Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus spread through sexual contact. Most of the time, HPV has no symptoms – so people don’t know they have it or that they are spreading it.

Although there are about 40 types of genital HPV, types 16 and 18 are linked to­­ 70 percent of invasive cervical cancers in women. These cancers, plus certain throat cancers in men and women, can be prevented with HPV vaccines.

Research underscores the high rates of HPV in sexually active people. In fact, HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide. In the United States, about 25 million women age 14 to 50 are infected.

Studies suggest that adolescents and young women are the most vulnerable to HPV, with high rates of infection seen shortly after the onset of sexual activity – suggesting that many women get it from their first male sexual partner.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?

Everyone! Encourage your friends to get the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends it for everyone age 9 to 26.

In spite of the CDC recommendation that girls age 9 and older be vaccinated against the four strains of HPV most likely to cause cervical cancer, only 1 out of 4 girls has received all three HPV shots.

As of 2009, HPV vaccine recommendations include boys, too. If you haven’t been vaccinated, talk to your doctor. The vaccine is most effective if you get it before you become sexually active.

What Does the HPV Vaccine Do?

Getting the vaccine is vital to protect against HPV, but it doesn’t protect you from other STIs or pregnancy. Always use a condom when you are sexually active.

Using condoms can protect you from STIs. However, HPV, like herpes (HSV), can pass between people via skin-to-skin contact, not just penetration. Condoms can’t protect you 100 percent from HPV or HSV, but they can protect you from other STIs.

Youth reviewer: Trinh Tran

Reviewed by: Sharanjit Dosanjh, RN

Last reviewed: October 2019