Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Treatment and Care
CDC now recommends 11 to 12 year olds get two doses of HPV vaccine—rather than the previously recommended three doses—to protect against cancers caused by HPV. The second dose should be given 6-12 months after the first dose. For more information on the updated recommendations, read the press release: https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p1020-hpv-shots.html
Some health effects caused by HPV can be prevented with a vaccine.
Can I be treated for HPV or health problems caused by HPV?
There is no treatment for the virus itself. However, there are treatments for the health problems that HPV can cause:
- Genital warts can be treated by your healthcare provider or with prescription medication. If left untreated, genital warts may go away, stay the same, or grow in size or number.
- Cervical precancer can be treated. Women who get routine Pap tests and follow up as needed can identify problems before cancer develops. Prevention is always better than treatment. For more information visit www.cancer.orgExternal .
- Other HPV-related cancers are also more treatable when diagnosed and treated early. For more information visit www.cancer.orgExternal
Treatment Guidelines and Updates
- 2015 STD Treatment Guidelines (June 4, 2015)
- Use of 9-Valent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Updated HPV Vaccination Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices MMWR March 27, 2015
- HPV Vaccine Now Recommended for Boys and Young Men – CDC Expert Commentary featuring Eileen F. Dunne, MD, MPH (March 19, 2012)
Resources for Clinicians
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Self-Study ModuleExternal – An online learning experience that helps users learn how to manage HPV. It is continuously updated and integrates the most recent STD Treatment Guidelines. Free CME/CNE available. (November 1, 2017)
- Use of a 2-Dose Schedule for Human Papillomavirus Vaccination — Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices MMWR December 16, 2016
- Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescent Girls, 2007–2012, and Postlicensure Vaccine Safety Monitoring, 2006–2013 — United States MMWR July 26, 2013
-
HPV 2013 Public Health Grand Rounds – Overview of HPV incidence and vaccination measures to reduce burden in the U.S. – View Recording (February 19, 2013)
- MMWR on Reducing the Burden of HPV-Associated Cancer and Disease MMWR January 31, 2014
Page last reviewed: December 28, 2016