WHAT IS HPV?

HPV (short for human papillomavirus) is a virus that can cause certain cancers and diseases in both males and females.

Unfortunately, because HPV often has no signs or symptoms, many people who have the virus don't even know it.

Every year in the United States, there are ~14 million new HPV infections.

About 50% of them are in 15- to 24-year-olds.

That’s about 19,000 teens and young adults each day.

For most people, HPV clears on its own. But, for others who don't clear the virus, it could cause certain cancers and other diseases.

This little virus can have big consequences.

There are about 100 types of HPV. At least 40 of them can infect the genital area, and certain types cause the majority of HPV-related cancers and diseases.

How do you get HPV?

Intercourse is the most common way people get the virus. Your child can also get the virus through any kind of adolescent experimentation that involves genital contact with someone who is infected.

No signs. No symptoms. No knowing.

Because HPV often has no signs or symptoms, it can be difficult to tell who has or doesn’t have the virus.

Also, because there’s no HPV screening test recommended for males, there’s no way to know if your son has been exposed to the virus.

Many people who have HPV don't even know it.