HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common of all sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). HPV has many different strains that can infect both males and females. The virus is spread through skin-to-skin contact, often by oral, vaginal or anal sex. HPV is now known to increase the risk of cervical cancer in women and other kinds of cancers in men. Learn how to prevent HPV infection to reduce your risk of cervical cancer.

In most cases, HPV has few to no symptoms. Genital warts may be visible in the groin area, on the penis or vagina, or they may be hidden deep in the throat or inside the vagina or the anus. The primary way to know if you're infected is to be screened—and currently there is only a test for women.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, HPV infections affect almost half of all sexually active people in the U.S. The way to avoid infection is to be vaccinated before you engage in sexual activity—not after. Learn more about the HPV vaccines.