Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that can remain latent in most individuals, making it possible to unknowingly transmit the infection to others. The best protection against HPV is vaccination. The HPV vaccine will protect against genital warts and many cancers. You will also be protected against transmitting the virus to a new partner.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The HPV vaccine, Gardasil 9, was initially approved for individuals aged 9 to 26. It has since been approved by the FDA for women and men up to age 45. You should get vaccinated even if you have had HPV. There is a way of testing for HPV of the cervix, vulva, or vagina but there is no way a man can get tested. Married, monogamous couples are at least risk, but vaccination will protect you against HPV from any future partners.
Effectiveness and Safety
Over 135 million doses of HPV vaccines have been administered in the U.S. and 270 million worldwide, with an excellent safety record. Most side effects are minor, such as pain, redness, or itching at the injection site. Rarely, headaches, nausea, or severe allergic reactions (less than 3%) may occur.
The vaccine is highly effective, with studies showing that nearly 100% of vaccinated individuals develop antibodies indicating strong protection. Vaccination before exposure prevents the transmission of HPV types included in the vaccine.
Vaccination protects against HPV types you may be exposed to that you do not have. After you test positive for HPV it is still possible to clear your virus. You can begin to understand if you are possibly still infected, or if you have cleared your virus. If you haven’t been tested, about 8 or 9 out of 10 women can rest assured that they have cleared their virus. Women usually clear in about 2 years. Guys typically, we think, clear faster. Perhaps in as fast as 6 months. So keep using those condoms and spermicide for the first couple of years that you have a new partner. And then see if HPV testing is indicated for you. Now we will also recommend you get a vaccine.
Post-Vaccination Protection
- No need for revaccination: Once vaccinated, you remain protected against the HPV types covered by the vaccine.
- Prevention of transmission: If vaccinated prior to exposure, you are protected against transmitting the vaccine types of HPV to a new sexual partner.
HPV Testing and Clearance
- Testing for women: HPV tests are available for the cervix, vulva, and vagina.
- No testing for men: Unfortunately, there is no HPV test for men.
- Virus clearance: Most women (about 8 or 9 out of 10) naturally clear HPV within two years. Men may clear the virus even faster, potentially within six months.
Protecting Yourself and Others
- Use condoms and spermicide: Continue protection for the first two years with a new partner.
- Vaccination post-exposure: Vaccination after exposure can still protect against other HPV types.
HPV and Cancer Prevention
HPV vaccines are nearly 100% effective in preventing infections with the HPV types they target. This also significantly reduces the risk of related cancers, such as cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.
If you were vaccinated against the key HPV types (e.g., types 6, 11, 16, 18) with earlier vaccines or Gardasil 9 (which includes types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58), you are protected for at least 10 years—and likely for life. No booster is necessary.
Final Recommendations
- For women: Continue routine Pap smears as recommended to screen for cervical changes or HPV-related issues.
- For men: Although testing is unavailable, vaccination remains critical for protection.
- For all: Even if you’re in a monogamous relationship, vaccination protects against potential exposure from future partners.
HPV prevention is a shared responsibility. Vaccination, routine screening, and safe practices help protect against HPV-related diseases and cancers. Consult your healthcare provider to discuss what’s best for you.
