HPV Toolkit: Finding Answers

HPV Fact Zone

Is HPV really that common?
What are the negative side effects of HPV?
Will a condom protect me?
How do I communicate with my parents about sex?
How do I communicate with my parents that I want to get the HPV vaccine?
How can I avoid STDs?
I am trying to decide if I am ready for sex

Is HPV really that common?

A recent report looking at girls aged 14-19 showed that one in four had an STD, and the STD that was most common was HPV. HPV is most common in 20-24 year olds. More than 50% of sexually active men and women have HPV at some point in their lives.

What are the negative side effects of HPV?

Researchers continue to find links between infection with HPV and other diseases. At present, we know that HPV can cause genital warts, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, some types of lung cancer, anal/rectal cancer and penile cancer.

Will a condom protect me?

Condoms are suggested to reduce infection, but are not sure protection against HPV. Any skin-to-skin contact can result in transfer of the HPV virus (uncovered areas can still result in HPV transmission).

How do I communicate with my parents about sex?

Starting a conversation with one or both of your parents about sex can be ackward. See the following resources to help you.

Talking to Your Parents or Other Adults
Talking to Your Parents About Sex (Seventeen Magazine)
Talking to Your Parents About Sex (Sex etc.)
How to Talk to Parents

How do I communicate with my parents that I want to get the HPV vaccine?

Your parents may not know about HPV or the HPV vaccine. Tell them about what you know and encourage them to look at the Parent Section on this site to get more information. Talking openly and honestly about this with your parents is a good start.

How can I avoid STDs?

The only sure way to avoid getting an STD is not to have sex. Condoms also offer protection against some, but not all, STDs. Getting the HPV vaccine is a way to avoid infection with four commonly spread strains of HPV. Often times, young people practice oral sex not realizing that STDs can also be spread in this manner. Oral HPV has led to increase in head and neck cancers in recent years.

HPV Vaccine: A Guide for Teens