Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus, usually called HPV, is a viral infection with many different types. These infections are transmitted through skin-to-skin, or sexual contact. 

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

3 out of 4 Canadians will be infected with an HPV virus during their lifetime, however, most people may not even know it.

There are many types of HPV,

  • Most types of HPV cause no symptoms and will go away on their own with the help of our immune system, just like a cold or flu virus.
  • Some low-risk types can cause warts on the area affected by the virus.
  • There are 12 high-risk HPV types which can cause cancer if they stay in the body for a long period of time.

Once you have HPV, it is not possible to get rid of the virus with medicine, your body must clear the virus on its own, like a cold or flu virus. 

If high-risk types of HPV are not cleared by the body’s immune system and stay for a long period of time, the person’s risk of developing cancer is increased.

HPV can cause six types of cancer, including cancer of the:

  • Cervix
  • Anus 
  • Mouth and throat
  • Penis
  • Vagina, and
  • Vulva

Unfortunately, most people who have a high-risk, cancer-causing type of HPV will not show any signs or symptoms until it starts to cause serious health problems.

For most people, the best way to protect yourself against HPV is to get immunized against the highest-risk types of HPV!

The HPV vaccine is free for everyone between the ages of 9 and 26. In the NWT, this vaccine is typically provided in grades 4 to 6, with a minimum age of 9 years.

The HPV vaccination can prevent cancer and HPV-related warts.

For more information on the HPV vaccine, visit:

For additional resources on HPV and other sexually transmitted infections visit: