HPV Myth and Fact Guide
Directions: Have participants categorize the cards by myth or fact.
Myth
There is nothing serious about HPV.
HPV has a variety of consequences including genital
warts and several types of cancers such as cervical
cancer, anal cancer, and genital cancer.
The only people at risk for HPV are those who have
casual sex with multiple partners.
Promiscuity is not a precursor for HPV risk.
HPV is a rare condition.
An estimated 80% of people will have HPV in their
lifetime.
If your partner tested negative for sexually
transmitted infections, your partner doesn’t have
HPV.
Routine testing for STDs includes tests for HIV, syphilis,
gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B & C, and sometimes
herpes. Providers may not test for HPV.
Men can’t get HPV.
HPV can cause diseases later in life for both men and
women. Men are at risk for certain cancers and genital
warts.
Intercourse is necessary to get HPV.
Any genital contact can result in HPV infection; this is
not limited to intercourse.
The Gardasil vaccine could result in contraction of
HPV and other diseases.
The Gardasil vaccine is very safe and highly effective.
There is no risk of getting HPV or other diseases.
HPV prevention requires 2 shots of the Gardasil
vaccine for those 15-18 years old.
HPV prevention requires 3 shots for those 15-18 years
of age. Three shots are given over the course of 6
months.
Fact
There are over 40 genital types of HPV.
14 million new infections occur yearly in the United
States.
50% of new genital HPV infections occur in 15 to 24
year olds.
In some cases, HPV can clear on its own.
While HPV can sometimes clear on its own, you should
still get vaccinated because the consequences are
serious.
People with no symptoms can have HPV.
However, low risk strains are associated with genital
warts while high risk strains are associated with
cancers (oral and throat, anal/genital, cervical, penile).
HPV has no treatment.
There are currently no available medicines to treat
HPV.
Gardasil prevents against 9 strains of HPV.
Gardasil prevents against 9 strains of HPV that most
often result in cancer. While there are 40 types of HPV,
Gardasil prevents against 9 of the most high risk
strains.
HPV stands for human papillomavirus.
Sources:
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/files/3413/9611/799
6/HPV_Myths_v_Facts.pdf
https://www.hpv.com/what-is-hpv/
https://www.gardasil9.com/questions/
https://www.versedhpv.com/
Talking Point:

What is HPV?
HPV, also known as Human Papillomavirus, is a common sexually transmitted infection that
affects all people. Although HPV can present itself as asymptomatic, it can lead to health issues
like cancer and genital warts. HPV is not curable. HPV can be spread by skin-to-skin contact, as
well as unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral sex. HPV can be prevented by the Gardasil vaccine.

What is Gardasil 9?
The only vaccine that protects against nine types of HPV that are responsible for HPV-related
cancers and diseases. HPV vaccines requires 3 shots for people ages 15-18 years.

How do I schedule an appointment for the Gardasil vaccine on-campus?

Students can schedule an appointment online via MyHealthspace or can visit the Allergy,
Immunization, and Travel office located on the first floor of the Center for Health and Well-Being.