Sexo y salud sexual
HPV and the HPV vaccine
Revisado: 4 de octubre de 2026
Solo en inglés por ahoraHPV is a very common virus passed on through sex. Most infections clear by themselves, but some can lead to cancer. The vaccine and cervical screening help protect you from cervical cancer.
What HPV is
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus. It spreads through close skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Nearly everyone who is sexually active will get HPV at some point, usually without knowing. A person can pass it on even when they have no signs or symptoms. Having HPV does not mean that you or a partner did anything wrong. Some types of HPV cause warts on or around the genitals or anus. Other, high-risk types can lead to cancer.
Most infections go away
HPV usually causes no symptoms. About 9 in 10 HPV infections clear by themselves within 2 years, without causing any harm. So having HPV does not mean you will get cancer. Not smoking, or stopping smoking, lowers the chance that an infection will stay in the body for a long time.
How HPV can lead to cancer
Sometimes an infection with a high-risk type of HPV does not clear and stays for years. A long-lasting infection like this is the cause of cervical cancer. It is also linked to cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, penis and the back of the throat. Cervical cancer usually takes 15 to 20 years to develop after an HPV infection. This long gap is why regular cervical screening can find changes early, before they become cancer.
The HPV vaccine
Safe and highly effective vaccines protect against HPV. The vaccine works best when given before a person is ever exposed to the virus. This is why it is offered to young people, often between the ages of 9 and 14, before they start having sex. If you missed it or are not sure whether you had it, ask a doctor or nurse whether it is worth having now.
Screening and condoms
Keep going to cervical screening when you are invited. The ages and how often you are invited vary between countries. Condoms lower the chance of passing on HPV, but they do not protect fully, because they do not cover all the skin around the genitals. Using condoms still protects against many other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
When to see a doctor or nurse
See a doctor or nurse if you notice lumps, warts or sores around your genitals or anus. Bleeding between periods, after sex or after menopause should always be checked. These signs often have other causes, but it is important to get them looked at.
This is general information. Ask a doctor or nurse about the HPV vaccine and when you are due for cervical screening.