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Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that is spread from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. HPV can be spread even if there is no intercourse.

There are about 40 types of HPV that can infect men and women. Some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer in women. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts.

Many sexually active people (at least 50%) get HPV at some time in their lives, although most never know it because HPV usually has no symptoms and goes away on its own. However, while a person is infected with HPV, they can spread the virus to other sex partners. HPV is most common in young women and men who are in their late teens and early 20s.

Some types of HPV can infect a woman's cervix (lower part of womb) and cause the cells to change. Most of the time, HPV goes away on its own. When HPV is gone, the cervix cells go back to normal. But sometimes, HPV does not go away. Instead, it stays in the body and continues to change the cells on a woman's cervix. These cervical cell changes (also called cervical dysplasia) can lead to cancer over time, if they are not treated.

 


Logo: NC Division of Public Health
Link: N.C. Women's and Children's Health Web Site

HPV Vaccine

The only sure protection against HPV infection is lifelong abstinence or a monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner. However, a new vaccine can now protect females (ages 9 to 26) from four major types of HPV. These include two types that cause 70% of cervical cancer and two types that cause about 90% of genital warts. HPV vaccine can prevent most genital warts and most cases of cervical cancer.

HPV vaccine is given as a series of three shots over six months. It is recommended for:

  • All 11 and 12 year old girls
  • All girls and women 13-26 years of age who did not receive it when they were younger

The vaccination can also be started for girls as early as age 9.

Additional Information on HPV and HPV Vaccine:
 

 

Last Updated: February 7, 2007

The purpose of this web site is both educational and informative.
Personal medical advice should be sought from your local health department or physician.

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