HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

Learn about HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) and find information on symptoms, testing, and more.

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Genital Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) sometimes referred to as genital warts, is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a virus. There are more than 40 types of HPV viruses that can affect people of all genders and sexualities. Fortunately, there is a vaccine is available to protect you from getting the most serious strains of HPV.

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How to Prevent HPV

HPV spreads when someone has vaginal, anal, or oral sex with a person who has HPV, even if they do not have symptoms. It is also possible to get more than one type of HPV. Although rare, HPV can also pass from birthing parent to child during birth. To help prevent HPV:

Get vaccinated: Talk to your healthcare provider about getting the HPV vaccine if you are between the ages of 11-26 to protect yourself. HPV vaccine is available through shared clinical decision making for people ages 27-45.
Use a new barrier method every time (like a condom or dental dam) for each sexual act, partner, and when switching between oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
- Condoms made from “natural” materials (such as lambskin) can help prevent pregnancy, but they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For STI protection, use latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condoms. Check the product label to confirm what type of condom you’re using.
Get tested regularly: Some people with HPV don’t have symptoms, which is why getting tested and knowing your status is important and get treatment if needed.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, follow cleaning instructions for toys and check for damage, and use condoms on toys.
Understand that having sex while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can increase the likelihood of unprotected sex.

Testing

All people with a cervix should get a regular pap smear. People living with HIV of all genders and sexual orientations, trans women, and men who have sex with men should also get regular anal pap smears, which check for anal HPV infection. Check with your healthcare provider to find out how frequently you need testing.

If trying to get pregnant or are currently pregnant, talk to a healthcare provider about getting tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Free or low cost and confidential testing is available in clinics throughout Boston.

Learn More

If you don't have health insurance or don't want to use your health insurance, you can still get tested. Call your healthcare provider to confirm the schedule. Find additional information and locations.
If you are a Boston Public High School student, your school may have a School-Based Health Center or Health Resource Center. According to Massachusetts State Law, if you are 13 or older you can get a confidential STI test without your parents' permission.

Treatment

You cannot cure HPV but, you can treat the diseases that HPV can cause such as genital warts, cervical cancer, other HPV-related cancers, or RRP (Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis). In some cases, peoples' immune systems can clear the HPV infection, and that treatment for HPV is generally chemical treatment or surgical removal of affected tissues.

Symptoms

Many people with HPV do not have symptoms. For those who do have symptoms, the most common ones are:

Genital warts:
- A small bump or groups of bumps
- With some strains of HPV, warts can show up within weeks or months after sexual contact with an infected partner

Long term HPV infections can cause cancers including:

Cervical cancer
- This does not have symptoms until the cancer is advanced. The best way to know if you are at risk is to get regular pap tests
Other HPV-related cancers:
- Include cancer of the vagina, penis, anus, or throat

Long term HPV infections can also cause:

Recurrent Respiratory Papillomatosis (RRP)
- Caused by warts in the throat
- Can block the airway or make it hard to breathe
- Can affect the vocal cords

How long can a person spread HPV?

Once a person has HPV, they can continue to spread HPV to others during sexual contact. It is important to know that a person can spread HPV to others even if they do not have symptoms.