Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S.
Approximately 79 million people in the United States are infected with HPV and approximately 14 million will become infected each year.
There are two classifications for HPV, non-cancerous and cancerous. Over 100 HPV types have been found and 40 HPV types can cause cancer in both men and women.
- Every year about 17,500 women and 9,300 men are affected by cancers caused by HPV
- Approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the U.S., and 4,000 women die from this disease
Protect your health – Get Tested
The Florida Department of Health’s county health departments provide sexually transmitted infection screening, counseling, treatment, and education services.
Transmission
HPV is spread through direct contact with an infected person, most frequently through sexual contact.
Symptoms
Although the majority of HPV infections are asymptomatic and resolve spontaneously, persistent infections can develop into anogenital warts, precancers, and cervical, anogenital, or oropharyngeal cancers in women and men.
Non-Cancerous HPV Types Can Cause
- Warts in oral, nasal, conjunctival areas, face, feet, hands and nails
- Respiratory tract disease
- Abnormal Pap test results in women
- Genital warts
Cancerous or High Risk HPV Types Can Cause
- Oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers
- Cervical, vulva and vagina cancer in women
- Penile cancer in men
- Anal cancers and genital warts
Testing
A health care provider will typically be able to diagnose genital warts and other bodily warts just by looking. High-risk forms of HPV may not cause symptoms, which means you’ll likely learn about an infection through a routine Pap or HPV test.
Treatment
Treatments can’t rid your body of the virus. They can remove any visible warts on your genitals or other body parts, and abnormal cells in your cervix.
Prevention
HPV vaccination prevents new HPV infections but does not treat existing HPV infections or diseases.Â
- Gardasil 9 (9vHPV, Merck) is the only HPV vaccine being distributed in the U.S.