Is there anything else I need to know about an HPV test?
There is no treatment for HPV, but most infections clear up on their own. You can take steps to reduce your risk of getting HPV. Having sex with only one partner and having safe sex (using a condom) can lower your risk. Vaccination is even more effective.
The HPV vaccine is a safe, effective way to protect yourself from the HPV infections that commonly cause cancer. The HPV vaccine works best when it's given to someone who has never been exposed to the virus. So it's recommended to give it to people before they start sexual activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend girls and boys get vaccinated starting at age 11 or 12. Usually, a total of two or three HPV shots (vaccinations) are given, spaced a few months apart. The difference in  the number of doses depends on the age of your child or young adult and the recommendations of the health care provider.
If you have questions about the HPV vaccine, talk to your child's health care provider and/or your own provider.
