How can you get hpv

HPV is a group of more than related viruses. Each type of HPV virus is given a number. HPV types are classified as either low risk or high risk based on whether they put a person at risk for cancer.

The HPV type that causes warts is low risk, meaning that it rarely develops into cancer. High-risk HPV does not cause warts, but can develop into cancer. High-risk HPV types lead to cancers not only of the cervix but also of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus and the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils.

Most people clear the infection—including the high-risk types—within two years, without ever knowing they had it. A small proportion of women have an infection that becomes persistent. Smoking increases your risk of developing a persistent HPV infection. Smoking is also linked to a higher risk for both cervical and vulvar cancers. HPV is not transmitted through bodily fluids such as semen or saliva, but through skin-to-skin contact.

This happens most easily through sexual contact, such as vaginal, anal and oral sex. But it can also happen if HPV comes into contact with any mucous membrane such as mouths, lips, anus and parts of the genitals or with a break in your skin, such as a vaginal tear. This cancer is much less common than cervical cancer. Many vaginal pre-cancers also contain HPV, and these changes may be present for years before turning into cancer.

If a pre-cancer is found, it can be treated, stopping cancer before it really starts. In men, HPV can cause cancer of the penis. Because almost all penile cancers start under the foreskin of the penis, they may be noticed early in the course of the disease. HPV can cause cancer of the anus in both men and women. Screening tests for anal cancer are not routinely recommended for all people. This includes men who have sex with men, individuals who have had cervical cancer or vulvar cancer, anyone who is HIV-positive, and anyone who has had an organ transplant.

HPV is found in some mouth and throat cancers in men and women. Most cancers found in the back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils, are HPV-related. These are the most common HPV-related cancers in men. Still, many can be found early during routine exams by a dentist, doctor, dental hygienist, or by self-exam. But there are things you can do to lower your chances of being infected.

There are also vaccines that can be used to protect young people from the HPV types most closely linked to cancer and genital warts. HPV is passed from one person to another during contact with an infected part of the body. HPV can be present for years without causing any symptoms. Someone can have the virus and pass it on without knowing it.

HPV-related cancers are more treatable when diagnosed and treated promptly. For more information, visit www. Vaccination is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years.

However, some men age 27 through 45 years who are not already vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their healthcare provider about their risk for new HPV infections and the possible benefits of vaccination. HPV vaccination in this age range provides less benefit. Most sexually active adults have already been exposed to HPV, although not necessarily all of the HPV types targeted by vaccination. At any age, having a new sex partner is a risk factor for getting a new HPV infection.

People who are already in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship are not likely to get a new HPV infection. Even if you are healthy, you and your sex partner s may also want to get checked by a healthcare provider for other STIs. If you or your partner have genital warts, you should avoid having sex until the warts are gone or removed.

However, it is not known how long a person is able to spread HPV after warts are gone. HPV infections are usually temporary. A person may have had HPV for many years before it causes health problems.

HPV is not necessarily a sign that one of you is having sex outside of your relationship. It is important that sex partners discuss their sexual health and risk for all STIs, with each other. Box Rockville, MD E-mail: npin-info cdc. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link.

Human Papillomavirus HPV.