You might not think about HPV often—but it’s likely someone close to you has it.
In fact, HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide. It’s so common that nearly everyone who’s sexually active will contract it at some point in their lives.
So why don’t we talk about it more?
Many people don’t know they have it, and others are unsure what it means, how to prevent it, or whether they should worry.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- What HPV is
- How it’s spread
- Who should get screened
- And how you can protect yourself and others
Let’s break it down.
What Is HPV?
HPV stands for human papillomavirus, a group of more than 150 related viruses.
Some types of HPV cause genital warts, while others are classified as high-risk strains that can lead to cancers—especially cervical cancer.
The virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity. This includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex—even without penetration.
Most HPV infections go away on their own. However, some can persist without symptoms and eventually cause serious health problems.
According to the CDC, around 42 million people in the U.S. have HPV at any given time, with 13 million new infections each year (CDC).
How Is HPV Transmitted?
HPV spreads via skin contact, not bodily fluids—which is why it’s often passed even when condoms are used.
Ways it can be transmitted:
- Vaginal or anal sex
- Oral sex
- Genital-to-genital contact
- Sharing sex toys
You can contract HPV even if:
- You’ve only had one sexual partner
- You don’t have any symptoms.
- Your partner had no idea they were infecte.d
That’s why screening and vaccination are critical prevention tools.
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Symptoms of HPV: What to Watch For
In most cases, HPV causes no symptoms and goes unnoticed.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Genital warts (small bumps on the vulva, cervix, anus, or throat)
- Persistent abnormal Pap smear results
- Unexplained changes to your period or discharge (in rare advanced cases)
The most serious risk? Persistent HPV infections can lead to:
- Cervical cancer
- Vaginal or vulvar cancer
- Anal cancer
- Oropharyngeal (throat) cancer
But here’s the good news: Cervical cancer is highly preventable with regular screening and early treatment.
HPV Testing & Screening
HPV is often detected through:
- Pap smears: Looks for abnormal cervical cells
- HPV tests: Checks directly for the virus (especially high-risk strains)
Doctors typically recommend:
- Women 21–29: Pap smear every 3 years
- Women 30–65: Pap + HPV test every 5 years, or Pap alone every 3 years
HPV screening may also be recommended if:
- You have a new sexual partner
- You’ve had abnormal Pap results in the past
- You’re immunocompromised
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Protecting Yourself from HPV
You can’t eliminate all risks—but there are powerful ways to reduce your chances of infection:
1. Get the HPV Vaccine
- Available for ages 9 to 45 (best before becoming sexually active)
- Protects against 9 high-risk and wart-causing strains
- Shown to reduce cervical cancer rates by up to 90%
2. Use Barriers
- Condoms and dental dams reduce risk (though not fully)
- Important with new or multiple partners
3. Get Regular Screening
- Early detection = early treatment
- Discuss testing frequency with your gynecologist
4. Limit Tobacco Use
- Smoking makes it harder for the body to clear HPV
5. Talk Openly with Partners
- Most people don’t know they carry HPV
- Normalize discussions around STI testing and prevention.
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💬 Expert Tip
💡 “The HPV vaccine is one of the greatest advancements in cancer prevention. Every woman should have access to accurate information and the option to protect herself.”
— Dr. Lee Yanyi, OBGYN & Preventive Medicine Specialist
Final Thoughts
HPV is incredibly common—but it’s also highly preventable.
You can dramatically reduce your risk of infection and related complications through vaccination, screening, and education.
You’re not alone in navigating this—millions of women are learning and protecting themselves, just like you.
👉 Want clarity on your risk or symptoms?
Take our free 5-minute reproductive health quiz to assess where you stand—and what to do next.
👉 https://zorahealth.co/quiz/perimenopause
Sources:
Anna Haotanto is the Founder of Zora Health and a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment. Anna’s personal experiences with egg-freezing, PCOS, perimenopause and the challenges of fertility have fueled her mission to provide high-quality information, financing, and support to help women and couples navigate their fertility journeys with confidence. She is also recognised for her achievements in finance, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment, and has been featured in various media outlets. You can also follow her on Linkedin or Instagram.
