Understanding HPV and Cervical Cancer

What’s the link between HPV and Cervical Cancer?

HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus. Most people who have sex will get HPV, often in the first few years they are sexually active. For most of these people, the HPV will go away within a few years, and many will never realize they had HPV.

• There are more than 40 types of HPV that you can get from having sex.
• Most cause no symptoms or serious health problems
• Some of these can cause genital warts.
• Others may lead to cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is caused when certain types of HPV don’t go away —this is called persistent HPV infection. The types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer don’t have symptoms and are different than the ones that cause warts. You can get more than one type of HPV at a time. And just because you’ve had it before, doesn’t mean you can’t get another kind of HPV.

How do you get HPV?

You get HPV from having sex with someone who already has HPV. It is passed on by skin rubbing against skin. You are most likely to get HPV through sex without a condom. But you can still get HPV even if the penis does not go into the vagina, mouth or anus.  Condoms can only protect the parts of the body they touch.  The skin on the upper thighs, butt, scrotum and vulva may also transmit HPV.   

How do I know if I have HPV?

If you go into a clinic and ask to be tested for STDs, you are being smart and responsible. But most likely, you will not be tested for HPV. There is no cure for HPV, and most cases of HPV will go away on their own after a few years. It is safest to assume that everyone has HPV, and to use a condom every time you have sex.

How Do I Protect Myself?

Remember, most people don’t know if they have HPV. Using a condom for every act of vaginal and anal sex and limiting your number of sexual partners can reduce your chances of getting HPV.

The HPV vaccine, called Gardisil, protects you from 4 types of HPV- the two types that cause most cervical cancer and the 2 types that cause most genital warts. The vaccine works best if you get it before you have sex for the first time (or before you rub up against someone naked). The vaccine can only protect you if you get it before your skin comes into contact with the virus. The vaccine cannot make the virus go away.

Who Should Get the HPV Vaccine?

The vaccine is recommended for women between 9 and 26 years old. It is not approved for use in women over the age of 26. If you are interested in the vaccine, but are over 26 years old, talk to your clinician. On October 16, 2009, the FDA approved use of the vaccine for men to prevent genital warts.

How do I get the HPV Vaccine?

If you are under 18 years old, you may need your parent or guardian to agree to the vaccine. If you are not comfortable bringing this up with your parents, there are tips on TeenSource.org. Your clinician may also be able to help you explain things to your parents.

If you are over  18, ask a clinician if the vaccine is right for you.

If you cannot afford the vaccine, the company that makes the vaccine may be able to help. There is a program available to provide vaccines for families that cannot afford them,

What more can I do to prevent Cervical Cancer?

The HPV vaccine protects you from the types of HPV most likely to cause cervical cancer, but it cannot prevent all types of HPV. All women should get pap tests when their doctors tell them to, even if they have had the HPV vaccine. Most women should get their first pap test 3 years after they become sexually active, or when they turn 21.

Pap tests look for signs that cells on the cervix are unhealthy.  If the results of your pap test come back abnormal, that does not mean that you have cancer. Many abnormal cells will take care of themselves. Some abnormal cells need to be removed from the cervix before they can turn into cancer. On rare occasions, the abnormal results happen because someone already has cervical cancer. The earlier you treat cervical cancer, the more effective the treatment will be, so it is very important to follow your clinician’s instructions for follow up.

What if I still have questions?

If you still have questions, your clinic can help. You can get more information and talk to someone about what you can do to stay healthy. California teens can use the TeenSource Find a Clinic to locate a doctor near you.