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Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) aren’t exactly the most popular topic of conversation, but knowledge is power.
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common STI in the world. More than 42 million people in the U.S. have a type of HPV that can cause serious health problems — including cervical cancer.
Read: Your Guide to HPV & Cervical Cancer >>
The good news: You can take steps to prevent and protect yourself from HPV.
Take our quiz to see how much you know about the virus, symptoms of HPV and what you need to know about the HPV vaccine.
1. If you’re sexually active, you’ve probably had HPV.
Correct
Incorrect
true. Pretty much everyone has been exposed to at least one type of HPV. In fact, 4 out of 5 women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) will get the virus at some point in their lives.
2. There are no symptoms of HPV.
Correct
Incorrect
false. Although most people with HPV don’t show signs of infection — and don’t know that they have HPV — there are types of the virus that cause genital warts. Other high-risk types of HPV can cause cancer.
3. HPV can go away on its own.
Correct
Incorrect
true. 9 out of 10 cases of HPV clear up on their own within two years (thanks, immune system!). But when it doesn’t clear your body on its own, HPV can cause genital warts or cancer.
4. HPV is not transmitted through oral sex.
Correct
Incorrect
false. Don’t fall for this one. The virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal and oral sex. HPV may be linked to 7 out of 10 cases of head and neck cancers that affect the back of the throat, tongue and tonsils.
5. There is a screening test for HPV.
Correct
Incorrect
true. An HPV test looks for HPV DNA in cells collected from the cervix. Note: An HPV test is not the same as a Pap test but can be done at the same time.
6. HPV may be linked to cardiovascular disease.
Correct
Incorrect
true. Research has linked HPV with clogged arteries in women. One study found that women who tested positive for the types of HPV that cause cancer had a higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to women who didn’t have HPV.
7. HPV vaccines prevent cancer.
Correct
Incorrect
true. HPV vaccines are the best way to prevent six cancers: anal and throat cancer, vaginal, vulvar and cervical cancer in women, and penile cancer in men.
8. HPV vaccines aren’t recommended for people over the age of 30.
Correct
Incorrect
false. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends people get vaccinated early — starting at age 9 — before exposure to the virus. But you can decide to get the vaccine up to age 45. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re interested in getting vaccinated.
9. HPV vaccines can cause early menopause.
Correct
Incorrect
false. There is no evidence that HPV vaccines cause premature menopause or have any effects on reproductive health.
10. Pregnant people should not get the HPV vaccine.
Correct
Incorrect
true. The CDC recommends that people get the vaccines before or after pregnancy. Although there are no known side effects associated with the vaccine during pregnancy, no clinical trials have been done on the effect of the vaccine on pregnant people.
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