HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection on the planet. There are over 200 strains. The immune system clears roughly 90% of infections within 18-24 months. The rest persist and, with high-risk strains like HPV-16 and HPV-18, can lead to cervical, anal, throat, penile, vaginal, or vulvar cancers years later.
The Gardasil 9 vaccine prevents about 90% of HPV-associated cancers. New evidence suggests a single dose may be as protective as the standard two- or three-dose schedule. Eligibility runs to age 45 in most countries.
This page is the home of our HPV coverage. Below — vaccine, tests, symptoms, treatments, and the lived experience of people with HPV.
Understanding HPV
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection on Earth — about 80% of sexually active people will have it at some point. Most clear it naturally. Here is what you actually need to know.
Symptoms in men and women
HPV often shows nothing. When it does, symptoms differ between men and women and between strains. This is what to watch for.
Vaccine — Gardasil 9, schedules, single-dose research
The HPV vaccine prevents roughly 90% of HPV-associated cancers. Eligible up to age 45 in many countries. Latest research suggests a single dose may be enough.
Persistent infections and treatment research
Most HPV clears within 1-2 years. Persistent infections need closer monitoring. Promising therapies are in trials — including the first therapeutic vaccine candidates.
Living with HPV — personal stories
Stories from people who got an HPV diagnosis and walked through stigma, partner trust, and reclaiming sexual health.
In-depth HPV guides
All guides →HPV vaccine for adults over 26 — is it worth it?
FDA-approved to 45. Honest numbers on benefit.
HPV warts removal — which treatment actually works?
Seven evidence-based options compared.
HPV and cervical cancer risk
Most HPV clears. Persistent high-risk strains are what matters.
HPV in men — symptoms, testing, treatment
Most men with HPV never know. No screening test. What to watch for.
Anal cancer screening for MSM
ANCHOR trial proved screening works. What anal Pap and HRA mean.
Genital warts treatment options compared
Cryotherapy, imiquimod, podophyllotoxin, TCA — seven options side-by-side.
HPV throat cancer — what to know
Now more common in US men than cervical cancer in US women. Vaccine prevents it.
Cervical cancer screening guidelines (2026)
Current Pap, HPV co-test, and primary HPV screening intervals by age.
Penile cancer warning signs
HPV causes 60% of cases. Self-exam, lichen sclerosus, when to see a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Does HPV go away on its own?+
About 90% of HPV infections clear naturally within two years as the immune system fights off the virus. The remaining persistent infections, especially with high-risk strains (HPV-16, HPV-18), are the ones that may progress to cell changes or cancer over many years and need monitoring.
Is there an HPV test for men?+
There is no FDA-approved routine HPV test for men in the United States. Anal Pap testing is sometimes offered to high-risk groups (men who have sex with men, immunocompromised people). For most men, HPV is diagnosed clinically — by visible warts or by complications.
Can I still get the HPV vaccine as an adult?+
Yes. The HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is approved up to age 45. Benefit is highest before sexual debut but real for adults who have not been exposed to all nine vaccine-covered strains. Talk to your doctor — even partial protection matters.
How is HPV transmitted?+
HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, primarily during vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Condoms reduce but do not eliminate risk because HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom. Non-sexual transmission (sharing towels, toilet seats) is extremely rare.
Does HPV cause cancer?+
Certain high-risk HPV strains, especially HPV-16 and HPV-18, cause about 5% of all cancers worldwide — including nearly all cervical cancers, plus many cancers of the anus, throat, penis, vagina, and vulva. The vaccine prevents about 90% of these.
How does a married woman get HPV?+
HPV often lies dormant for years before showing up on a test, so a diagnosis in a monogamous relationship does not mean recent infidelity. You may have acquired the virus years before the current relationship. Bring this up with the doctor and the partner — context matters.
Is HPV the same as herpes?+
No. HPV is human papillomavirus (causes warts and certain cancers). Herpes is herpes simplex virus (causes recurring sores). Different viruses, different transmission patterns, different treatments. Both are extremely common.
HPV is common. So are people who get it.
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