What it is:HPV, the human papillomavirus, is different from most sexually transmitted infections because it can clear up on its own. Whether you have a low- or high-risk strain, most cases are like the common cold: No medication is necessary.
What it does:The low-risk strains cause warts, genital and otherwise. The high-risk strains—detectable by an abnormal Pap test and a follow-up HPV test—have no symptoms but infect and change the cells in your cervix, which can lead to cancer.
How it spreads: Through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. The strains that affect the genitals are spread through genital contact.
What's up with the different strains?There are hundreds of strains of the disease; about 40 of them affect the genital area.
Is it preventable? Yes. Get the HPV vaccination if you're not yet sexually active or under 26 (when the vaccine is most effective, according to studies). Condoms won't totally prevent your chance of contracting the virus, but they can reduce your risk.
If you've been diagnosed with a high-risk strain:Don't panic. An abnormal Pap test and a positive HPV test do not mean you have cancer. Your doctor will track the changes of your cervical cells over time.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
-
Marie Claire's Power Play
By Marie Claire Editors Published
-
When Are the Next Episodes of 'Physical: 100' Season 2 Releasing?
The finale (and a new winner) is near.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Beyoncé Spends 'Cowboy Carter' Eve Without a Cowboy Hat
She cozied up with a luxurious faux fur coat instead.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
The 22 Best Vibrators, According to Sex Toy Experts
The best options, for every preference and price range.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The Best Period Sex Tips, According to Sex Experts
Who says messy can't be sexy?
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The 20 Best Sex Games for Couples in 2023
Who said game nights need to be wholesome?
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
The 14 Best Lubes for Every Need
Good sex should always go smoothly.
By Gabrielle Ulubay Last updated
-
COVID Forced My Polyamorous Marriage to Become Monogamous
For Melanie LaForce, pandemic-induced social distancing guidelines meant she could no longer see men outside of her marriage. But monogamy didn't just change her relationship with her husband—it changed her relationship with herself.
By Melanie LaForce Published
-
100 Sex Songs That Won't Make You Cringe
Dim the lights and hit play on this sex songs — the perfect playlist of songs to have sex to.
By The Editors Published
-
75 Real Sex Scenes in Movies
These actors aren't faking anything.
By Mehera Bonner Last updated
-
33 Unexpected Valentine's Day 2023 Date Ideas
A.k.a. not dinner and roses.
By The Editors Published