Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, with some strains causing genital warts while others lead to cervical cancer and other malignancies. Whether you’ve discovered genital warts requiring removal, received abnormal Pap smear results indicating high-risk HPV, need HPV vaccination for prevention, or want comprehensive screening and counseling about HPV-related health risks, prompt medical evaluation provides accurate diagnosis, effective wart treatment when present, cancer screening protocols, vaccination to prevent infection with additional strains, and long-term monitoring strategies—all delivered by English-speaking doctors in a confidential, supportive environment. Our specialized HPV services offer complete genital wart removal using multiple treatment modalities, cervical cancer screening with Pap smears and HPV testing, vaccination with Gardasil-9 protecting against nine HPV strains, and guidance on preventing transmission. With same-day appointments, hotel visit options for wart treatment, and comprehensive women’s health expertise for cervical dysplasia management, we help international patients manage HPV infections while preventing serious complications.

Understanding HPV

HPV comprises over 200 related viruses, with approximately 40 strains transmitted through sexual contact affecting the genital area, mouth, and throat.

HPV types:

Low-risk HPV (non-oncogenic):

Types 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts
Types 42, 43, 44 and others also cause warts
Don’t cause cancer
Cause benign growths that are bothersome but not dangerous

High-risk HPV (oncogenic):

Types 16 and 18 cause 70% of cervical cancers
Types 31, 33, 45, 52, 58 and others also cause cancer
Cause cellular changes leading to cancer over years to decades
Usually asymptomatic—no visible signs
Detected through Pap smears and HPV testing

How HPV spreads:

Skin-to-skin contact during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.

Contact with infected genital area even without penetration.

Very contagious—most sexually active people contract HPV at some point.

Condoms reduce but don’t eliminate transmission (virus on skin not covered by condoms).

Can spread even when infected person has no signs or symptoms.

Mother-to-baby transmission during delivery (rare, causes respiratory papillomatosis).

HPV prevalence:

Nearly all sexually active people contract HPV in their lifetime.

Peak infection rates in teens and twenties.

Most infections clear spontaneously within 1-2 years without treatment.

Persistent infection (particularly high-risk types) causes health problems.

Why HPV is concerning:

Most common STI globally.

Genital warts cause physical discomfort and psychological distress.

High-risk HPV causes cervical, anal, penile, vulvar, vaginal, and oropharyngeal cancers.

Often asymptomatic until serious complications develop.

Prevention possible through vaccination but requires administration before exposure.

Low-Risk HPV: Genital Warts

Genital warts are soft growths on genital skin caused by HPV types 6 and 11.

Genital wart appearance:

Flesh-colored, pink, or whitish bumps.

Can be flat or raised.

Sometimes cauliflower-like appearance.

Single warts or clusters.

Size ranges from tiny to several centimeters.

Usually painless but may itch or cause discomfort.

Genital wart locations:

Women: Vulva, vaginal opening, inside vagina, cervix, anus.

Men: Penis (shaft, glans, foreskin), scrotum, anus.

Both: Groin, thighs.

Mouth and throat (less common, from oral sex).

Wart development timeline:

Incubation period: 3 weeks to 8 months after exposure (average 2-3 months).

May appear weeks to months after sexual contact.

Partner may never have visible warts (asymptomatic carrier).

Can develop long after last sexual contact if virus was dormant.

Natural course:

About 30% of genital warts clear spontaneously within 4 months without treatment.

90% clear within 2 years.

However, waiting for spontaneous resolution means continued transmission risk and psychological distress.

Warts may grow larger or multiply if left untreated.

Some persist for years without treatment.

Psychological impact:

Significant emotional distress and anxiety common.

Impact on self-esteem and body image.

Fear of transmission to partners.

Relationship difficulties.

Addressing psychological aspects is important part of care.

High-Risk HPV: Cancer Risk

High-risk HPV types cause cellular changes that can progress to cancer over years.

HPV-related cancers:

Cervical cancer:

Nearly all cervical cancers caused by HPV (types 16 and 18 most common)
10-20 year progression from persistent infection to cancer typically
Completely preventable through screening (Pap smears) and vaccination
Leading cause of cancer death in women globally before screening programs

Anal cancer:

90% caused by HPV
Higher rates in men who have sex with men and HIV-positive individuals
Increasing incidence

Oropharyngeal cancer (throat, tongue, tonsils):

70% caused by HPV type 16
Rapidly increasing incidence, now more common than cervical cancer in some countries
Associated with oral sex practices

Other cancers:

Penile cancer (50% HPV-related)
Vulvar cancer (40% HPV-related)
Vaginal cancer (75% HPV-related)

HPV cancer progression:

Initial HPV infection.

Most infections clear within 1-2 years through immune response.

Persistent infection (same HPV type lasting years) causes cellular changes.

Low-grade dysplasia (mild abnormal cells): CIN 1, LSIL.

High-grade dysplasia (moderate to severe abnormal cells): CIN 2-3, HSIL.

Carcinoma in situ (cancer cells not yet invasive).

Invasive cancer (cancer spreads beyond original tissue).

This progression typically takes 10-20 years, providing ample opportunity for detection and treatment during pre-cancerous stages.

Risk factors for progression:

Persistent high-risk HPV infection.

HPV types 16 and 18 (highest cancer risk).

Weakened immune system (HIV, immunosuppressive medications, chronic illness).

Smoking (doubles cervical cancer risk).

Long-term oral contraceptive use (small increased risk).

Multiple full-term pregnancies.

Chlamydia infection.

Family history of cervical cancer.

Diagnosing HPV

HPV diagnosis varies by whether evaluating visible warts or detecting high-risk types.

Genital wart diagnosis:

Clinical examination:

Visual inspection by healthcare provider
Distinctive appearance usually allows diagnosis
Magnification may help identify small warts

Acetowhite test:

Apply dilute acetic acid (vinegar) to skin
Warts turn white temporarily
Helps identify subtle warts
Not specific (other conditions also turn white)

Biopsy (rare):

Reserved for unusual lesions
Rules out cancer (very rare with typical warts)
Removes uncertainty about diagnosis

HPV DNA testing:

Not routinely performed for genital warts
Doesn’t change management
Type-specific testing rarely helpful since wart appearance confirms low-risk HPV

High-risk HPV detection:

HPV DNA test:

Detects presence of high-risk HPV types
Done on cervical cells (same sample as Pap smear)
Can identify specific HPV types
Cannot predict who will develop cancer—most positive tests represent transient infections that clear spontaneously

Pap smear (Pap test):

Cervical cancer screening
Detects abnormal cells before cancer develops
Does NOT directly test for HPV but identifies cellular changes caused by HPV
Classified as: Normal, ASCUS (atypical cells), LSIL (low-grade changes), HSIL (high-grade changes), cancer

Co-testing:

Pap smear + HPV test simultaneously
Recommended for women 30-65 years
Most sensitive screening approach
Guides follow-up intervals

Screening recommendations:

Women ages 21-29:

Pap smear every 3 years
HPV testing not recommended routinely (very high prevalence in this age group, most infections clear)

Women ages 30-65:

Pap smear every 3 years, OR
HPV test every 5 years, OR
Co-testing (Pap + HPV) every 5 years (preferred)

Women over 65:

May stop screening if adequate prior screening was normal
Continue screening if prior abnormal results or insufficient screening

Men:

No routine HPV screening recommended
Anal Pap smears for high-risk groups (MSM, HIV-positive)
No FDA-approved HPV test for men

Genital Wart Treatment

Multiple effective treatments remove visible warts, though none cure underlying HPV infection.

Provider-applied treatments:

Cryotherapy (freezing):

Liquid nitrogen applied to warts
Freezes and destroys wart tissue
2-3 treatments typically needed, spaced 1-2 weeks apart
Mild pain during application, possible blistering
Success rate 60-80%
Most common provider-applied treatment

Electrocautery (burning):

Electric current burns away wart
Requires local anesthesia
Single treatment often sufficient
May cause scarring
Good for larger warts

Surgical excision:

Cutting away warts with scalpel or scissors
Local anesthesia required
Removes warts in single visit
May cause scarring
Good for few large warts

Laser therapy:

CO2 laser vaporizes warts
Requires local or general anesthesia depending on extent
For extensive warts or treatment failures
More expensive
Requires specialized equipment

TCA/BCA (Trichloroacetic or bichloroacetic acid):

Strong acid applied to warts
Provider applies and neutralizes
Weekly applications for several weeks
Mild burning sensation
Lower success rates than cryotherapy

Patient-applied treatments:

Imiquimod 5% cream (Aldara):

Immune response modifier
Apply 3 times weekly at bedtime for up to 16 weeks
Wash off after 6-10 hours
Stimulates immune system to fight HPV
Gradual wart reduction over weeks
Local skin reactions common (redness, irritation, erosion)
50% clearance rate
May be safer in pregnancy than other options (though safety not fully established)

Podofilox 0.5% solution or gel (Condylox):

Antimitotic agent destroying wart tissue
Apply twice daily for 3 days, then 4 days off; repeat cycle up to 4 times
For external warts only
45-75% clearance
Local irritation common
Contraindicated in pregnancy

Sinecatechins 15% ointment (Veregen):

Green tea extract with antiviral and immune effects
Apply 3 times daily up to 16 weeks
Plant-based option
50-60% clearance
Less irritation than other topicals

Treatment selection factors:

Number, size, and location of warts.

Patient preference.

Cost considerations.

Pregnancy status (only certain treatments safe).

Previous treatment responses.

Provider expertise and available equipment.

Treatment outcomes:

No single treatment is ideal for all patients or situations.

Recurrence rates 20-30% with all treatments within 3 months (virus remains in skin).

Complete clearance doesn’t mean HPV eradication—virus may persist in surrounding normal-appearing skin.

Multiple treatment modalities or combinations may be tried.

Managing treatment failure:

Try different treatment approach.

Combination therapy.

Biopsy unusual or persistent lesions.

Assess for immunosuppression.

Consider patient-applied treatment compliance.

High-Risk HPV Management

Management of high-risk HPV focuses on screening, monitoring abnormal cells, and treating pre-cancerous lesions.

Normal Pap, positive HPV test (women 30+):

Very common—reflects transient infection in most cases.

Repeat co-testing in 1 year:

If both negative: Return to routine screening
If either positive: Colposcopy

OR immediate colposcopy (some guidelines).

ASCUS (atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance):

Mildly abnormal cells of unclear significance.

Management options:

HPV test (reflex testing): If positive → colposcopy; if negative → repeat in 3 years
Repeat Pap in 1 year
Immediate colposcopy

LSIL (low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion):

Low-grade cellular changes consistent with HPV infection.

70% resolve spontaneously within 1-2 years.

Management:

Women under 25: Repeat Pap in 1 year (colposcopy if persistent)
Women 25+: Colposcopy to rule out higher-grade lesions

HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion):

Moderate to severe precancerous changes (CIN 2-3).

Immediate colposcopy required.

Treatment usually recommended (excision or ablation) due to cancer risk.

Colposcopy:

Examination of cervix with magnifying instrument (colposcope).

Visualizes abnormal areas.

Biopsies taken from abnormal-appearing tissue for definitive diagnosis.

Determines if cellular changes are low-grade or high-grade.

Treatment of precancerous lesions:

LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure):

Thin wire loop removes abnormal tissue
Local anesthesia
Outpatient procedure
Tissue sent for pathology
Small increased preterm birth risk in future pregnancies

Cone biopsy (conization):

Removes cone-shaped portion of cervix containing abnormal tissue
More extensive than LEEP
For larger lesions or to rule out invasive cancer
Can be done with scalpel, laser, or loop

Cryotherapy:

Freezes and destroys abnormal tissue
For small low-grade lesions
No tissue specimen for pathology
Less commonly used now

Laser ablation:

Vaporizes abnormal tissue
No tissue specimen
For specific situations

Follow-up after treatment:

Co-testing at 12 and 24 months post-treatment.

If both normal: Return to routine screening.

If abnormal: Further evaluation.

Long-term surveillance for 20+ years (increased cancer risk persists).

HPV Vaccination

Vaccines prevent HPV infection and dramatically reduce cancer risk.

Available vaccines:

Gardasil 9 (9-valent):

Protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58
Prevents 90% of genital warts
Prevents 90% of HPV-related cancers
Current standard vaccine

Older vaccines no longer widely used:

Gardasil (4-valent): Types 6, 11, 16, 18
Cervarix (2-valent): Types 16, 18

Vaccination schedule:

Ages 9-14: Two doses 6-12 months apart.

Ages 15+: Three doses at 0, 1-2, and 6 months.

Same schedule for males and females.

Who should be vaccinated:

Routine vaccination recommended ages 11-12 (can start age 9).

Catch-up vaccination for everyone through age 26.

Adults 27-45: Shared clinical decision-making with provider (less benefit if already exposed to HPV, but still provides protection against types not yet acquired).

Vaccination regardless of prior HPV exposure or Pap results—protects against additional types.

Vaccine effectiveness:

Nearly 100% effective at preventing infection with included HPV types when given before exposure.

Prevents 90% of genital warts.

Reduces cervical precancer by 85-90%.

Reduces other HPV cancers (anal, oropharyngeal, vulvar, vaginal, penile).

Protection appears long-lasting, possibly lifelong (still under study).

Vaccination after HPV diagnosis:

Still recommended even with current HPV infection or warts.

Protects against other HPV types not yet acquired.

May provide some therapeutic benefit (controversial).

Vaccination safety:

Extremely safe—over 270 million doses distributed worldwide.

Common side effects: Injection site pain, redness, swelling.

Occasional: Headache, dizziness, fatigue.

Serious side effects extremely rare.

No evidence of fertility effects, autoimmune disease, or other serious harms.

Barriers to vaccination:

Cost (though increasingly covered by insurance and public programs).

Misconceptions about safety.

Lack of awareness.

Access limitations in some countries.

In Bangkok: Widely available, affordable compared to Western countries.

HPV in Pregnancy

HPV infection during pregnancy has specific management considerations.

Pregnancy effects on HPV:

Hormonal changes may cause warts to grow more rapidly and extensively during pregnancy.

Warts often regress after delivery.

HPV itself doesn’t harm fetus or cause birth defects.

Most pregnant women with HPV have normal deliveries and healthy babies.

Genital wart treatment during pregnancy:

Many providers prefer to defer treatment until after delivery if warts aren’t causing symptoms.

If treatment needed:

Cryotherapy safe
TCA safe
Surgical excision safe

Avoid:

Podofilox (contraindicated)
Sinecatechins (safety unknown)
Imiquimod (limited safety data)

Cervical dysplasia during pregnancy:

Pap screening performed during initial prenatal visit.

Colposcopy safe during pregnancy if indicated.

Biopsies performed if high-grade lesions suspected.

Treatment (LEEP, cone biopsy) generally deferred until after delivery unless cancer suspected.

Pregnancy doesn’t appear to accelerate dysplasia progression.

Repeat evaluation postpartum.

Delivery considerations:

Cesarean section solely for genital warts not recommended—vaginal delivery usually safe.

C-section considered if extensive warts obstruct birth canal.

Laryngeal papillomatosis (warts in baby’s throat) is very rare complication of vaginal delivery—not sufficient reason for routine C-section.

Vaccination during pregnancy:

Not recommended during pregnancy (not studied, theoretical concerns).

If pregnancy discovered after starting vaccine series, delay remaining doses until after delivery.

Vaccination safe while breastfeeding.

HPV and HIV

HPV and HIV coinfection is common and requires special management.

Why coinfection is concerning:

HIV-positive individuals have:

Higher HPV infection rates
More HPV types simultaneously
Less likely to clear HPV spontaneously
More rapid progression to dysplasia and cancer
Higher recurrence after treatment

HPV-related cancers are AIDS-defining conditions.

Screening in HIV-positive individuals:

More frequent cervical cancer screening:

Pap smear at HIV diagnosis, repeat in 1 year, then annually if normal
Some guidelines recommend twice-yearly screening
Co-testing (Pap + HPV) at same intervals

Anal cancer screening:

Anal Pap smears annually or more frequently
High-resolution anoscopy for abnormal results

Earlier start and continued screening past age 65.

Treatment considerations:

Same treatment modalities but higher recurrence rates.

May need more aggressive or combination treatments.

Consider ablative treatments over excisional in some cases.

Optimization of HIV treatment important—better immune function improves HPV outcomes.

HPV Transmission and Prevention

Understanding transmission helps prevent spread.

HPV transmission:

Very contagious—most sexually active people get HPV.

Transmitted through genital contact even without intercourse.

Condoms reduce but don’t eliminate risk (virus on skin not covered).

Can’t determine when or from whom infection was acquired.

Most people don’t know they have HPV (asymptomatic).

Partner having HPV doesn’t indicate infidelity in monogamous relationships (could be years-old dormant infection).

Prevention strategies:

Vaccination before sexual activity begins (ideal but provides benefit at any age).

Condom use consistently reduces risk.

Limiting number of lifetime sexual partners reduces cumulative exposure risk.

Mutual monogamy with uninfected partner (though determining if truly uninfected is difficult).

Avoiding sexual activity when warts are present (though virus present even without visible warts).

Regular screening for early detection and treatment.

Partner considerations:

Informing partners about HPV diagnosis.

Partners don’t need treatment if asymptomatic (no testing for men without symptoms).

Partners should maintain regular screening recommendations.

Most partners already exposed if relationship has existed for any significant time.

Smoking cessation:

Smoking doubles cervical cancer risk.

Impairs immune clearance of HPV.

Cessation improves outcomes.

HPV Clearance and Persistence

Most HPV infections are transient, but persistent infections cause problems.

Natural history:

70-90% of HPV infections clear within 2 years through immune response.

Median clearance time: 8-14 months.

Younger people clear infections faster than older individuals.

Low-risk types (causing warts) clear similarly to high-risk types.

Viral clearance means immune system eliminates or suppresses virus to undetectable levels—may not mean complete eradication.

Persistence:

Same high-risk HPV type detected on multiple tests over 1-2 years indicates persistent infection.

Persistent HPV (especially types 16/18) is strongest risk factor for cervical cancer.

Factors affecting persistence:

HPV type (16/18 more likely to persist)
Age (older women less likely to clear)
Immune status (immunosuppression prevents clearance)
Smoking
High viral load

Reactivation vs. reinfection:

“Cured” HPV can potentially reactivate years later if immune system weakens.

New positive test could represent: true clearance and reinfection, persistent low-level infection below detection threshold, or reactivation of latent virus.

Distinguishing these scenarios is difficult clinically.

Viral shedding:

Even after clearance, intermittent viral shedding can occur.

Explains how people can transmit HPV without visible warts or positive tests.

Contagiousness decreases over time after clearance.

Genital Warts vs. Other Conditions

Various conditions can mimic genital warts requiring proper diagnosis.

Conditions mimicking genital warts:

Pearly penile papules:

Small dome-shaped bumps around corona of glans
Normal anatomical variant in men
Not contagious, not warts
No treatment needed

Fordyce spots:

Small yellowish or white spots on genitals
Sebaceous glands
Normal finding
Not contagious

Molluscum contagiosum:

Viral infection causing small bumps with central dimple
Different virus (poxvirus, not HPV)
Contagious but typically self-limited

Skin tags:

Small flesh-colored skin growths
Not infectious

Genital herpes lesions:

Painful blisters that ulcerate
Recurrent
Different virus (HSV)

Condyloma lata:

Broad, flat, moist warts
Secondary syphilis
Require syphilis treatment

Squamous cell carcinoma:

Cancerous lesions
Usually solitary, may ulcerate, don’t respond to wart treatments
Biopsy essential

When in doubt, evaluation and possible biopsy ensures correct diagnosis and treatment.

Psychological Support and Coping

HPV diagnosis often causes significant emotional distress.

Common reactions:

Shock and disbelief.

Shame and embarrassment.

Fear about cancer risk.

Worry about infertility.

Anxiety about transmitting to partners.

Relationship concerns.

Anger at partner (often misplaced).

Important facts:

HPV is extremely common—most sexually active people get it.

Having HPV doesn’t indicate promiscuity or infidelity.

Most infections clear without causing problems.

Vaccination and screening prevent serious complications.

Support available.

Coping strategies:

Education about HPV dispels misconceptions.

Communication with partners.

Focus on prevention of complications through screening.

Recognition that diagnosis doesn’t define you.

Professional counseling if distress is significant.

Support groups online or locally.

Hotel Visit HPV Services

For convenient, private genital wart evaluation and treatment, we provide comprehensive HPV care through hotel visit services.

Mobile HPV care:

Complete confidential genital examination in privacy of your hotel.

Genital wart diagnosis and assessment.

Cryotherapy (freezing) treatment performed on-site.

Prescription for patient-applied medications if appropriate.

Counseling about HPV transmission and prevention.

Vaccination administration.

Follow-up visits for repeated treatments or monitoring.

Discreet service without clinic visit.

Our medical team provides professional HPV care throughout Bangkok when you need private services.

HPV Testing, Treatment, and Vaccination Costs

Professional HPV care in Bangkok is highly affordable compared to Western countries.

Typical costs:

Sexual health or gynecological consultation: 1,500-2,500 THB ($45-75 USD)

Pap smear: 800-1,500 THB ($25-45 USD)

HPV DNA test: 2,000-3,500 THB ($60-105 USD)

Gardasil-9 vaccine (per dose): 4,000-6,000 THB ($120-180 USD)

Complete 3-dose vaccination series: 12,000-18,000 THB ($360-540 USD)

Complete HPV screening and vaccination: 15,000-25,000 THB ($450-750 USD)

Hotel visit services add 2,000-3,000 THB ($60-90 USD).

These costs represent 60-80% savings compared to US/UK/Australian prices.

Insurance coverage:

HPV-related screening typically covered for appropriate age groups.

Treatment of abnormal Pap results generally covered.

Vaccination coverage varies—increasingly covered by many plans.

Genital wart treatment usually covered.

We provide documentation for insurance claims.

Contact Us for HPV Care

Whether you need genital wart treatment, cervical cancer screening, or HPV vaccination, our experienced medical team provides comprehensive, confidential care.

Contact us via WhatsApp at +66950735550 for HPV appointments at our clinic or request private hotel visit services. Our English-speaking doctors provide judgment-free care for all HPV-related concerns.

Early detection through screening and prevention through vaccination are key to preventing HPV-related cancers. Don’t delay—protect your health today.

Frequently Asked Questions About HPV

If I have genital warts, does that mean I’ll get cancer?

No. Genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV types (mainly 6 and 11) that do not cause cancer. The HPV types that cause cancer (mainly 16 and 18) do not cause visible warts—they’re completely asymptomatic. However, you can be infected with multiple HPV types simultaneously, so having genital warts doesn’t rule out also having a high-risk type. Women with genital warts should still have regular Pap smears for cervical cancer screening. The good news is that genital warts, while bothersome, do not indicate cancer risk by themselves.

How do I know when I got HPV and who gave it to me?

Unfortunately, you usually can’t determine this. HPV can remain dormant for months to years before causing warts or abnormal Pap results, making it impossible to pinpoint when infection occurred. Your current partner may not be the source—it could be from any previous partner, even years ago. Additionally, most people with HPV never develop symptoms, so your partner may not know they have it. Finding out you have HPV does not indicate recent infidelity in monogamous relationships. This uncertainty is frustrating but common—focus on treatment and prevention rather than blame.

Should my partner get tested or treated if I have HPV?

For genital warts: Partners don’t need treatment unless they also have visible warts. No HPV test exists for men without symptoms. If your partner has warts, they should be treated. If they don’t, no testing or treatment is needed. For high-risk HPV: Male partners can’t be tested (no approved test for men). Female partners should continue routine Pap smear screening per age-appropriate guidelines. Most long-term partners are already exposed by the time one partner is diagnosed. Focus on both partners maintaining appropriate screening and considering vaccination if not previously vaccinated.

Can HPV go away completely or will I always have it?

Most HPV infections (70-90%) clear completely within 1-2 years through your immune system’s response. “Clearance” means the virus is eliminated or suppressed to undetectable levels—you’ll test negative and can’t transmit infection. However, some controversy exists about whether virus is completely eradicated or just suppressed below detection thresholds. Reactivation might occur decades later if immunity declines. For practical purposes, if HPV tests remain negative for several years, you’ve cleared the infection. Persistent infections (same type detected over 1-2+ years) are more concerning for cancer risk in high-risk types.

Should I get vaccinated if I already have HPV or have had genital warts?

Yes, vaccination is still recommended. Even if you’ve been infected with one or more HPV types, you likely haven’t been exposed to all nine types covered by Gardasil-9. The vaccine protects against additional types you haven’t encountered, preventing future infections. For example, if you have warts from type 6, you’re still at risk for types 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 that the vaccine prevents. Vaccination is recommended for everyone through age 26 and can be considered through age 45 with your doctor. Protection against even a few additional types is valuable for preventing future warts or cancers.