How can I tell if I have HPV?

While some HPV types cause genital warts—raised flesh-colored bumps around your vagina, penis, or anus—many types, including the strains that increase your risk of certain types of cancer, don’t have any external symptoms. The only way to tell if you have one of these strains is to get tested. Currently, the only tests available for HPV are for the vagina and cervix.

The best protection against HPV is getting vaccinated before you have sex, but you can reduce your risk by getting the vaccine at any time, up to age 45.