What is HPV?
HPV is short for human papillomavirus. HPVs are a large group of over 150 related viruses. Some HPV types cause papillomas (warts), which are non-cancerous tumors. But some types of HPV are known to cause cancer, including:
- Cervical cancer
- Vulvar cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Penile cancer
- Anal cancer
- Mouth and throat cancer
How Does HPV Spread?
According to the American Cancer Society, most people who have sex get at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives, as HPV is spread mainly by direct skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, oral, or anal sexual activity. It’s not spread through blood or body fluids and it can be spread without visible signs or symptoms. While HPV usually goes away on it own, when it doesn't, it can cause genital warts and cancer.
How Do You Prevent HPV?
HPV vaccines are safe and effective, and can prevent certain types of HPV, including those that are linked to HPV-related cancers. Vaccines are approved for use in males and females. It takes two vaccinations to be fully immunized!
HPV Vaccine Schedule
- To work best, the HPV vaccines should be given between the ages of 9 and 12. Two doses of the HPV shot are needed, 6-12 months apart.
- Teens and young adults ages 13 through 26 years who have not been vaccinated or who have not received all of their shots should get the vaccine as soon as possible. Vaccination of young adults will not prevent as many cancers as vaccination of children and teens.
Iowa's community health centers are here to help! Find a community health center near you to start protecting yourself against HPV and getting on the HPV vaccine schedule.
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