Currently, more than 79 million Americans live with HPV, and approximately 14 million new infections occur each year. It’s the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Most people who are infected are in their late teens or early 20s. Nearly all sexually active individuals will be infected with HPV during their lifetimes if they don’t get vaccinated.
HPV in Women
Of the more than 100 strains of HPV, at least 13 can cause cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine helps reduce your likelihood of infection and, therefore, your chances of getting cervical cancer. More than 19,000 women have HPV-related cancers each year.
HPV in Men
Men infected with HPV are at risk of penile, oral, throat, and anal cancer. HPV transmitted from oral or anal sex is commonly called oral HPV or anal HPV, respectively. More than 12,000 men have HPV-related cancers each year. Women can also get oral or anal HPV and, subsequently, oral or anal cancer from the virus.
Treatment for HPV
The immune system can clear most cases of HPV on its own. There is currently no cure for HPV, but your healthcare provider can treat the symptoms associated with infection and any related medical conditions, such as genital warts, with medication. The strains of HPV that cause genital warts do not cause cervical cancer. HPV screening through Nurx™ can help you determine your status.