Is it okay...

is an incredibly common STI. About eight out of 10 people will contract HPV at some point in their lives. Most of the time, it goes away on its own without causing symptoms.

Estimated amount of people who will acquire HPV by age 45.

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OB/GYN with Kaiser Permanente

But certain types can cause genital warts or cancers, including cervical and oral cancers. That’s why you should consider
HPV vaccination, and regular screenings.

The CDC recommends this two-dose vaccine for children at ages 11 or 12, but it can safely be given to people up to age 45. It protects against many strains of HPV that can lead to different kinds of cancer and genital warts.

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• Use condoms and other barrier methods. They’re not 100% effective, but they will reduce the risk of contracting HPV.

There are two common screenings available for people with vaginas to detect HPV or HPV-related issues:

the HPV test and the Pap test.

These look for changes in cells in the cervix, which can be caused by HPV.

These detect strains of the virus that often lead to cervical cancer.

• There’s currently no approved HPV test for people with penises.

Screenings
save lives

What if I test positive for HPV?

Consider quitting smoking

HPV is common and typically manageable. Many doctors say removing the stigma and increasing knowledge around HPV would help with prevention, and would encourage more folks to come in for life-saving screenings and vaccinations.

Can I have sex if
I have HPV?

Should I tell my partner I have HPV?

So, is it okay...

Most people are exposed at some point, and it’s usually no biggie. But it’s important to be informed and educated, and to continue to get regular screenings.

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Is it okay...

to have HPV?

is an incredibly common STI. About eight out of 10 people will contract HPV at some point in their lives. Most of the time, it goes away on its own without causing symptoms.

HPV, or human papillomavirus

Estimated amount of people who will acquire HPV by age 45.

80%

OB/GYN with Kaiser Permanente

— Kari Carlson, MD

There are many different types of HPV. It can be spread through oral, vaginal, or anal sex. But it can take years to be detected after having sex with someone who’s carrying HPV in their cells.

But certain types can cause genital warts or cancers, including cervical and oral cancers. That’s why you should consider HPV vaccination, and regular screenings.

Most HPVis harmless.

The CDC recommends this two-dose vaccine for children at ages 11 or 12, but it can safely be given to people up to age 45. It protects against many strains of HPV that can lead to different kinds of cancer and genital warts.

The HPVvaccine

• Use condoms and other barrier methods. They’re not 100% effective, but they will reduce the risk of contracting HPV.

Other ways toreduce your chances of HPV:

• Ask your partner if they’ve had the HPV vaccine.

There are two common screenings available for people with vaginas to detect HPV or HPV-related issues: the HPV test and the Pap test.

Types ofscreenings

These look for changes in cells in the cervix, which can be caused by HPV.

Pap test (or Pap smear)

These detect strains of the virus that often lead to cervical cancer.

HPV test

• There’s currently no approved HPV test for people with penises.

• Depending on your age and history, your doctor may suggest getting a Pap test alone, or the two tests together every three to five years.

Get regular screenings!

• Ask your doctor about which test you need and when.

Screeningssave lives

HPV can lead to cancer, but that cancer often takes years to develop. Pap tests and HPV tests help detect precancerous changes early on, when they’re easier to treat. Regular trips to the dentist can help screen for oral cancers, too.

What if I test positive for HPV?

Don’t stress. If you’re under 30, your immune system is likely to kick HPV on its own, even with an abnormal Pap. If you have an abnormal Pap, your doc may recommend more tests to rule out any precancers or cancers, and regular follow-ups to keep an eye on things.

Consider quitting smoking

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"Smoking doubles the risk of cervical cancer in people who have HPV," Dr. Carlson says.Smoking harms your immune system, making it less able to fight off the virus.

HPV is common and typically manageable. Many doctors say removing the stigma and increasing knowledge around HPV would help with prevention, and would encourage more folks to come in for life-saving screenings and vaccinations.

It’s time to trash HPV stigma

Can I have sex ifI have HPV?

Yes. HPV is so common that many people you’re having sex with have likely been exposed to the virus at some point. But if you do choose to have sex, it may be necessary in some cases to disclose your status to potential partners.

Should I tell my partner I have HPV?

This decision can be made on a case-by-case basis. Talk to your doctor about your test results and symptoms, and they’ll help you figure out the best option for you.

So, is it okay...

that I have HPV?

Most people are exposed at some point, and it’s usually no biggie. But it’s important to be informed and educated, and to continue to get regular screenings.

The answer is:

Absolutely.

But certain types can cause genital warts or cancers, including cervical and oral cancers. That’s why you should consider
HPV vaccination, and regular screenings.

Most HPV
is harmless.

The HPV
vaccine

Other ways to
reduce your chances of HPV:

There are two common screenings available for people with vaginas to detect HPV or HPV-related issues:

the HPV test and the Pap test.

Types of
screenings

Pap test
(or Pap smear)

Screenings
save lives

HPV can lead to cancer, but that cancer often takes years to develop.
Pap tests and HPV tests help detect precancerous changes early on, when they’re easier to treat.

Regular trips to the dentist can help screen for oral cancers, too.

"Smoking doubles the risk of cervical cancer in people who have HPV," Dr. Carlson says.

Smoking harms your immune system, making it less able to fight off the virus.

Can I have sex if
I have HPV?