Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD) in the United States. HPV can lead to cervical cancer in women, as well as other oral and genital (sex organ) cancers in men and women. HPV also causes genital warts.
• HPV is usually spread during sex. You can spread (or get) the virus without knowing it. Sometimes babies become infected from their mothers during birth.
• HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer. In the United States, about 10,000 women get cervical cancer every year, and about 4,000 die from it. It can also lead to cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus, throat, and mouth.
• If you ever have sex, you are at risk. At least half of sexually active people get infected with HPV at some point in their lives.
• Vaccination is the best way to prevent HPV infection.
| HPV Vaccine Schedule |
| The vaccine is most effective if you get it before becoming sexually active. However, if you are already sexually active, you should still get vaccinated. Both girls and boys should get HPV vaccine, starting at around age 11–12 years. Older teens and young adults should also start or complete their HPV vaccine series. Adults 19 through 45 years of age can also be vaccinated. The HPV vaccine series is given over a period of 6 months. |