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Our San Antonio OBGYNs answer your questions about the human papillomavirus, or HPV

HPV, or human papillomavirus, can cause different types of cancer, including cervical cancerDid you know that virtually everyone who has sex risks exposure to the human papillomavirus? Our San Antonio OBGYNs have answers to your questions about HPV, its relationship to cancer, cervical cancer screening, and more.

Your relationships and HPV

You shouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed when you test positive for HPV because many people also have the virus. It is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the United States.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about dealing with relationships if you have HPV.

  • Can you get HPV while you are in a monogamous relationship?
    Yes! The virus can reside in your body for months or even years. You may have contracted HPV in a previous relationship. There are as many as 40 different types of human papillomaviruses that cause genital symptoms. While you may have immunity to one type of infection, your current partner might pass on to you a different type of infection than you were previously exposed to.
  • Is it possible to get HPV if you always use a condom?
    It is. People contract the virus when they have skin-to-skin contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, especially when they have a cut or infection in the skin or mucous membranes. These instances can happen during any intimate contact.
  • Is HPV contagious for life?
    Not always. About 90% of the time, HPV goes away by itself within two years and doesn’t cause any health problems. Regular cervical cancer screening and HPV testing helps our San Antonio OBGYNs keep an eye on the virus.

Things you need to know about the vaccine that prevents human papillomavirus

Many people have questions about the HPV vaccine, but it’s one of the best ways to prevent the virus. Here are two frequently asked questions.

  • What is the age range for the HPV vaccine?
    OBGYNs recommend that girls get the vaccine around age 11 or 12, but if you didn’t get it as a preteen, you can get the shot up until age 26. If you are between the ages of 27 and 45, you may also be a candidate for the vaccine. Talk to our physicians.
  • Are the vaccines safe and effective?
    The human papillomavirus vaccine reduces your risk of developing HPV-related cancers and genital warts by up to 99%. So far, millions of women and girls have received the shot without experiencing serious side effects.

Talk to our OBGYNs about HPV, annual wellness visits and cervical cancer screening

You don’t have to be afraid of an HPV diagnosis. Our physicians monitor your health and your HPV status, and diagnose and treat problems linked to the human papillomavirus. If you have questions or concerns, contact us for an appointment.