Human Papillomavirus: What’s Fact and What’s Fiction?

No symptoms, one partner, using protection. Are you really safe from HPV?

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is often misunderstood. Many myths about HPV can cause fear, shame, and confusion. Because of this, some people avoid vaccination, skip screening, or delay medical care. Learning the facts can help people make better health choices.

Myths About HPV Transmission and Risk
Myth: Only promiscuous people get HPV

Fact: HPV is very common. Anyone who has been sexually active, even with only one partner, can get HPV. The virus spreads mainly through skin to skin contact and not only through intercourse.

Myth: HPV only spreads through intercourse

Fact: HPV can spread through genital to genital contact, oral genital contact, and close skin contact. Intercourse is not needed for the virus to spread.

Myth: You are fully protected if you use condoms

Fact: Condoms can lower the risk, but they do not fully protect against HPV. The virus can be present on skin that is not covered by a condom.

Myth: Lesbians do not need HPV screening

Fact: HPV can spread through close intimate contact. Screening is important for all sexually active people, no matter their sexual orientation.

Myth: Contraceptives prevent HPV

Fact: Birth control pills or injections help prevent pregnancy, but they do not protect against HPV or other viral infections.

Myths About Symptoms and Disease Progression
Myth: If there are no symptoms, there is no HPV

Fact: Most HPV infections have no symptoms. A person can feel healthy and still have HPV. Many infections clear on their own without signs.

Myth: HPV always causes cancer

Fact: Most HPV infections clear naturally. Some high risk HPV types can lead to cancer if they stay in the body for a long time. This is why regular screening is important.

Myth: Genital warts mean cervical cancer

Fact: Genital warts are usually caused by low risk HPV types and are not cancer. High risk HPV types linked to cancer often do not cause visible signs.

Myths About HPV Vaccines and Screening
Myth: HPV vaccines are only for girls or teenagers

Fact: HPV vaccination is recommended for both boys and girls. It is best given around ages 11 to 12, before contact with the virus. People up to age 26 may also get vaccinated if they were not vaccinated earlier.

Myth: If you had HPV before, you do not need the vaccine

Fact: Having HPV once does not protect against all types. The vaccine can still help protect against other strains.

Myth: Pap tests stop HPV infection

Fact: Pap tests do not stop HPV. They help find early cell changes so problems can be managed early. HPV testing helps with early detection, not prevention.

Myths About HPV Treatment
Myth: There is a cure for HPV

Fact: There is no cure for the virus itself. In many cases, the body clears HPV on its own. Medical care focuses on managing conditions linked to HPV, such as genital warts and cell changes.

The Bigger Picture: Awareness Saves Lives

HPV is common and often has no signs. It affects people of all genders and backgrounds. Believing myths can delay vaccination and screening and increase health risks. Knowing the facts helps people make informed choices about their health.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral infections worldwide, yet many people still misunderstand it. False information can cause fear and delay prevention. Learning how HPV spreads and how it does not helps separate myth from reality and supports better global HPV awareness.