Condition
HPV
Usually goes awayThe most common infection from sex. Almost everyone gets it at some point. Most people never know.
How to test for it
No simple test for most people. Ask a clinic which checks are right for you.
What the label means
Usually goes away
Most of the time it clears on its own. A vaccine blocks the types that cause harm.
Related reading
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Is it serious?
Most of the time, no. It usually goes away on its own in a year or two. A few types can cause warts, or, rarely, over many years, cancer.
Can it be prevented?
Yes. A vaccine (a shot) protects against the worst types. You can get it up to age 45.
What should I do?
Get the vaccine if you have not had it. Ask a clinic which checks are right for you.