WTF is
HPV?
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are many different types of HPV. Most types go away on their own and do not cause any health issues, but some types can cause health problems including genital warts and cancers. The good thing is that there is a vaccine to prevent many types of HPV.
Hmm...
How do I know if I have it?
Most people with HPV do not know they have it and never develop symptoms or health problems from it. Others may only find out they have HPV once they’ve developed more serious conditions from the virus, such as cancers.
Symptoms may include:
- Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps on genital areas like the vulva, vagina, penis, scrotum, or anus.
- Warts can also appear on the mouth or throat if you come into contact with the virus during oral sex.
- Warts can be small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like a cauliflower.
- A healthcare provider can usually diagnose warts by looking at the genital areas.
- Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or group of bumps on genital areas like the vulva, vagina, penis, scrotum, or anus.
- Warts can also appear on the mouth or throat if you come into contact with the virus during oral sex.
- Warts can be small or large, raised or flat, or shaped like a cauliflower.
- A healthcare provider can usually diagnose warts by looking at the genital areas.
How do I get tested?
Individuals with cervixes should get the recommended cervical cancer screening for their age. There is currently no approved test for HPV in men. Men who have receptive anal sex (aka bottoming) and men living with HIV can ask their healthcare provider about anal Pap tests if they are concerned about getting HPV.
Cervical Pap smears are offered at Health Center 1
Uh...
How do I get treated?
There is no treatment for the virus itself, but there are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause:
- Genital warts can be treated with prescription medication, often a cream or resin applied directly to the skin or by freezing the wart off. Many of these medications need to be applied by a health care provider Warts that do not respond to medication or larger warts may need to be removed during a procedure with a healthcare provider. Over the counter wart remover should never be used to treat genital warts.
- Cervical precancer can be treated. Routine Pap tests for women can be used identify problems before cancer develops. Prevention is always better than treatment.
- Other HPV-related cancers are more treatable when diagnosed early.
Well...
How is it transmitted?
- HPV is spread by having oral, vaginal, or anal sex with someone who has HPV, even if they don’t have any signs or symptoms.
- HPV is most commonly spread during vaginal or anal sex.
Ok...
How do I protect myself?
- Get vaccinated. HPV vaccines are recommended for everyone aged 26 and younger. People aged 27-45 may decide the vaccine is right for them after discussing it with a healthcare provider.
- Use condoms every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. While condoms don’t fully cover all the areas that could come in contact with HPV, they lower your chances of getting it.
COMMON STIs AND OTHER INFECTIONS
Read more about the most common STIs and other infections below to know how to get tested and treated.
Syphilis is an STI that starts as a painless sore. It can cause many different symptoms including rash, swollen lymph nodes and even brain damage and blindness.
Chlamydia is an STI that may include painful urination and abnormal discharge from the penis or vagina.
Gonorrhea is an STI that causes painful urination and discharge. If untreated it may cause infertility.
Mpox is spread through close, physical contact between individuals. Symptoms can include rashes, bumps, or blisters.
Vaginitis is a term that covers multiple conditions that are not always transmitted through sex.
Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis is often caused by a virus and there are many different kinds.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). There are many different types of HPV, some more serious than others. The good thing is that there is a vaccine to prevent many types of HPV. Learn more