What is HPV? Symptoms, Prevention, and Why Vaccination Matters
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. While many HPV infections are harmless and clear on their own, certain strains can lead to serious health problems, including cancers. Understanding HPV, how it spreads, and how to prevent it is key to protecting your health.
UR Medicine gynecologist Ellen Tourtelot, MD, otolaryngologist Farshad Chowdhury, MD, and Zhaomin Xu, MD, MPH of the Division of Colon & Rectal Surgery share key preventative measures and insights into HPV-related cancers.
Understanding HPV: The Basics
HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which cause warts and others that can lead to cancer. It spreads through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity. Most infections are asymptomatic, meaning many people don’t even know they have it.
High-Risk vs. Low-Risk HPV
Low-Risk Types: Cause warts on the hands, feet, or genitals but are not associated with cancer.
High-Risk Types: These can lead to cancers, such as cervical, anal, throat, or penile cancer. The most concerning strains are HPV-16 and HPV-18, which are responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers.
Common Symptoms of HPV: What to Watch For
Most people with HPV show no symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include:
Genital warts: Small, flesh-colored growths that can appear on or around the genitals.
Abnormal Pap test results: Often the first indication of high-risk HPV.
Throat discomfort or difficulty swallowing: In rare cases, related to oral HPV.
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for evaluation and testing.
How HPV Leads to Cancer
High-risk HPV strains can cause changes in cells that lead to cancer over time. For example, persistent HPV infections in the cervix can result in precancerous changes detected during Pap tests. If untreated, these changes can progress to cervical cancer. HPV is also a leading cause of oropharyngeal (throat) cancers, which are increasingly common in both men and women.
Who Is at Risk?
Anyone who has ever been sexually active can contract HPV. Factors that increase risk include multiple sexual partners, a weakened immune system, and smoking, which can make it harder for the body to clear the virus.

Prevention Strategies: Vaccines, Safe Practices, and Screenings
Preventing HPV is easier than treating its complications. Here’s how:
Get Vaccinated
The HPV vaccine is safe and highly effective at preventing infections from high-risk strains, including HPV-16 and HPV-18. The CDC recommends vaccination for:
Preteens aged 11-12: Ideally, before exposure to the virus.
Young adults through age 26: If they were not vaccinated earlier.
Adults aged 27-45: In certain cases, based on risk factors. Consult your healthcare provider.
Use Safe Practices
Condoms can lower the risk of HPV transmission but are not 100% effective, as HPV can infect areas not covered by condoms. Limiting the number of sexual partners can also reduce exposure.
Regular Screenings
Cervical cancer screenings, including Pap tests and HPV tests, are essential for early detection:
Ages 21-29: Pap test every three years.
Ages 30-65: Pap test and HPV test every five years (or just an HPV test every five years).
65 and older: Consult your provider about whether screening is still needed.
The Role of HPV Testing in Early Detection
HPV testing identifies high-risk strains that may lead to cancer. It is often performed alongside a Pap test for individuals aged 30 and older. Early detection allows for monitoring and intervention before cancer develops.
Managing HPV: Treatment Options and Next Steps
While there’s no cure for HPV itself, treatments are available for conditions caused by the virus:
Warts: Topical medications, cryotherapy, or surgical removal.
Precancerous changes: Procedures like cryotherapy or LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) can remove abnormal cells.
Cancers: Treatment depends on the type and stage but may include surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.

How can I prevent HPV?
Get the HPV vaccine, Gardasil.
The HPV vaccine is a series of 3 shots over a six-month period and can be given to both men and women starting at age 9 and up to age 45. Gardasil doesn’t eliminate the chance of getting HPV, but it covers 9 of the high-risk HPV strains. If you already have an HPV infection and have not had the vaccine, there is some evidence to suggest that getting the vaccine after treatment will help to reduce the risk of recurrence.
All men and women should get vaccinated. Tourtelot says, “From a public health standpoint, Gardasil is one of two vaccines that can prevent cancer.” (Hepatitis B vaccine helps to prevent liver cancer caused by infection with the Hepatitis B virus.)
Use condoms.
HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, which can be prevented by having safe sex. Know the sexual history of your partner and use a condom.
Schedule annual appointments.
Screenings at annual exams are especially important as they may catch dysplasia, or pre-cancerous, abnormal cells. Providers screen for HPV through physical exams, pap smears, and HPV testing.
UR Medicine Anal Dysplasia Clinic
When high-grade anal dysplasia is treated early, it can prevent cancer. At the UR Medicine Strong Dysplasia Clinic, we offer the most effective screenings and treatments for anal dysplasia.