This page is general health information, not medical advice. It cannot tell you whether you have an infection. A clinician can, and the testing options on this site are a good place to start.

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. The CDC says most sexually active people who are not vaccinated will have it at some point in their lives. Most never know, and most never have a problem.

This guide covers what HPV is, how it shows up in men and women, why there is no routine HPV test for men, how often cervical screening is recommended, and how the vaccine works. It ends with where to go in Los Angeles.

The short version

HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses, according to the CDC. Only some are linked to cancer or warts.
The CDC says most HPV infections have no symptoms and go away on their own, usually within about two years.
There is no routine HPV test for men. Cervical screening exists for people with a cervix.
The HPV vaccine is recommended by the CDC for children at age 11 or 12, and for older ages in some situations.
Only a clinician can tell you what a test result or an exam finding means for you.

What HPV is: the science in plain words

HPV is a small virus. Its genetic material is DNA, and it is wrapped in a protein shell called a capsid. The CDC describes the HPV vaccine as made from proteins of that outer shell, not from live virus. That is why the vaccine cannot cause an HPV infection.

The virus infects the thin surface layers of skin and the moist lining (mucosa) of areas such as the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, anus, mouth and throat. It spreads through skin-to-skin genital contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. The CDC notes that a person can pass it on even when there are no signs.

Laboratory research suggests that the high-risk types make two proteins, often called E6 and E7. In studies, these proteins interfere with the cell's natural controls on growth. This is one reason researchers think a long-lasting infection with a high-risk type can, over many years, lead to abnormal cells. Most infections never reach that point.

Warts versus high-risk types

The CDC groups the types that affect the genital area in two broad ways.

Low-risk types and genital warts

The CDC says types 6 and 11 cause about 90 percent of genital warts. These types are not linked to cancer. Warts are soft growths on or near the genitals or anus. They can be flat or raised, single or in clusters, and they may or may not itch.

A clinician diagnoses warts by looking at them. A clinician can also prescribe or perform treatments for warts. The CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) note that treatment removes the warts but does not clear the virus from the body, so warts can return.

High-risk types and cancer

The CDC says some types, including 16 and 18, are called high-risk because they can cause cell changes that may become cancer if they last for years. The CDC says these two types cause the majority of cervical cancers. High-risk HPV is also linked to cancers of the vagina, vulva, penis, anus and the back of the throat (oropharynx).

Having a high-risk type does not mean cancer will develop. The CDC emphasizes that most infections clear on their own. What matters is regular screening, where it exists, so a clinician can find cell changes early.

HPV in women

In this guide, "women" includes anyone with a cervix, such as some transgender men and nonbinary people. The screening advice below follows anatomy, not identity.

Most HPV in people with a cervix causes nothing you can feel or see. The CDC says that when a high-risk type lingers, it can cause cell changes on the cervix. Those changes usually cause no symptoms either. Symptoms of cervical cancer, such as unusual bleeding or pain, tend to appear later, which is why screening matters.

Genital warts can also appear on the vulva, in or around the vagina, on the cervix or around the anus. A clinician can examine any new growth.

The CDC also notes that HPV does not usually affect a person's ability to become pregnant. People who are pregnant or planning pregnancy can ask their prenatal clinician how screening fits into their care.

HPV in men

In this guide, "men" includes anyone with a penis. Like women, most men who have HPV have no symptoms, and the infection usually clears on its own, according to the CDC.

When HPV in men does cause problems, the CDC lists genital warts and, less often, cancers of the penis, anus and oropharynx. The CDC reports that oropharyngeal cancer is the most common HPV-associated cancer among men in the United States, though it remains uncommon overall.

Men who have sex with men and people with HIV or other conditions that weaken the immune system may have a higher chance that HPV persists, according to the CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021). They are good people to ask a clinician about anal health checks.

HPV symptoms: what people notice

The most honest answer to "what are HPV symptoms" is that most people have none. When something does show up, the CDC lists these:

Genital or anal warts. Soft, skin-colored or slightly darker growths, sometimes shaped like a cauliflower.
Warts on the hands, feet or face. These are caused by different HPV types and are not considered sexually transmitted.
Late signs of HPV-related cancers. The CDC says these can take years to appear, and they differ by body area. A sore in the mouth or throat that does not heal, unexplained bleeding, or a persistent lump are reasons to see a clinician.

None of these signs can tell you whether HPV is the cause. Many other conditions look similar. A clinician can examine you and order the right tests.

Other infections can also cause bumps, discharge or sores. If you are checking in on your sexual health more broadly, our guide to chlamydia symptoms, testing and treatment in Los Angeles explains another very common infection that often has no symptoms.

Why there is no routine HPV test for men

The CDC says there is no approved test to find out a person's overall "HPV status," and no approved HPV test for men that is used for routine screening. There are a few reasons research and the CDC STI Treatment Guidelines (2021) point to:

HPV is so common, and so often temporary, that a positive result in someone with no symptoms would usually not change care.
There is no accepted treatment for HPV itself, only for the problems it can cause, such as warts or precancerous changes.
For the penis, throat and anus, there is no screening program shown to reduce cancer deaths in the general population.

The CDC guidelines note that some clinicians offer anal cancer screening to certain groups, such as people with HIV. Evidence on the best approach is still developing. If you are in a group that may benefit, ask a clinician what they offer.

For everyone, the CDC says vaccination is the main way to lower the chance of HPV-related disease. Condoms may lower risk, but the CDC notes that HPV can infect skin that a condom does not cover.

Cervical screening: the USPSTF intervals

For people with a cervix, screening looks for cell changes before they become cancer. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) 2018 recommendation for cervical cancer screening gives these intervals:

Age group	USPSTF recommendation
Under 21	Screening is not recommended.
21 to 29	A Pap test (cytology) every 3 years.
30 to 65	Any one of three options: a Pap test every 3 years, high-risk HPV testing alone every 5 years, or both together (co-testing) every 5 years.
Over 65	Screening is not recommended if prior screening was adequate and results were negative, and the person is not otherwise at high risk.
After a hysterectomy	Screening is not recommended if the cervix was removed and there is no history of a serious precancer or cervical cancer.

These are recommendations for people at average risk. A clinician may suggest a different schedule if you have HIV, a weakened immune system, a past abnormal result or other factors. The USPSTF updates its guidance over time, so ask your clinician or check the USPSTF site for the current version.

Screening is also recommended whether or not someone has been vaccinated, because the vaccine does not cover every high-risk type. Your clinician can tell you how this applies to you.

What an abnormal result means

An abnormal Pap or a positive high-risk HPV result is common and does not mean cancer. It means a clinician may suggest a follow-up, such as repeat testing or a closer look at the cervix. Ask your clinician what the result means and what comes next.

The HPV vaccine: what research suggests

The CDC recommends HPV vaccination for all children at age 11 or 12, and it can be started as early as age 9. The CDC also recommends catch-up vaccination through age 26 for people not already vaccinated. For adults aged 27 to 45, the CDC says the decision is made together with a clinician, because the benefit is smaller for people who have already been exposed. The number of shots depends on the age at which the series starts and on immune status, and a clinician or pharmacist can explain what applies.

What the research observes

CDC surveillance suggests the vaccine is working. The CDC reports that since the vaccine was introduced in 2006, infections with the HPV types that cause most HPV cancers and genital warts have dropped by 88 percent among teen girls and 81 percent among young adult women. The CDC also reports declines in cervical precancers among vaccinated age groups. Studies of this kind show association, and researchers continue to follow long-term cancer outcomes.

The CDC notes that the vaccine does not treat an existing infection or existing warts. It works best before exposure, which is why it is recommended early.

Safety profile

The CDC says HPV vaccines have been studied extensively and that safety monitoring continues in the United States. The most common effects are mild and short-lived:

Pain, redness or swelling in the arm where the shot was given.
Headache, fatigue or muscle aches.
Fainting, which can happen after any vaccine in teens and young adults. The CDC suggests sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes after the shot.

Who should talk to a clinician first

The CDC lists these situations:

A severe allergic reaction to a previous HPV shot, or to any ingredient in the vaccine. The CDC notes that includes yeast.
Pregnancy. The CDC says the vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy, and the series can usually be started or finished after pregnancy. Getting the vaccine while unknowingly pregnant has not been linked to harm, according to the CDC.
A moderate or severe illness at the time of the visit. A clinician may suggest waiting until you recover.

A clinician can review your history and answer questions about your situation.

Quality indicators: choosing where to get screened or vaccinated

You do not need a lab brand or a special kit for HPV care. Instead, look for these signs of quality:

A licensed clinician reviews your results. HPV results are only useful with follow-up advice.
Screening follows the USPSTF intervals. A good clinic can explain why it suggests a particular schedule for you.
Clear explanation of next steps. You should leave knowing what an abnormal result would trigger.
Privacy and respect. You should be addressed by the name and pronouns you give, and your questions should be welcome.
Vaccine records. Ask for a record of any vaccine you receive, so future clinicians can see it.

HPV screening and vaccines in Los Angeles

Los Angeles County has several free and low-cost options for sexual health. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) runs Sexual Health Clinics. According to DPH, these clinics have no patient fees and bill insurance if you have it, with no copay or coinsurance. They are open to everyone regardless of citizenship, and DPH says it will not report immigration status.

The DPH clinics in Los Angeles listed on its Sexual Health Clinics page include:

Central Health Center, 241 Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. DPH lists STI testing, HIV testing, PrEP, PEP, doxy-PEP and treatment. Appointments are preferred and walk-ins are limited.
MLK Jr. Center for Public Health, 11833 S. Wilmington Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90059. Services are listed as the same full-service set.
Pacoima Health Center, 13300 Van Nuys Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331. This site is for screening only. DPH tells people with symptoms or a possible exposure to book at another DPH clinic.

All DPH sexual health appointments go through one scheduling line, (213) 449-7009. DPH also offers telehealth visits booked by phone, and says results come through the LA Health Portal in 2 to 10 business days.

What to ask before you go

The DPH Sexual Health Clinics page lists STI testing, HIV services and treatment. It does not list cervical screening or Pap tests, and it notes that a fee may be charged for immunizations. Call the clinic first and ask:

Do you offer Pap tests or HPV testing for cervical screening?
Do you give the HPV vaccine, and is there a fee?
Can you look at a growth or bump I have noticed?
If you do not offer a service, where can you send me?

Other community clinics also list STI services. The Los Angeles LGBT Center, AHF Wellness Center - Western, APLA Health and Watts Health Center are examples listed by DPH or by the clinics themselves. Their pages do not state what they offer for cervical screening or HPV vaccination, and several do not publish a price, so confirm services and cost by phone. You can see the full local list, with addresses and phone numbers, in our Los Angeles clinic directory, or read our guide on where to get STD testing in Los Angeles.

The CDC also runs a national finder at gettested.cdc.gov where you can enter a ZIP code to find testing sites.

Young people and privacy

Under California Family Code section 6926, as amended by AB 499 (2011), a minor aged 12 or older can consent to STI testing and treatment. Parents or guardians are not liable for payment for that care. The Guttmacher Institute lists no parental-notification provision for California, and DPH says its clinics tell patients 12 and older they can be tested and treated without their parents knowing. For vaccines, ask the clinic about its consent and billing rules.

Children's Hospital Los Angeles lists STD services for youth aged 12 to 24 on a DPH listing. Its cost and walk-in policy are not published there, so call (323) 361-7550 to check.

Questions people often ask

Can a clinician tell how long ago someone got HPV?

No. The CDC explains that HPV can stay in the body without causing problems and a result cannot show when or from whom it was passed on. This is one reason HPV conversations are better framed around care going forward than around blame.

Is there a window period for HPV?

The CDC does not publish a window period for HPV the way it does for some other infections. Screening for cervical cell changes is based on age and intervals, not on a recent exposure.

Is HPV curable?

HPV itself is not curable, but the CDC says the body clears most infections on its own. The health problems HPV can cause, such as warts and precancerous cell changes, are treatable by a clinician.

Should I get vaccinated if I am already sexually active?

Many people still benefit, because the vaccine protects against types they may not have yet. The CDC recommends it through age 26 and says it can be discussed for ages 27 to 45. A clinician can help you decide.

The takeaway

HPV is common, usually quiet and often temporary. For most people, the practical steps are the same: ask about the vaccine, keep up with cervical screening if you have a cervix, and see a clinician about any new growth or symptom that worries you. Los Angeles has free and low-cost places to start. Call ahead, ask what each clinic offers for HPV and cervical screening, and take it one step at a time.

HPV in Men and Women: Testing, Vaccines and Cervical Screening in Los Angeles