Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally, with over 200 related virus types and more than 42 million Americans currently infected. About 13 million new infections occur annually in the U.S., including teens, with half affecting people aged 15–24.

HPV spreads through intimate skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex, even without visible symptoms. Most infections (9 out of 10) resolve naturally within 2 years without symptoms or health problems.

Low-risk HPV types (especially 6 and 11) cause genital warts—flesh-colored, cauliflower-like bumps on genitals, anus, mouth, or throat. High-risk types (especially 16 and 18, causing 70% of cervical cancers) can lead to cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and head/neck cancers if persistent.

There is no treatment for HPV itself, but genital warts can be removed with creams, freezing, or surgery. Cell changes from high-risk HPV require monitoring or surgical procedures.

The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) prevents over 90% of HPV-related cancers by protecting against nine virus types, including those causing genital warts and cancers. CDC recommends vaccination at ages 11–12, but up to age 45. Condoms reduce but don't eliminate transmission risk.