Alberta Health Services
Health Information
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a virus. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection and can cause genital warts. An HPV infection will often go away on its own. Some people get a long-term infection. This can lead to cancer of the cervix, anus, throat, mouth, penis, vagina, or vulva.
HPV is responsible for nearly:
Learn more about HPV and cervical cancer.
HPV is very common. Without getting immunized, most people who are sexually active will get an HPV infection at some time, even if they’ve had only 1 sexual partner.
The risk of getting HPV is highest soon after becoming sexually active.
HPV spreads by sexual contact or skin-to-skin contact in the genital area. If you are pregnant and have HPV, you can spread it to your baby during vaginal childbirth.
HPV can be spread even if you have no symptoms or you can’t see any warts.
Many people with HPV don’t have symptoms.
Anal and genital warts may be the only sign that someone has HPV. Anal and genital warts may look like tiny bumps or clustered growths on the skin (often a cauliflower-like texture).
The diseases that HPV infections cause, like cancer, develop over time and can have different symptoms.
There is no treatment for an HPV infection, but some health problems and symptoms caused by HPV infections can be managed through treatment.
For example, genital warts can be treated in your healthcare provider’s office or at an STI clinic. Do not use over-the-counter wart treatments for genital warts.
The HPV vaccine protects against most, but not all, cancers of the cervix. It’s important to have regular cervical cancer screening (Pap tests or cervical screening tests), even if you get the HPV vaccine.
When to get screened is based on your age and factors that increase your risk. Talk to your healthcare provider about testing.
Learn more about screening for cervical cancer.
The HPV-9 vaccine protects against 9 strains (types) of human papillomavirus.
If you are unsure about getting the HPV vaccine for yourself or your child, try the HPV Vaccine Decision Tool. The tool asks about any questions or concerns you have about the vaccine and gives you the information you need to make a decision you're comfortable with.
The HPV vaccine works best in children and teens before they have any sexual contact (such as oral sex or intercourse).
Getting the HPV vaccine does not encourage earlier sexual activity or more sexual activity.
Research finds there is no difference in sexual behaviour, rates of sexually transmitted infections, or rates of pregnancy between children and teens who get the HPV vaccine and those who do not.
For more information about talking to your child about sexual health, visit teachingsexualhealth.ca.
Grade 6 students can get the vaccine in school.
Grade 9 students who missed getting the vaccine can also get it in school.
Parents and guardians will get an information package that includes a consent form. If you want your child to get the HPV vaccine in school, you must complete and sign the consent form and return it according to the instructions provided.
If your child attends a school that doesn’t include the HPV vaccine as part of the school immunization program, you can make an appointment for your child to get the vaccine by calling your local public health or community health centre.
Learn more about where to get the HPV vaccine.
In addition to getting the HPV vaccine, you can prevent the spread of HPV by practising safer sex.
If you have genital warts, tell your partner or partners so you can make choices to lower the risk of spreading HPV.
Learn more about HPV and preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
