The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women’s health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection that affects millions of people every year. However, there is a lot of misinformation surrounding HPV transmission and prevention. Knowing this information is essential for the health of men and women of all ages.

Understanding How HPV Affects Everyone

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the country. Awareness of HPV and how it is transmitted is important to reduce its stigma and encourage individuals to seek medical help and regular checkups. It can cause several types of cancer in both men and women.

It is most commonly transmitted sexually through skin-to-skin contact with infected genital areas, whether through vaginal, anal, or oral activities. People can be infected even without intercourse, ejaculation, or exchange of bodily fluids, as long as there is direct contact. Other less common ways to get infected include nonsexual skin-to-skin contact, vertical transmission, autoinoculation, and through contaminated surfaces.

Vaccines have prevented the spread of HPV infections and related cancers. Teenage girls’ HPV infections have decreased by 88%, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Routine Pap testing has helped reduce the risk of cervical cancer since the 1970s, and HPV vaccination now offers additional protection against HPV-related cancers.

Recognizing the Signs of HPV

Currently, 79 million Americans are infected with HPV, according to estimates from CDC research. However, many people don’t know they are infected, as HPV is often asymptomatic. Low-risk HPV strains typically cause genital warts, which appear as rough, bulbous lumps. These are highly contagious and can be uncomfortable. These warts can appear weeks or even years after infection.

On the other hand, high-risk HPV strains that can cause cancer typically do not have any symptoms. This is why screening is necessary before they develop into cancer.

The Link Between HPV and Cancer Explained

HPV can develop over the years into cancer. It causes more than nine in every 10 cervical cancer cases, in addition to anal, vaginal, penile, oropharyngeal, and vulvar precancers. It can take years or decades for you to know you contracted HPV, which is why doctors recommend prevention strategies. 

Vaccinations can prevent around 90% of the cancers caused by HPV. Children ages 9 to 12 can be vaccinated to prevent HPV transmission. It’s best to check with your doctor for more information regarding this topic.

Key Strategies for HPV Prevention

Prevention is important because HPV can spread through close skin-to-skin contact, most often during sexual activity. While surface-based transmission is considered less common, practicing good hygiene and avoiding shared personal items can help reduce your overall risk.

It is crucial to practice safe sex by using condoms and dental dams. However, these do not eliminate the risk of HPV transmission. The virus might still spread through the skin not covered by these barrier devices. As such, medical professionals recommend regular screenings to detect cell changes early.

Pap smears and HPV tests are typically used to screen for cervical cancer among women. If any abnormalities are found, a colposcopy will be performed as a follow-up. Currently, there are no routine HPV screening tests for men or other areas of the body. You can carry the virus without knowing it, so it’s always a good idea to get regular checkups.

Empowerment Through HPV Prevention

HPV is one of the most commonly transmitted viruses among humans. Vaccination is the best way to prevent contracting it, and it can reduce your risk of developing various cancers. Make sure you also practice proper hygiene and avoid sharing sports gear to lessen your chances of contracting HPV. These practices, alongside proper knowledge, can help reduce related stigma and promote public and personal health.

Resources

Cancers caused by HPV. (2025, March 3). Human Papillomavirus (HPV). https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/about/cancers-caused-by-hpv.html

Castle PE. Looking Back, Moving Forward: Challenges and Opportunities for Global Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control. Viruses. 2024 Aug 25;16(9):1357. doi: 10.3390/v16091357. PMID: 39339834; PMCID: PMC11435674.

How to protect against HPV. (n.d.). American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/hpv/hpv-prevention.html

HPV (Human papillomavirus). (2026, March 30). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11901-hpv-human-papilloma-virus

Integration, C. (2022, August 24). Preventing and Treating HPV infection | UPMC HealthBeat. UPMC HealthBeat. https://share.upmc.com/2022/05/hpv-prevention-and-treatment/

Webfxteam, & Webfxteam. (2026, April 20). When is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month? The Oncology Institute of Hope & Innovation. https://theoncologyinstitute.com/blog/cervical-cancer-awareness/