aside class=\"ia-module-container ia-image landscape \" data-e2e=\"ia-image\" data-metric-module=\"ia-img-soc\">\n<figure>\n<div class=\"main\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img.lb.wbmdstatic.com\/vim\/live\/webmd\/consumer_assets\/site_images\/article_thumbnails\/BigBead\/human-papillomavirus-hpv-bigbead\/1800x1200-human-papillomavirus-hpv-bigbead.jpg?resize=750px:*&amp;output-quality=75\" alt=\"\" \/><\/div><figcaption>\n<p class=\"module_description\">Cutaneous HPV can cause warts on your hands, feet, arms, and legs. The appearance of these warts may differ based on your skin tone. (Photo Credit: Science Picture Co\/Science Source)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Mucosal HPV.\u00a0This type lives in the wet parts of your body you can touch from the outside. This includes areas such as your vagina, penis, anus, mouth, and throat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-page active-page\" data-page=\"3\">\n<div id=\"instream-related-mod-3\" class=\"instream-related-mod\" data-v-app=\"\">\n<div class=\"instream-related-module\" data-metrics-module=\"rlt-inwell\">\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"instream-realted-label\">Related:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/cancer\/ss\/slideshow-cancer-symptoms-signs?mmtrack=12563-18161-16-1-2-0-1\" data-metrics-link=\"2\">Know These 15 Cancer Symptoms<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section>Around 40 strains of HPV are known to affect your\u00a0genitals or other mucosal areas. Most are low-risk and don\u2019t cause serious health problems, but there are a handful of high-risk HPV types that doctors worry about.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>High-risk HPV types<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">There are around 14 high-risk HPV strains. HPV types 16 and 18 cause the vast majority of HPV-related cancers, including about 70% of cervical cancers.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">High-risk HPV can cause:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Cervical cancer<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Anal cancer<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Mouth (oral) cancer<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Throat (oropharyngeal) cancer<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Penile cancer<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Vaginal or vulvar cancer<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Low-risk HPV types<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Around 90% of all genital or anal warts are caused by low-risk HPV strains, usually strains 6 and 11. You can also get warts in your mouth and throat from these types. These\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/food-recipes\/health-benefits-cauliflower\" data-crosslink-type=\"article\" data-metrics-module=\"embd-lnkiclt\" data-metrics-link=\"\">cauliflower<\/a>-like growths may show up weeks or months after you\u2019re exposed to HPV through sexual contact.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Low-risk strains of HPV rarely cause cancer, but you should still tell your doctor about any new sores or growths on your skin. They can identify and treat your warts. You should also ask how to lessen the chances you\u2019ll spread HPV to someone else.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"1-3\" class=\"jumplink-headers\">HPV Symptoms<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Your immune system usually clears HPV from your body within 1-2 years. During that time, you may never know that you have an infection. But around 1% of people with low-risk HPV get obvious symptoms of genital warts.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">You could get a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/cold-and-flu\/overview\" data-crosslink-type=\"article\" data-metrics-module=\"embd-lnkiclt\" data-metrics-link=\"\">cough<\/a>, breathing problems, trouble swallowing, or hoarseness if you get warts on your vocal cords or airways (respiratory papillomatosis).<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Sometimes high-risk strains of HPV can stay in the body for many years. When this happens, you may find out you have an infection because you get symptoms from cancer caused by HPV and not from the virus itself.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Are all warts caused by HPV?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The term &#8220;papilloma&#8221; refers to a kind of noncancerous\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/skin-problems-and-treatments\/plantar-warts-palmar-warts\" data-crosslink-type=\"article\" data-metrics-module=\"embd-lnkiclt\" data-metrics-link=\"\">wart<\/a>\u00a0caused by some HPV types. All warts are caused by some kind of human papillomavirus. But different strains of HPV cause different\u00a0types of warts.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The types of warts caused by HPV may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Genital warts. You may get flat spots or raised bumps. They usually form on the outside of your vagina (vulva) or penis. But genital warts can also show up on the anus, cervix, scrotum, or anus.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Common warts. These rough bumps typically show up on your hands and fingers.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Plantar warts.\u00a0These are hard, grainy, and sometimes painful bumps that affect the bottom of your feet.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Flat warts.\u00a0Slightly raised spots with a flat top. You can get them anywhere, but they\u2019re common on the face and legs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-page active-page\" data-page=\"4\">\n<div id=\"instream-related-mod-4\" class=\"instream-related-mod\" data-v-app=\"\">\n<div class=\"instream-related-module\" data-metrics-module=\"rlt-inwell\">\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"instream-realted-label\">Related:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/sexual-conditions\/hpv-genital-warts\/hpv-virus-men?mmtrack=12108-21676-16-1-2-0-1\" data-metrics-link=\"3\">The Symptoms of HPV in Men<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>HPV and cancer<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The vast majority of HPV infections go away without causing health problems. But high-risk strains of HPV can cause changes in your cells that can turn into cervical cancer, especially if the virus stays in your body for 10 to 20 years and you\u2019re a woman or person with a cervix who is older than 30.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Other things to know about HPV and cancer include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">You can prevent cervical cancer if you catch cell changes early with a Pap test.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">High-risk HPV can cause head and neck cancer, though this isn\u2019t common.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">About 30% of mouth cancers are HPV-related, often seen in people aged 20-39.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Rates of anal cancers related to HPV are going up, particularly in people with HIV.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"1-4\" class=\"jumplink-headers\">HPV Causes<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">You usually get an HPV infection through direct skin-to-skin contact. The virus enters your body through some\u00a0kind of opening in your skin, such as a cut, scrape, or other tear in your skin or mucosal layers (such as the kind that line your vagina, penis, anus, or mouth and throat).<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">You can pass HPV to your baby if you have an active infection that causes genital warts when you\u2019re pregnant. In rare cases, this can cause a noncancerous growth in your baby\u2019s voice box (larynx).<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>Is HPV contagious?\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Yes. HPV spreads easily from person to person. That\u2019s why there\u2019s an 80% chance you\u2019ll get it by the time you\u2019re 45, particularly if you\u2019re not vaccinated.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">You can get an infection from\u00a0someone if they don\u2019t have noticeable symptoms. But you can also get HPV by touching someone else\u2019s wart, or, less commonly, by touching a surface that\u00a0comes into contact with skin that has HPV on it.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Risk factors for HPV include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Damaged skin. Places on your skin that have been cut a lot or have holes are more likely to get common warts.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Direct contact. If you touch someone\u2019s warts or come into contact with surfaces their warts have touched, you can get HPV.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Number of sexual partners. The more sexual partners you have, the higher your risk of getting HPV. If you have sex with someone who has many partners, that increases your risk, too.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Age. Children are more likely to get common warts. Genital warts are more common in adolescents and young adults.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Weak immune system. If you have a condition such as HIV or AIDS or are on treatment that weakens your immune system, you\u2019re more likely to get HPV.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-page active-page\" data-page=\"5\">\n<div id=\"instream-related-mod-5\" class=\"instream-related-mod\" data-v-app=\"\">\n<div class=\"instream-related-module\" data-metrics-module=\"rlt-inwell\">\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"instream-realted-label\">Related:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/sexual-conditions\/ss\/slideshow-std-pictures-and-facts?mmtrack=12530-18076-16-1-2-0-1\" data-metrics-link=\"4\">Facts About STDs: See What Some Look Like<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"1-6\" class=\"jumplink-headers\">HPV Tests<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">There\u2019s no blood test for HPV. But if you have genital warts, your doctor may be able to diagnose you just by looking at them.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">If you don\u2019t have symptoms that your doctor can see, other HPV tests may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Vinegar solution test. This test uses a vinegar (acetic acid) solution. Your doctor applies it to your genital area. If you have lesions in the area, they\u2019ll turn white.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Pap test. Your doctor uses a swab to collect samples from your cervix or vagina. They send the samples to a lab to see if you have abnormal cells. Abnormal cells can lead to cancer.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Colposcopy. This is a test\u00a0your\u00a0doctor may\u00a0use to check for HPV on your cervix. They\u2019ll find and remove cells that may turn into cancer. They\u2019ll use an instrument called a colposcope to magnify your cervix and take tissue samples (called a biopsy).<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Anoscopy. Your doctor may look inside your anus with a camera to check for warts, abnormal cells, or other signs of cancer.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">DNA test. If you\u2019re a woman or someone with a cervix who is older than age 30, your doctor may recommend this test along with a Pap test. They look at the DNA of the cells of your cervix to see if you have the type of HPV that can lead to cancer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Unlike HPV found in the cervix, your doctor can\u2019t test for HPV in other parts of your body. And there\u2019s no FDA-approved test to screen for HPV in people assigned male at birth.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Pap tests for the anus may help your doctor find precancerous cells in this area. This kind of test might be right for you if you give or receive anal sex from other men, are HIV-positive, or test positive for HPV in other areas. Ask your doctor about anal cancer screenings for HPV.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"1-7\" class=\"jumplink-headers\">HPV Treatments<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">There\u2019s no treatment for the HPV infection itself. But you can get treatment for the warts or cell changes and cancer caused by HPV.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-page active-page\" data-page=\"6\">\n<div id=\"instream-related-mod-6\" class=\"instream-related-mod\" data-v-app=\"\">\n<div class=\"instream-related-module\" data-metrics-module=\"rlt-inwell\">\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"instream-realted-label\">Related:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/sexual-conditions\/hpv-genital-warts\/hpv-virus-men?mmtrack=12108-21676-16-1-2-0-1\" data-metrics-link=\"5\">The Symptoms of HPV in Men<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Warts may go away without treatment, especially in kids. These growths may come back since there\u2019s no cure for HPV. Some medications can treat them, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Imiquimod. This is a prescription cream that helps your immune system get rid of HPV. It can cause some redness and swelling around the area you apply it.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Podofilox. You apply this gel directly to genital warts to destroy their tissue. You may get some burning and itching from it.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Salicylic acid. You put treatments with this ingredient directly on the wart. They destroy the wart one layer at a time. You shouldn\u2019t use it on your face.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Trichloroacetic acid. This burns off warts on your palms, soles of your feet, and genitals. It may irritate your skin.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">If medication doesn\u2019t get rid of your warts, your doctor can try to remove them.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">HPV treatment for genital warts or other kinds of warts may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Cryotherapy (freezing with liquid nitrogen)<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Electrocautery (burning with an electric current)<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Surgery to remove the wart<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Laser surgery (using intense light to destroy warts and abnormal cells)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">To remove any precancerous cells on your cervix, your doctor may use:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). This uses a thin wire loop with an electric current to remove a layer of cervical tissue.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Cold knife conization (cone biopsy). A doctor removes a cone-shaped piece of tissue from your cervix and sends it to a lab to look for abnormal cells.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Cryosurgery. Your doctor uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal tissue.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Surgery<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Laser surgery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"1-8\" class=\"jumplink-headers\">HPV Complications<\/h2>\n<p>When HPV doesn\u2019t go away, it can lead to other problems. Some HPV infections cause lesions, or abnormal areas on your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/oral-health\/tongue-problem-basics-sore-or-discolored-tongue-and-tongue-bumps\" data-crosslink-type=\"article\" data-metrics-link=\"\">tongue<\/a>,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/oral-health\/tonsillitis-symptoms-causes-and-treatments\" data-crosslink-type=\"article\" data-metrics-link=\"\">tonsils<\/a>, soft palate, or in your nose or larynx.<\/p>\n<p>HPV can also cause cancer. Certain strains of HPV can lead to cancer of the:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Genitals<\/li>\n<li>Anus<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/oral-health\/cm\/rm-quiz-what-do-you-know-about-your-teeth\" data-crosslink-type=\"tools\" data-metrics-link=\"\">Mouth<\/a>\u00a0and upper respiratory tract<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"1-9\" class=\"jumplink-headers\">HPV Prevention<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">You may not be able to avoid exposure to all types of HPV. That\u2019s because it can spread so easily through skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-page active-page\" data-page=\"7\">\n<div id=\"instream-related-mod-7\" class=\"instream-related-mod\" data-v-app=\"\">\n<div class=\"instream-related-module\" data-metrics-module=\"rlt-inwell\">\n<ul>\n<li><span class=\"instream-realted-label\">Related:<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/cancer\/ss\/slideshow-cancer-symptoms-signs?mmtrack=12563-18160-16-1-2-0-1\" data-metrics-link=\"6\">15 Cancer Symptoms to Know<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">It\u2019s important to note that you can\u2019t get HPV from:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Sitting on a toilet seat<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Swimming in a pool or hot tub<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Sharing utensils<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Coming into contact with HPV-infected blood<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The only way to prevent an HPV-related genital or throat infection is to avoid all sexual contact. But that\u2019s not realistic for most people, and you can get HPV even if you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex with just one person.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">There are ways to lessen your chances of getting HPV or passing it to others, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Get the HPV vaccine.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Get your child vaccinated (by age 11 or 12, if possible).<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Always wear a condom (though, the skin not covered by the condom can get HPV).<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Choose fewer sex partners.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Get routine Pap tests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">While you can\u2019t completely avoid low-risk HPV infections (such as those that cause common or plantar warts on your hands and feet), you can reduce your chances of getting an infection or passing it to others if you:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Don\u2019t pick at warts you already have.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Don\u2019t bite your nails.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Wear shoes or sandals in locker rooms or public pools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>How often should I screen for HPV?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Even if you get the HPV vaccine, you should get routine Pap tests starting at age 21. These tests can detect abnormal cell changes in your cervix before they turn into cancer. And you may be less likely to pass HPV to\u00a0someone else if you know you have it and practice safer sex.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">There are different guidelines for how often you\u00a0should get cervical cancer screenings or HPV tests based on age:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Ages 21-29: Get a Pap test every 3 years.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Ages 30-65: Get an HPV test every 5 years; or an HPV\/Pap cotest every 5 years; or a Pap test every 3 years.<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Over age 65: Ask your doctor if you still need screenings. You may need to keep getting testing if you test\u00a0positive for HPV or have abnormal Pap tests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">You may need to get tested more often if you:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Live with HIV<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Have other health problems that weaken your immune system<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Have had cervical cancer<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Had an\u00a0abnormal cervical screening recently<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-page active-page\" data-page=\"8\">\n<section>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>HPV vaccine\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The HPV vaccine is most effective if you get it before you\u2019re sexually active, which is why it\u2019s recommended that people of all genders get it by age 11 or 12 (or at least by age 26).<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">But anyone between the ages of 9 and 45 can get the HPV vaccine. If you\u2019re older than 26, ask your doctor if they think you might benefit from the\u00a0series of shots.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">There are three HPV vaccines, including:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Cervarix<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Gardasil<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Gardasil-9 (the only vaccine currently used in the U.S.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The vaccines target high-risk types of HPV. All three guard against HPV 16 and 18. Gardasil and Gardasil-9 are also effective against HPV 6 and 11, which cause most genital warts. Gardasil-9 also targets high-risk strains 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">The HPV vaccine is not recommended for pregnant people.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><strong>HPV vaccine side effects<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">While the HPV vaccine is generally considered safe, you might have some short-term side effects. They\u2019re generally mild and similar to things you might experience from other vaccines.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">HPV vaccine side effects may include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">Pain, redness, or swelling where you get the shot<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">A low fever during the 2 weeks after your shot<\/li>\n<li dir=\"ltr\" aria-level=\"1\">General flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches or fatigue<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You shouldn\u2019t get follow-up shots if you have a serious allergic\u00a0reaction to any dose of\u00a0the HPV vaccine. Ask your doctor if that\u2019s something you or your child should be concerned about.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"1-10\" class=\"jumplink-headers\">Takeaways<\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a very common group of viruses. Almost everyone gets an HPV infection at some point in their life, often through sexual contact. Your body usually clears the virus in a few years without causing symptoms. But some types of HPV can lead to cancer.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">There\u2019s an HPV vaccine. It\u2019s approved for males and\u00a0females aged 9-45.<\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">If you have a cervix, your doctor can check for HPV or precancerous or cancerous cell changes with routine screenings. Ask how often you should get these tests.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-page active-page\" data-page=\"9\">\n<section>\n<h2 id=\"1-11\" class=\"jumplink-headers\">HPV FAQs<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Can HPV affect pregnancy?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">You can still get pregnant if you have HPV. But you could get genital warts that bleed, get bigger, or multiply. Genital warts can sometimes block your vaginal canal, which means you might need a C-section. Rarely, you can pass HPV to your baby. They could get warts on their vocal cords, lungs, or airways.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Do I need to be tested for HPV?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">If you have a cervix, you should get routine screenings for cervical cancer and HPV between the ages of 25-65. There\u2019s no FDA-approved test to check for HPV in men or people assigned male at birth. But sometimes, doctors use a Pap test to check for HPV in the anus. Ask your doctor if this test might be right for you.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Does high-risk HPV always lead to cervical cancer?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">No. About 90% of HPV infections go away without causing serious health problems. If you do have high-risk HPV and you have a cervix, routine Pap tests can detect HPV-related cell changes before they turn into cervical cancer.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section><strong>Can adults over 26 get the HPV vaccine?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\">Yes. The vaccine is most effective if you get it when you\u2019re a preteen. However, the FDA has approved the HPV vaccine for people up to age 45. If you\u2019re older than 26, ask your doctor if you should get it.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Overview HPV infection is a viral infection. There are more than 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Some types of HPV infection cause skin growths called warts and some types &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2863,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2862","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmpackz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2862","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmpackz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmpackz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmpackz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmpackz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2862"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edmpackz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2862\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2864,"href":"https:\/\/edmpackz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2862\/revisions\/2864"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmpackz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2863"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edmpackz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2862"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmpackz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2862"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edmpackz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2862"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}