HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. There are different types of HPV, and more than 79 million people are infected, most of them in their teens or early 20s. There are vaccines that can lower your chances of getting HPV.

You can get HPV by having sex (vaginal, oral or anal) with someone who is infected. HPV can be passed on even if the infected person has no symptoms, and you may develop symptoms years after you have had sex with an infected person. In some cases, it can lead to genital warts and cervical cancer in females and oral cancer in males (because of the prominence of oral sex).    

We can test for HPV at the same time that the Pap test is done. HPV is now so common that almost every person, who is sexually active, will get HPV at some point if they don’t get the HPV vaccine.

The HPV vaccine is safe and can protect against diseases, including cancers, caused by HPV. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that all boys and girls ages 11-12 get an HPV vaccine. For those who do not get vaccines at the recommended age, catch-up vaccines may be effective.

If you need help, we can help find the right program for you and we can get you answers fast by providing individualized assistance with applications, eligibility screening, and documentation. Visit our Angelina County Connects location at 503 Hill Street, Lufkin or call (936) 633-1442.