The Basics and Beyond: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Updated May 30, 2025

A quick web search for HPV yields millions of results — with all kinds of information, much of which is medically inaccurate. Whether you’ve been recently diagnosed or are simply looking to understand more about the most common sexually transmitted infection, this article is intended to bring you some peace of mind, with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about human papillomavirus (HPV).

What is HPV?

HPV is a virus that is transmitted sexually or through skin-to-skin contact. HPV encompasses more than a hundred different strains. Just like any diverse family, every strain is different. Some strains cause warts on the hands, feet (plantar warts), or genitals. Although warts are pesky, they’re rarely harmful and are easily treated. Other strains of HPV can cause changes to cells, which can lead to certain cancers, such as cervical, throat, anal, and penile cancers.

How common is HPV?

The figures are staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 42 million Americans have the virus, and there are approximately 13 million new HPV infections each year. In fact, HPV is so common that experts say most sexually active individuals will get at least one strain of the virus at some point during their lives.

Luckily, 90% of HPV infections are transient, meaning most clear on their own in about two years without any treatment. It’s very possible to have had – and have cleared – an infection without ever knowing you were infected in the first place.

How is HPV transmitted?

HPV is most commonly transmitted from skin-to-skin contact. That means certain strains can also be transmitted sexually. It affects all individuals of all sexual orientations. Because HPV is passed so easily just from skin-to-skin contact, condoms help, but they’re not foolproof. And it’s not passed just through genital-to-genital contact, either. Fingers and toys can also pass the virus to a partner.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

Most strains of HPV are asymptomatic, meaning you won’t notice any signs that you have the virus. If you have symptoms, they will usually develop between a few weeks and several months after you’ve been exposed. Some viral strains cause warts, which appear as cauliflower-like lesions on the skin or in the genital regions. Other strains may not cause warts at all, but can cause cancers. Fortunately, these strains can be identified via cervical cancer screening, which is why testing is so important.

How do I get tested for HPV?

We recommend having a conversation with your healthcare provider about starting cervical cancer screening around age 21. However, because most people under age 25 with a cervix naturally clear HPV infections and related cell changes on their own, we generally suggest beginning HPV testing at age 25.

At One Medical, we recommend cervical cancer screening with HPV testing every five years for those at average risk between ages 25 and 65.

If you’d prefer not to have a pelvic exam, HPV self-testing is an option in a healthcare setting. While this method doesn't check cervical cells for cancer, it can detect the presence of HPV. If you choose self-testing, it's advised to repeat the test every three years.

What does it mean if my test came back positive for HPV?

Even though HPV is extremely common, it can still be a shock to get a diagnosis. If the test shows a positive HPV result, the next step depends on several factors, including whether the strain of HPV was high-risk or low-risk and whether the cervical cells showed any changes. Your history will also be taken into account if you’ve had previous Pap smears or HPV testing.

Depending on the results,your provider may recommend an examination of the cervix with a special microscope called a colposcope in order to determine whether there are any abnormal changes to the cells. If there are, your provider may take a freckle-sized sample of your cervical cells and send them to a pathologist for more information. This procedure may involve light cramping, but it won’t have any effect on your fertility or ability to have a healthy pregnancy in the future.

If I was vaccinated against HPV, am I immune?

The HPV vaccine protects against the nine most common strains of HPV. It includes coverage for two of the most common strains that cause genital warts (types 6 and 11) and two of the more serious strains that cause cervical cancer (types 16 and 18). The HPV vaccine is highly effective in preventing cervical cancers, but it doesn’t protect against all strains of the virus.

Should I be vaccinated against HPV?

The CDC strongly recommends routine vaccination for everyone at age 11 or 12, although it can be given as early as 9 years old. Individuals up to age 26 should be vaccinated if they weren’t already in childhood. .

The HPV vaccine is typically covered by insurance in these age groups, but check with your insurance company if you have questions.

Additionally, some adults ages 27 through 45 years may decide to get the HPV vaccine after discussing the potential benefits with their provider. Insurance coverage in this age group is more variable and we recommend checking with your insurance company regarding your benefits.

Are there any downsides to getting the vaccine?

Anyone who is allergic to the ingredients of the HPV vaccine, including those who are severely allergic to yeast, should not receive the vaccine. The HPV vaccine is not for individuals who are pregnant. The vaccine is most protective in people who have never had sexual intercourse.

Does the vaccine cure HPV?

The vaccine is strictly preventive; it doesn’t treat or cure existing HPV, cervical cell changes, or genital warts.