| The following questions are things that people learning about HPV and its consequences might ask themselves, a friend, family member, or their doctor. |
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| Review the following questions to find out the things you need to know quickly. You can even print them to help share what you have learned with your friend, family member, or doctor. |
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1. Q: |
What is HPV? |
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A: HPV is a common abbreviation for a common virus, human papillomavirus. There are more than 100 types of HPV. Most of them are relatively harmless, like the ones that cause common warts found on hands and feet. About 30 types of HPV affect the genital area. For most women, the body’s own defense system will clear the virus. But for some, cervical cancer and other consequences can develop. |
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Learn more about HPV |
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2. Q: |
Which types of HPV cause more serious consequences? |
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A: About 30 types of HPV affect the genital area. Some types can cause cervical cancer or abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix that sometimes turn into cancer. Other types can cause genital warts and benign (abnormal, but noncancerous) changes in the cervix. All types of genital HPV can cause abnormal Pap tests. |
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Learn more about the types of HPV. |
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3. Q: |
How common is HPV? |
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A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 20 million American men and women have genital HPV. The CDC also estimates that at least 50% of sexually active people will get genital HPV during their lifetime. In 2000, approximately 9.2 million young adults, 15 to 24 years of age, had genital HPV. More than 6 million new cases of genital HPV are diagnosed in the United States every year. |
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Learn more about how common HPV is. |
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4. Q: |
How will I know if I have HPV? |
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A: Most women learn they have HPV as a result of abnormal Pap tests. A Pap test (also known as a Pap smear) is part of a gynecological exam that can help detect abnormal cells in the lining of the cervix before they have the chance to become precancerous or cervical cancer. Many cases of cervical precancer are related to HPV and can be treated successfully if detected early. It's also important to note that cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. That’s why it’s really important to follow your doctor's advice regarding how often you should have a Pap test. |
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Learn about Pap tests and other follow-up tests. |
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5. Q: |
How would I get HPV? |
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A: Women and men who have any kind of sexual activity involving genital contact with an infected person can get human papillomavirus (HPV). That means it’s possible to get genital HPV without having intercourse. And, because many people who have the virus may not show any signs or symptoms, they can transmit the virus without even knowing it. |
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Click here to learn who can get HPV and how. |
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6. Q: |
How can I avoid HPV? |
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A: The only way to prevent genital HPV is to avoid any sexual activity that involves genital contact. There are also ways you can help decrease your chances of getting genital HPV. |
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Learn more about how to avoid HPV. |
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7. Q: |
How is cervical cancer related to HPV? |
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A: Cervical cancer is not considered to be hereditary. It's caused by certain types of a common virus, human papillomavirus (HPV). |
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Learn more about cervical cancer. |
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8. Q: |
How common is cervical cancer? |
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A: Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women. In 2006, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 9,710 new cases of cervical cancer diagnosed in the United States, and that about 3,700 women will die from the disease. |
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Learn more about how common cervical cancer is. |
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9. Q: |
What are abnormal cervical cells? |
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A: Abnormal cervical cells are cells in the lining of the cervix that have changed in appearance. These changes are often called cervical dysplasia and are detected through Pap tests. The more severe the cervical abnormality, the more likely it is that cervical cancer could develop in the future. Most often this can take a number of years, but in rare cases it can happen within a year.
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Learn more about abnormal cervical cells. |
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10. Q: |
What are genital warts? |
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A: Genital warts are flesh-colored growths that appear on the external genital area or near the anus of both men and women. Although less common, they can also appear inside the vagina and on the cervix, and they sometimes have symptoms like burning, itching, or pain. Genital warts can also have an emotional effect, causing people to feel uncomfortable in new or existing relationships.
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Learn more about genital warts. |
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11. Q: |
What causes genital warts? |
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A: Genital warts are caused by certain "low-risk" types of human papillomavirus (HPV). The types of HPV that can cause genital warts are different from the types that can cause cervical cancer. |
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Learn more about what causes genital warts. |
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12. Q: |
Does genital HPV cause any other diseases? |
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A: Yes, certain “high-risk” types of HPV can cause other cancers and consequences, including cancer of the vagina, vulva, and anus. |
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Learn more about other consequences of HPV. |
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13. Q: |
What can I do to reduce the chances of HPV-related diseases? |
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Talk with your doctor. |
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Your doctor is one of your best sources of information. |
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Get tested. |
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Early detection of abnormal cervical cells is key. Learn more about lifesaving Pap tests. |
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Get treated. |
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If you have been diagnosed with an HPV-related disease, talk to your doctor about available treatments. |
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Tell Someone. |
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Once you learn about cervical cancer and the other consequences of HPV, tell someone. |
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| Additional information is available to help you talk to your doctor and get answers to other questions you may have in the printable downloadable fact sheet. |
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| Also, to learn more about HPV, abnormal Pap tests, abnormal cervical cells, genital warts, and other consequences of HPV, take a look in the other sections of this site, and talk with your doctor for more information. Or request your free information kit. Now that you know…tell someone. |
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| Test your knowledge of these important facts. |
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