HPV in 2026: Your risks drop as new self-screening options emerge

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and nearly everyone who is sexually active will encounter it at some point.

Most infections clear on their own. The concern is persistent infection with high-risk HPV types, which can lead to cancers of the cervix, anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and the oropharynx (throat). The good news: HPV-related disease is largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening—and major updates in the last two years are expanding how people can be screened, including options to collect a sample themselves.

The virus, at a glance

• Low-risk vs. high-risk types. Low-risk types (notably 6 and 11) cause genital warts and rarely lead to cancer. High-risk types (including 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, and 59) are responsible for most HPV-related cancers; types 16 and 18 drive the majority.
• How common is HPV? Before vaccines, tens of millions in the U.S. were infected annually; in the decade after vaccine rollout, infections with vaccine-covered types 6, 11, 16, and 18 fell by 86% in teen girls and 71% in women 20–24. Population surveys show any-type genital HPV in roughly 42% of U.S. adults (higher in men than women); “high-risk” HPV is found in about 23% of adults.
• Cancers tied to HPV. The CDC estimates that tens of thousands of U.S. cancers each year are attributable to HPV, most of which could be prevented by the 9-valent vaccine.

Vaccination: who needs it and what it covers

• What the shot protects against. The U.S.-available vaccine, Gardasil 9, prevents disease caused by nine types—6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58—including the seven cancer-causing types above. It also prevents genital warts (types 6 and 11).
• When to get it. U.S. health authorities recommend routine vaccination at ages 11–12 (can start at 9). Catch-up vaccination is recommended through age 26 if not fully vaccinated; ages 27–45 can consider vaccination after discussing individual risks and benefits with a clinician.
• How many doses. Start before 15: 2 doses (6–12 months apart). Start at 15–26 or if immunocompromised: 3 doses. (Some countries are moving to a one-dose option based on WHO guidance; the U.S. still uses 2- or 3-dose schedules.)
• Impact so far. Widespread vaccination correlates with steep drops in vaccine-type infections and precancers in young people—a key step toward preventing future cancers.

You May Want To Read: 80% Reduction in Cervical Precancers Thanks to the HPV Vaccine (The One RFK Jr. is Suing)

Screening is changing—here’s what’s new

• Current U.S. recommendations. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) currently advises:
  • Ages 21–29: Pap test (cytology) every 3 years.
  • Ages 30–65: one of the following—primary high-risk HPV test every 5 years, cotest (HPV + Pap) every 5 years, or Pap every 3 years.
• Draft update (Dec. 10, 2024): USPSTF proposes emphasizing primary HPV testing every 5 years for ages 30–65 (Pap or cotesting remain acceptable options) and explicitly allowing self-collected vaginal samples in medical settings. Final guidance is pending.
• Self-collection moves forward. In May 2024, the FDA expanded instructions for two laboratory HPV tests (Roche cobas and BD Onclarity) to accept patient-collected vaginal swabs in health-care settings, broadening access for people who decline or cannot undergo a pelvic exam.
• At-home self-collection (new in 2025). In May 2025, the FDA granted De Novo authorization to the Teal Wand, the first device that lets eligible people collect a sample at home for lab-based HPV screening with a prescription. Early rollout began in select states, with national expansion underway. (Follow your provider’s advice on whether this option fits your situation.)

Learn more here: New HPV Self-Test Revolutionizes Cervical Cancer Screening

What results mean

• HPV positive ≠ cancer. A positive high-risk HPV test flags cells at risk; most infections still clear without treatment. Additional testing (repeat HPV, Pap, or colposcopy) depends on your age and specific results under risk-based management protocols.
• HPV negative. If screening is negative, you can typically wait 5 years before the next HPV test (for those on primary HPV screening). Follow your clinician’s guidance based on the screening method used.

Beyond the cervix

HPV is implicated in several non-cervical cancers—especially oropharyngeal (throat) cancers in men and women—so vaccination benefits everyone, not just those with a cervix. Gardasil 9’s label includes prevention of anal and certain head and neck cancers caused by covered HPV types.

You may want to read: How to Spot Throat Cancer Before It’s Too Late: 10 Key Symptoms to Watch

The latest science to watch

• Single-dose protection. The World Health Organization now supports one-dose schedules as an option in many settings to speed global uptake; large trials continue to evaluate durability. (Again, the U.S. schedule remains 2–3 doses.)
• Therapeutic vaccines & immunotherapy. Unlike preventive vaccines, therapeutic vaccines are being tested to help the immune system clear existing HPV-related lesions; none are yet FDA-approved. For advanced cervical cancer, checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab) have become part of standard care in select cases (ask your oncologist about current indications). (Background provided for context; see oncology guidance for specifics.)
• Self-sampling at scale. With FDA-cleared self-collection in clinics and the first at-home option authorized, researchers and health systems are studying how best to reach people overdue for screening and ensure timely follow-up.

Practical takeaways for 2025

• If you’re 11–26: vaccination offers powerful protection—earlier is better.
• If you’re 27–45: talk to your clinician about whether vaccination makes sense for you.
• If you have a cervix: keep up with screening on schedule; ask whether primary HPV testing and (where appropriate) self-collection are options for you.
• Everyone: vaccination helps prevent multiple HPV-related cancers—including some throat cancers—so encourage partners and family members to get informed and vaccinated.