22/11/2022
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common s*xually transmitted infection (STI).
HPV vaccines can prevent some of the health effects HPV causes.
How is HPV spread?
You can get HPV by having vaginal, a**l, or oral s*x with someone who has the virus. It is most commonly spread during vaginal or a**l s*x. It also spreads through close skin-to-skin touching during s*x. A person with HPV can pass the infection to someone even when they have no signs or symptoms.
If you are s*xually active, you can get HPV, even if you have had s*x with only one person. You also can develop symptoms years after having s*x with someone who has the infection. This makes it hard to know when you first got it.
How can I avoid HPV and the health problems it can cause?
You can do several things to lower your chances of getting HPV.
Get vaccinated. The HPV vaccine is safe and effective. It can protect against diseases (including cancers) caused by HPV when given in the recommended age groups. (See “Who should get vaccinated?” below.)
Get screened for cervical cancer. Routine screening for women aged 21 to 65 years old can prevent cervical cancer.
If you are s*xually active:
Use condoms the right way every time you have s*x. This can lower your chances of getting HPV. But HPV can infect areas the condom does not cover. So, condoms may not fully protect against getting HPV; and Be in a mutually monogamous relationship – or have s*x only with someone who only has s*x with you.
Who should get the HPV vaccine?
CDC recommends HPV vaccination for:
All preteens (including boys and girls) at age 11 or 12 years (or can start at age 9 years).
Everyone through age 26 years, if not vaccinated already.
Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. However, some adults age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their healthcare provider about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit. Most s*xually active adults have already been exposed to HPV, although not necessarily all of the HPV types targeted by vaccination.
At any age, having a new s*x partner is a risk factor for getting a new HPV infection. People who are already in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship are not likely to get a new HPV infection.
Schedule your vaccination at home.
