HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, some of which are spread through vaginal, anal and oral sex, and other intimate forms of skin-to-skin contact. Because HPV can sometimes lead to cancer later in life, it's important to know the low- and high-risk forms, when to get vaccinated and where to get the right care for HPV-related cancers.
HPV types fall into two groups: low risk and high risk. Low-risk HPV infections typically don't cause any disease. However, a few low-risk HPV types can cause warts on or around the genitals, anus, mouth or throat. These are the infections that your immune system usually controls, so they don’t cause cancer.
High-risk HPV infections that persist can cause cancer. Sometimes, HPV infections are not effectively controlled by your immune system. When a high-risk HPV infection persists for many years, it can lead to cell changes that, if untreated, may get worse over time and become cancer.
The HPV vaccine series is recommended for girls and boys at the age of 11 or 12; the series can be started at age nine. For young people who didn’t get vaccinated on time, HPV vaccination is recommended up to age 26.
Can the HPV vaccine be given at older ages?
Yes, the vaccine can be given to adults between the ages of 27 and 45 who didn’t receive all vaccine doses earlier. Adults in this age group benefit less from the vaccine because they are more likely to have been exposed to HPV already. But if you are concerned that you are at risk for new HPV infections, you should talk with your health care provider about whether the vaccine may be right for you.
AdventHealth Published HPV Experts
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Sometimes, an HPV infection can lead to gynecologic, gastrointestinal and head and neck cancers. And if it does for you or someone you love, you can rest assured that we'll be there. Through constant research and dedicated programs, we provide the utmost care for cancers caused by HPV.
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