What Is HPV and How Is It Spread?
HPV is a virus that’s mainly spread through skin-to-skin contact during sex. Nearly all sexually active people who aren’t vaccinated against HPV will be infected at some point in their lives.
The tricky part about HPV is that you can have it without even knowing. This means people often pass it on without realizing they’re infected. Plus, the virus can hide in your body for years before causing any issues, which makes it hard to pinpoint where or when you got it.
So, Is HPV Serious?
There are more than 100 different strains of HPV, and some are more serious than others. “For most people, an HPV infection comes and goes without issue,” explains Taylor Dayton, MD, Carilion Clinic Family Medicine. “The body’s immune system usually clears it up on its own within a couple of years.” But sometimes the virus sticks around and can lead to more serious problems in both men and women, like:
- Cervical Cancer: Almost all cases of cervical cancer are linked to HPV. Women ages 21 – 65 should get regular Pap smears to screen for cervical cancer. These tests can help catch early signs of trouble before they turn into something more serious.
- Other Cancers: HPV can also cause cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva and throat. Researchers have noticed a particular rise in HPV-related throat cancer in men.
- Genital Warts: Some of the low-risk types of HPV can cause genital warts, which are annoying but not dangerous. These can be treated, but they often come back.
How To Prevent HPV
Condoms can protect you from many STIs, but they aren’t enough against HPV. “The best way to protect yourself from HPV is to get vaccinated,” says Dr. Dayton.
The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. It’s given in a 2- or 3-shot series, depending on your age. Most people don’t have side effects, but mild symptoms like pain, redness and swelling where the vaccine was injected are possible.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all boys and girls get the HPV vaccine around age 9 – 12. But even if you missed the window when you were younger, you can still get vaccinated up to age 45 in some cases. Keep in mind the vaccine prevents new infections—it doesn’t cure existing infections.
Talk to your family physician to see if it’s the right time for you or your child to receive the HPV vaccine.
