HPV

HPV (human papillomavirus) is so common, nearly everyone will get it at some point in their lives. 

While 9 out of 10 HPV infections go away by themselves within two years, some infections can last longer and cause cancer in the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, mouth, and throat.

Like many sexually transmitted infections, HPV often has no symptoms.

How It’s Transmitted

HPV is most commonly spread during oral, vaginal, and anal sex, or close skin-to-skin touching during sex. 

A person with HPV can pass the infection to someone even when they have no signs or symptoms.

Certain types of HPV can be prevented by HPV vaccination, recommended by the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH) for people ages 26 and younger, and some adults aged 27-45. For more information on the HPV vaccine and if it’s right for you, talk to your healthcare provider or visit the CDC website. 

Symptoms

Most people with HPV don’t realize they have it, as they never develop symptoms or health problems. 

If symptoms are present, some people find out they have HPV when they notice genital warts, which can appear as small bumps or groups of bumps in the genital area; some women find out they have HPV when they get an abnormal Pap test result.

Treatment

While there is no treatment for the virus itself, you can treat genital warts with prescription medicine from your healthcare provider. 

For more information about HPV, visit the CDC website.