Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are quite common, and there is confusion about HPV, such as: who can be infected with HPV and how is it transmitted? Can it be cured and is the HPV vaccine safe and effective? Medical experts at the Anderson Cancer Center believe there are several types of HPV associated with cervical cancer, and Professor Sturgis of the Center recently published a Top 10 Myths article warning people that knowing the following facts can prevent many HPV-related tumors. Myth #1: Only women get HPV Fact: HPV is common in both men and women, and the probability of getting HPV in a person’s lifetime is 80 percent. Myth 2: People with HPV infection have symptoms Fact: Most people with HPV infection do not know they have HPV and have no symptoms or other health problems. 90% of people with HPV infection will clear up on their own within two years. Patients who do not regress develop health problems such as genital warts and several related types of cancer, including cervical, rectal, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers. Myth 3: People infected with HPV must be sexually active Fact: HPV is spread through close skin-to-skin contact. However, in most cases it is transmitted sexually, even in people who are not sexually active. Using a condom helps prevent infection, but it does not completely protect you from the virus because condoms sometimes do not cover all genital skin. Myth #4: HPV infection can be cured Fact: There is no treatment for the HPV virus, but there are treatments for HPV-related health problems, such as the management of precancerous lesions and genital warts. Myth #5: People with HPV infection cannot get pregnant Fact: In most people with HPV infection, HPV infection does not affect a woman’s pregnancy. If a woman becomes pregnant with a co-infection of HPV, she may develop genital warts or cervical cell changes. Routine screening reveals these problems and requires treatment under a doctor’s supervision. Pregnancy after HPV vaccination is safe and the vaccine does not affect fetal development. Myth #6: The HPV vaccine protects you for life Fact: Current data show that the vaccine is effective for 10 years, and some doctors believe it may be effective for longer or less.