It’s no surprise that HPV is one of the most common STI’s in America. People are very misinformed about what it is and how it affects the body. Misinformation and ignorance is bad but when it comes to HPV, it can be deadly. Not only do we want to inform you about HPV to decrease your anxiety but we also want to inform you so that you can be safe.

We don’t know everything but we can debunk some of the myths that are told about HPV. Especially those that contribute to the spread of HPV. Here are seven common myths told about HPV and the facts to make you more informed about this mysterious STI.

1,Men can’t get HPV
False, men can get HPV. In fact, they are the main source of transmission. HPV is contracted through sexual intercourse. It’s a viral STI that is obtained through skin to skin contact.

2,HPV is Curable
HPV is a virus. Just like with herpes and HIV there isn’t a cure for these viral STI’s. What is curable is the infection itself. Either you can seek treatment or you body will rid itself of the infection.

3, The HPV vaccine can prevent women from getting HPV
Unfortunately, there are over one hundred strains of HPV. The common vaccine used to prevent HPV only targets four. That means that you have nearly ninety-six other strains that you have to protect yourself from. We don’t recommend avoiding the vaccine but we do want you to continue to be cautious with your sexual health.

4, Men can’t get cancer from HPV
Men can’t get cervical cancer from HPV but there are other cancers that can be caused from HPV, especially the kind that develops into genital warts. Men can get throat cancer, penile cancer and anal cancer from having HPV.

5, Homosexuals are immune to HPV
HPV doesn’t discriminate based on sexuality. Anyone can get HPV if exposed to the STI.

6, Having HPV automatically means that a woman has cancer
Lucky for you, this too is false. There are only a few strains that can lead to cancer. Remember cancer is the uncontrolled division of abnormal cells. Only the high risk HPV types can lead to cancer. Also known as, those that leads to abnormal cell changes. Nearly 99% of cervical cancer is due to HPV.

7, Men can get tested for HPV
Unfortunately, there isn’t a verified test for men who have HPV. Women can receive Pap smear tests that can determine if they have an abnormal pap smear. Men, on the other hand, can only have cancer screenings. You’re only safe by using protection and getting tested.

Ultimately, having HPV can be scary but there are ways to protect yourself. We hope that by understanding the condition a little more, you will feel more comfortable with your status. Of course, you can always talk to your doctor and get more answers to your questions.

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