5 Things Every Couple Needs to Know About HPV

Issued by MSD in the public interest for awareness purposes only.

One of the biggest contributors to fear and potential harm around health and caring for your body would have to be the plethora of myths and misconceptions surrounding HPV.

If you’ve clicked on this article hoping to find the truth behind HPV and what you can do to prevent and keep HPV and certain HPV-related issues at bay, you’ve come to the right place.

Just in case you didn’t already know, human papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of viruses infamous for affecting millions of people globally.

HPV can stay dormant in your system for years and surface unexpectedly, so there’s no way to detect when you got it or who you got it from (1).

Given how common HPV is worldwide, it’s important for couples to move past misconceptions and learn about it.

What Is HPV?

 According to the WHO, human papillomavirus (HPV) refers to a group of 100 known viruses that can affect the skin and genital area. The virus usually transmits from direct skin-to-skin contact (genital, oral, anal) during sexual intimacy with an HPV-infected individual (2).

However, there are more factors at play.

Lesser-Known Things About HPV That Can Surprise You

1. Symptoms

Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and may go unnoticed, so couples usually remain oblivious to them until the symptoms surface (1).

2. Certain HPV Types Have a Link With Cervical Cancer

Out of about 100 types of HPV, only a dozen are associated with cervical disease. In fact, the most dreaded genital warts are actually a form of low-risk HPV infection and do not cause cancer (1). Most HPV infections often clear up on their own if the individual presents strong immunity. Ones that cause cervical cancers are persistent high-risk HPV types that may take about 10 to 15 years to develop into cervical cancer.

3. HPV Vaccination Can Help Protect Against Certain HPV-Related Cancers

WHO and Indian Medical bodies recommend that HPV vaccination can be given to eligible women/girls starting at age 9 years, as it can help prevent certain HPV-related cancers (3).

4. HPV Vaccination & Family Planning

Studies show no documented association between the HPV vaccine and reproductive problems. Couples considering future pregnancies can consult their healthcare provider for more information.

5. Can Condoms Prevent HPV?

A condom may not protect you against HPV in all cases. Since a condom does not cover all areas where HPV can be transmitted, to say it is effective in preventing HPV infection might not be entirely accurate.

What’s the Treatment for HPV?

There is no treatment for HPV infection itself, but there are symptomatic treatments available for warts. The virus is usually dealt with by the immune system itself in individuals within 1-2 years. The HPV vaccine is a key tool in helping prevent certain HPV-related cancers, but it’s just as important to have regular check-ups and screenings (4).

How Can You Prevent HPV Transmission?

HPV vaccination is one of the effective ways to help prevent certain HPV-related cancers & diseases (5). In India, two HPV vaccine types are available.

Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine helps offer protection against certain HPV-related cancers and diseases caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18.

Nonavalent HPV Vaccine helps offer protection against certain HPV-related cancers and diseases caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. It is advisable to consult your doctor for the exact age, type, and recommended doses of HPV vaccination.

Regular health check-ups, including HPV screening, can help prevent certain HPV-related infections and diseases (4). Consult your healthcare provider for more guidance related to HPV vaccination.

What’s Next?

You can have a one-on-one conversation with your partner, but if you are worried about their reaction, ask them to join you at a medical appointment. The doctor can offer solutions and help you plan better, but do educate yourself and focus on strengthening your immune system.

HPV vaccination, along with regular screenings, is an effective form of protection against certain HPV-related cancers and diseases (4). We suggest consulting your doctor for HPV vaccination.

FAQs

1. What do I do if my spouse has HPV?

Consult the doctor for proper guidance and HPV vaccination.

2. Do HPV vaccines affect fertility or future pregnancies?

Studies show no documented association between the HPV vaccine and reproductive problems (6). Couples considering future pregnancies can consult their healthcare provider for more information.

3. Can women planning to conceive get the HPV vaccination?

There is no approved HPV testing for men. The HPV vaccine is not recommended during pregnancy (6).

HPV vaccination helps provide an added layer of protection against the virus, helping reduce the risk of infections. Consider scheduling a vaccination appointment for yourself to help prioritise your well-being.

IN-GSL-01058 | 19/06/2025 – 01/10/2026

Also Read:

HPV and Cervical Cancer
HPV Vaccination for Girl Child 
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in Children
HPV Vaccination – Answering All Your Questions
Human Papillomavirus Infection (HPV) During Pregnancy

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Sources References

1. American Cancer Society – HPV and HPV testing

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemiology and prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases. – Chapter 11: Human Papillomavirus Pink Book. 14th edn.

3. World Health Organization – Preparing for the introduction of HPV vaccines: policy and programme guidance for countries

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Reasons to Get Vaccinated

5. Frontiers in Public Health – Epidemiology and Burden of Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases, Molecular Pathogenesis, and Vaccine Evaluation

6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – HPV Vaccination