Human papillomavirus (HPV)

About Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection and includes more than 100 types. Low-risk types cause genital warts; high-risk types (notably 16 and 18) cause cervical, anal, oropharyngeal, vulvar, vaginal, and penile cancers. Most infections clear spontaneously within two years, but persistent high-risk infection drives malignancy. The HPV vaccine prevents the types responsible for most disease and is recommended for adolescents and adults through age 26, with shared-decision vaccination up to age 45. Screening protocols vary by site and risk.