December 28, 2020

7 Things You Probably Don’t Know About HPV

It's about more than cervical cancer risk

illustration of the HPV virus

While human papilloma virus, or HPV, is a well-known cause of cervical cancer, there’s a lot more you should know about this common infection.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Ob/Gyn Oluwatosin Goje, MD, shares seven things you probably didn’t know about HPV.

1. HPV is surprisingly common

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 79 million people are currently infected, and it’s estimated that almost everyone who’s sexually active will end up with at least one strain of HPV at some point.

2. There are over 200 different strains of HPV, but not all of them cause cancer

In fact, only about a dozen strains of HPV are known to cause cancer, and two particular strains — HPV 16 and 18 — are responsible for about 70% of all cervical cancers. Some strains cause warts, but not cancer, and some strains cause no problems at all.

3. HPV can cause other types of cancer besides cervical cancer

HPV is the leading cause of anal cancer and oropharyngeal cancer (cancer of the back of the throat). It’s also responsible for about half the cases of penile and vulvar cancer and about two thirds of vaginal cancer cases.

4. HPV affects men, too

Actor Michael Douglas made headlines back in 2013 when he announced that he got throat cancer, not by drinking and smoking, but from HPV. In fact, white, nonsmoking men age 35 to 55 are most at risk for oral and oropharyngeal cancers caused by HPV; they’re four times more likely than women to develop these cancers.

Advertisement

Penile and anal cancer, while rare, are also caused by HPV.

5. You can get tested for HPV — but results can be misleading

Although there are ways to test for at least some kinds of HPV infections, the results don’t always tell you much about your cancer risk.

HPV infections often resolve on their own thanks to the body’s natural immune response, which means that you might test positive only to find out a few years later that you no longer have HPV at all. Testing is not a reliable way to screen for cancer or cancer risk.

6. Knowing signs of HPV-related cancers can lead to early detection

Despite the limits of testing, it’s still a good idea for women to get a Pap test every few years (based on guidelines ) and for men and women to watch for other signs of HPV-related cancers so that you can catch any problems early. Here are some general recommendations.

For cervical cancer:

  • The Pap test detects abnormal cervical cells that could lead to cancer. All women should begin cervical cancer testing (screening) at age 21. Women from age 21 to 29 should have a Pap test every 3 years.
  • HPV testing should not be used for screening in this age group (it may be used as a part of follow-up for an abnormal Pap test).
  • Beginning at age 30, the preferred way to screen is with a Pap test combined with an HPV test every 5 years. This is called co-testing and should continue until age 65.
  • Women who are at high risk of cervical cancer because of a suppressed immune system (for example from HIV infection, organ transplant, or long term steroid use), history of abnormal Pap test or because they were exposed to DES in utero may need to be screened more often. They should follow the recommendations of their health care team.
  • The HPV DNA test is also an FDA-approved means of testing for HPV and screening for cervical cancer.

For other HPV-related cancers:

  • Vulvar and vaginal cancer: There’s no standard screening for these cancers, but being aware of your body is the next best thing. Potential causes of concern include changes in vulvar skin, itching, bleeding, burning, abnormal discharge, pelvic pain and changes in bathroom habits (going more or less frequently or having blood in the urine or stool).
  • Oropharyngeal cancers: There’s no standard screening for these cancers, but symptoms include patches of red, white, or black discoloration inside your mouth or throat, oral sores that do not heal within two to three weeks, painful swallowing, one swollen tonsil and a persistent sore throat.
  • Penile cancer: There’s also no standard screening for penile cancer, but sores or scaly areas on the penis are causes for concern.
  • Anal cancer: Although anal cancer isn’t routinely screened for, Pap tests and high-resolution anoscopies are sometimes used to check for cell abnormalities.

It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about any changes you notice in these parts of your body.

Advertisement

7. There are three simple ways to reduce your HPV risk

Although HPV is widespread and in most cases doesn’t cause problems, there are ways to minimize your risks.

  • Use a condom. HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact, and since condoms don’t cover everything, they don’t totally eliminate the risk of HPV transmission. But they can help. Dental dams can make oral sex safer, too.
  • Limit your number of sex partners. The more partners you have, the higher your risk of contracting HPV.
  • Get vaccinated. HPV vaccines are safe and effective. The CDC recommends vaccination from age 9 to 45.

Knowing your risks and watching for changes in your body will go a long way toward limiting the chances that you will have problems with HPV-related cancers. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or suspect a problem.

Related Articles

Person lifting up their sweater, showing ostomy bag in mirror's reflection
December 6, 2023
Adjusting to Life With an Ostomy Bag: What To Expect

It can be hard to get used to the bags, but the freedom they provide is worth the challenge

Happy caucasian woman hiking in forest
December 6, 2023
Forest Bathing: What It Is and Its Potential Benefits

Immersing yourself in nature can improve both your mental and physical health

Woman looking in mirror and pulling skin until wrinkles disappear
December 6, 2023
Should You Add Collagen Supplements to Your Skin Care Routine?

Though popular with influencers and celebrities, there’s little research to back up claims that they work

A vaccine syringe in front of a passport for international travel.
December 5, 2023
Which Vaccines Are Required To Travel?

Plan early — getting the right vaccines can help you stay healthy on your travels

Person overheated lying on chair on the beach; heart rythym next to him
December 5, 2023
How the Heat Can Affect Your Heart

Sizzling temperatures force your heart to work much harder

nocovaine needle entering mouth with dental mirror
December 4, 2023
How Long Does Novocaine Last?

The numbness and tingling should wear off in about two hours

bearded man sitting crosslegged holding clock in one hand, calendar in other
December 4, 2023
Are Bare Minimum Mondays Good for Your Mental Health?

Rethinking your Mondays might make the ‘Sunday scaries’ a thing of the past

A sad couple standing on each side of a large broken heart
December 4, 2023
Yes, You Can Die From a Broken Heart — But No, It’s Not Likely at All

The emotional toll of loss and other strong emotions can have life-threatening physical effects

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad