HPV (human papillomavirus) is a sexually transmitted virus. It is passed on through genital contact (such as vaginal and anal sex). It is also passed on by skin-to-skin contact. At least 50% of people who have had sex will have HPV at some time in their lives. 

More than 100 types of HPV exist, more than 40 of which can infect the genital area. Some kinds of HPV may cause problems like genital warts. Some kinds of HPV can also cause cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, or anus. Most of these problems are caused by types 6, 11, 16 or 18. 
Why haven’t I heard of HPV? 
HPV is not a new virus. But many people don’t know about it. Most people don’t have any signs. HPV may go away on its own-- without causing any health problems.
Who can get HPV? 
Anyone who has ever had genital contact with another person may have HPV. Both men and women may get it -- and pass it on-- without knowing it. Since there might not be any signs, a person may have HPV even if years have passed since he or she had sex. 
You are more likely to get HPV if you have: 

• Sex at an early age, 
• Many sex partners, or 
• A sex partner who has had many partners.

You CANNOT get HPV from:

• Toilet seats
• Hugging or holding hands
• Being unclean (bad hygiene)
• Sharing food or utensils
• Swimming in pools or hot tubs 
• Family history (heredity).

What are genital warts? 

• Genital warts are visible bumps in the genital areas of men and women. 
• They may be raised or flat, and small or large. 
• They are usually painless. 
• They are not life threatening. But they may be difficult for a person to cope with.

If there are no signs, why do I need to worry about HPV? 
There are many kinds of HPV and not all of them cause health problems. Some kinds of HPV may cause problems like genital warts or cervical cancer. HPV types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cervical cancers. HPV types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital warts.
What should I know about genital warts? 
There are many treatment choices for genital warts. But even after the warts are treated, the virus might still be there and may be passed on to others. If genital warts are not treated they may go away, stay the same, or increase in size or number, but they will not turn into cancer.
Is there a test to find genital warts? 
There is no STD test for genital warts. However, doctors can do a visual inspection to look for genital warts.
Is there a cure for HPV? 
There is no cure for the virus (HPV) itself. There are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause, such as genital warts, cervical changes, and cervical cancer.
Can genital warts be treated? 

• Yes, there are many ways to treat genital warts, including creams and other treatments that you or your provider can apply: Cauterization, Nitrogen... You can also have the warts frozen off or removed by a doctor. 
• But treating genital warts does not necessarily cure the underlying HPV. For this reason, it is common for genital warts to come back after treatment, especially in the first 3 months. 
• If left untreated, genital warts may go away, stay the same, or grow in size or number. 

What is the HPV vaccine and how does it work? 

The vaccine, called Gardasil, mimics the disease and creates resistance. It is NOT a live or a dead virus. It prevents infection with HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 (Gardasil), HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 (Gardasil 9).

• Is it safe? 

-> Tests of the vaccine showed only minor problems. Some people had a slight fever. Others had redness or irritation on their skin where they got the shot. 

• Can I catch HPV from getting the vaccine? 

-> No. The vaccine does not contain the HPV virus.

• Is it effective? 

-> Gardasil is between 95 to 100% effective against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18. Gardasil 9 is between 96 – 98,7% effective against HPV types  31, 33, 45, 52, 58.

• Who should get the HPV vaccine? 

-> The FDA has approved Gardasil for girls and women ages 9 to 26. It is best to get the shot before the start of sexual activity. 
How many shots do you need? 
There are three shots. Once you get the first shot, you need a second shot two months later. You need to get a third shot six months after you get the first shot. 
How long are you protected? 
Since the vaccine is new, more studies need to be done. For example, the FDA does not know if you will need to have a booster after a couple of years. 
Should I get the vaccine if I already have HPV? 
The vaccine will not treat or cure HPV. It may help people who have one type of HPV from being infected with the other types. For example, if you have type 6, it may protect you from getting type 16.
What else can I do to lower my chances of getting HPV? 

• You can choose not to have sex (abstinence). 
• If you have sex, you can limit the number of partners you have. 
• Choose a partner who has had no or few sex partners. The fewer partners your partner has had -- the less likely he or she is to have HPV. 
• It is not known how much condoms protect against HPV. Areas not covered by a condom can be exposed to the virus.