HPV
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus that is most commonly spread through sexual contact. HPV is so common that nearly all men and women get it at some point in their lives. Most of the time, HPV has no symptoms, so people do not know they have it. Additionally, an individual can develop symptoms years after being infected, making it hard to know when they first became infected.
In most cases, HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems. But when HPV does not go away, it can lead to serious health problems including cancer. Some types of HPV can cause cervical cancer in women and can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women. Other types of HPV can cause genital warts in both males and females.
For additional information, view the CDC and Prevention | HPV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources & Links
ACIP Recommendations
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Use of a 2-Dose Schedule for Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
Source: MMWR, December 16, 2016; 65(49);1405-8 - Use of 9-Valent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Updated HPV Vaccination Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices
Source: MMWR, March 27, 2015; 64(11):300-304
- Human Papillomavirus Vaccination: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
Source: MMWR, August 29, 2014; 63(RR-5):1-30
- Recommendations on the Use of Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in Males - Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2011
Source: MMWR, December 23, 2011; 60(50):1705-8
- FDA Licensure of Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV4, Gardasil) for Use in Males and Guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Weekly
Source: MMWR, May 28, 2010; 59(20):630-632
- FDA Licensure of Bivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine (HPV2, Cervarix) for Use in Females and Updated HPV Vaccination Recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
Source: MMWR, May 28, 2010; 59(20):626-629
- QuickStats: Prevalence of HPV Infection Among Sexually Active Females Aged 14-59 Years, by Age Group
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, United States, 2003-2004
- All ACIP Recommendations on HPV vaccine
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Links
- CDC Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Homepage
- CDC Vaccine Safety - Questions & Concerns
- HPV and HPV Vaccine - Information for Healthcare Providers
- Cancers Caused by HPV