The most common sexually transmitted infection. Certain strains cause nearly all cervical cancers and many other cancers. Vaccines can prevent most cancer-causing infections.
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Nearly all sexually active people get HPV at some point in their lives, but most infections clear on their own. When infections persist, they can cause cancers (CDC, 2024).
HPV causes approximately 36,000 cancers in the U.S. each year, including:
Protects against 9 HPV types (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58). Covers cancers and genital warts. Current U.S. recommendation.
Protects against HPV types 16 and 18 (cancer-causing). No longer available in U.S. market.
Vaccination remains the most effective strategy for preventing HPV infection and HPV-related cancers. The following describes established medical consensus for clinical management.
There is no antiviral treatment for HPV infection itself. Clinical management focuses on surveillance, treatment of lesions, and cancer prevention. Cervical cancer screening (hrHPV testing and Pap smear) identifies precancerous changes. Treatment of cervical precancerous lesions uses procedures including cryotherapy, LEEP (Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure), or cone biopsy. Genital warts caused by low-risk HPV strains are treated with topical agents (imiquimod, podophyllin) or physical removal. Regular screening per current USPSTF guidelines is essential.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Treatment decisions must be made by a qualified healthcare provider.