HPV

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the world’s most common STI. It’s so common that about 75% of sexually active adults will encounter it at some point. Most never know, because the virus can go away on its own. But HPV can also cause genital warts and, in some cases, lead to certain cancers.

What Is HPV?

HPV is a group of over 200 viruses, and about 40 of them spread through sex. Most HPV infections have no signs or symptoms and they go away on their own. Some types cause genital warts (small bumps) and others can lead to cancer (anal, throat, penis, vulva, vagina). Unfortunately, getting one strain of the virus doesn’t protect you from the others.

How Do You Get HPV?

Human papillomavirus is passed on from skin-to-skin contact during anal, vaginal/front-hole, or oral sex. Because it lives on skin, condoms offer some protection from passing on the virus but it’s not 100%. There’s no routine test for HPV in Ontario. That’s why vaccination is the best way to prevent it.

Genital Warts

• Genital warts appear around your genitals or anus. They can look like small, smooth or bumpy, white or skin-colored patches. Warts can itch, bleed, or be hard to see. Ask a doctor or healthcare provider to take a look: they can suggest or provide treatment. (Don’t use over-the-counter wart creams down there!) It may feel weird to have someone look at your private parts especially if you think there’s something wrong down there, but they’re professional experts and they’re used to looking at people’s bodies.

Gardasil 9 (the HPV vaccine) stops almost all warts before they start.

HPV and Cancer

Some strains of HPV can cause anal and cervical cancer (most common) as well as penile, vaginal, vulvar, and oral (mouth/throat) cancers.

Getting vaccinated cuts your risk of certain cancers a lot. And queer guys, especially those living with HIV, have higher risk for anal cancer. If you’re living with HIV, your chance of anal cancer is about 100 times higher than others. Vaccination can prevent most of those cases!

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

• All young people before they start having sex (public health recommends it for most people up to the age of 26).
  
• Gay, bi, queer guys and people with HIV are recommended up to age 45.
  
• Men over 26 who have sex with men or live with HIV: Gardasil 9 is strongly recommended.
  

Gardasil 9 is given in three shots over six months. It’s over 75% effective against anal cancer and over 88% effective against warts. You might feel a sore arm for a day or two.

How to Get Vaccinated

1. Talk to your doctor or sexual-health clinic.
   
2. In Ontario, shots are free up to age 26.
   
3. Over 26, check private insurance or pay about $268 per shot.
   
4. Find a clinic or pharmacy near you at Vaccines411.ca or on the Gardasil 9 website.
   

FAQ

Is HPV only for cis women?
No. Everyone can catch HPV. Vaccination fights cancer in all genders.

Does Ontario cover the vaccine?

• Under 26: covered by public health (no OHIP needed).
  
• Over 26: not covered by OHIP, but private insurance may help.
  

Can I get vaccinated if I’ve had HPV?

 Yes. It protects against types you haven’t caught.

Do I need to restart if I miss a dose?

 No. Just get your next shot when you can—no series reset.

I got Gardasil 4—do I need Gardasil 9?

 Talk to your provider. You can finish with Gardasil 9 to cover more HPV types.

Do condoms stop HPV?

 They help, but because HPV lives on skin, condoms aren’t 100% protective.

How do I know if I have HPV?

 Most people have no symptoms. If you see warts, see your doctor for treatment and talk about vaccination.

Are there HPV tests?

 Not as part of routine screening in Ontario. Doctors test only if there are warts or you need cancer screening.

I have HPV. Should I still get vaccinated?

 Yes. Vaccination protects you against types you do not have.

Where can I find more information?

• Check out our Factsheet on HPV and Anal Cancer
• Toronto Public Health HPV vaccine factsheet
• Gardasil 9 resources
• GMSH launches HPV awareness campaign – GMSH