Facts about HPV

FACT: In addition to cervical cancer, HPV can cause penile, anal, mouth, and throat cancers
FACT: HPV infection is very common, with an estimated 14 million new cases in the US annually
FACT: HPV can affect both men and women
FACT: HPV is spread by intimate skin-to-skin contact and while most cases are sexually transmitted, people who haven’t had intercourse can become infected
FACT: HPV vaccine can help protect against oropharyngeal (throat) cancer, which is more common in men
FACT: HPV is spread through genital or skin-to-skin contact and the virus can be spread even when no symptoms are present
FACT: HPV vaccines do not treat HPV infection and there is currently no cure for HPV infection
FACT: Individuals infected with HPV should still get vaccinated because the vaccine may protect against additional HPV strains; however, for maximum benefit, vaccination should occur before an individual becomes sexually active and exposed to the virus
FACT: Vaccinated women should continue to get regularly scheduled Pap screenings because the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV
FACT: HPV vaccine does not lead to increases in sexual activity

Updated January 2023

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention