HPV Does NOT Cause Ovarian Failure

MYTH: HPV Causes Ovarian Failure.

There is a rumor spreading through the internet that was irresponsibly started by the American College of Pediatricians (the College) that HPV can cause premature ovarian failure. While there are many negative side effects to the sexually transmitted disease, premature ovarian failure is not one of them. The College has since recanted its statement but it is still circulating.

What is HPV?

HPV is a group of more than 150 related viruses. HPV is named for the warts (papillomas) indicative of some HPV types. Some HPV types can lead to cancer, especially cervical cancer. There are more than 40 HPV types that can infect the genital areas of males and females. There are vaccines that can prevent infection with the most common types of HPV.

How do people get HPV?

HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact. You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the virus.  Anyone who is sexually active can get HPV, even if you have had sex with only one person. HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives. HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms. You can develop symptoms years after you have sex with someone who is infected, making it hard to know when you first became infected. About 70% of cases of HPV go away on their own, sometimes never being detected.