Almost everyone has had or has encountered one of these viruses. So, if you’ve ever had questions about HPV or herpes (HSV), you’re not alone. They cause a lot of stress, stigma, and late-night Googling — and yet, they’re among the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI) out there. Most people will get one (or both) at some point.  

So, let’s lift the cone of silence and break down what they are, how they differ, how to protect yourself (without a vow of celibacy), and understand why these viruses should be discussed a little more often. 

By the (Huge) Numbers 

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common STI in the U.S., and it’s so common that more than 90% of sexually active men and about 80% of sexually active women will get it at some point. In many cases, people will never know they have it. The body clears it on its own, no drama. 

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is also incredibly common. There are two types: 

• HSV-1, which usually causes cold sores but can also cause genital herpes 

• HSV-2, which primarily causes genital outbreaks 
  
  

About 1 in 6 Americans between ages 14 and 49 has genital herpes (HSV-2). Many of us have it and don’t know it because we’ve never had symptoms. About 50% of us have HSV-1.  

If you’re sexually active, HPV and HSV viruses are part of the landscape. Having one doesn’t make you reckless or promiscuous — it just means you’re human.  

And here’s a key takeaway: The point at which you contract these viruses bears no relationship with the point you show symptoms of the virus. Both HPV and HSV can lie dormant for decades. The virus you discover at age 45 may have entered your body when you were 18! So don’t look accusingly at your partner, because the virus may have been hanging around for a generation or two before it had a reason (stress or another illness are possibilities) to reveal itself.
  

HPV vs HSV: What’s the difference? 

They’re both viruses. They’re both spread mostly through skin-to-skin contact during sex (vaginal, oral, or anal). They both can be transmitted even when no symptoms are visible. But they work differently in the body. 

HPV: The Stealthy One 

HPV is often totally silent — no symptoms, no warning signs. That’s part of why it’s so widespread. Most of the time, when you contract the virus, your immune system clears it within a couple of years. 

There are more than 100 types of HPV, and a few of them are troublemakers: 

• A few of the lower-risk types can cause genital warts 

• High-risk types — especially HPV-16 and HPV-18 — can lead to cancer of the cervix, anus, penis, vagina, vulva, and throat 
  
  

In fact, HPV causes about 31,500 cancers in the U.S. every year (in both men and women!), and it’s the primary cause of virtually all cases of cervical cancer. That’s an extraordinary statement! 

The good news? We have a vaccine. This means that we stand a good chance of preventing cervical cancer, a disease with a 50% survival rate!  

The HPV vaccine is recommended for tweens, aged 11-13. While it’s most effective when given before someone becomes sexually active, it can still provide meaningful protection to adults. 

• The vaccine protects against the most dangerous types of HPV, including the ones that cause most cancers and warts. 

• It’s now FDA-approved for people up to age 45. 

• Even if you’ve already had sex — or even tested positive for HPV — you may still benefit by being protected from other strains. 
  
  

Gardasil 9, the current version, offers protection against nine HPV types (hence the name) and can significantly reduce your cancer risk. If you’re eligible and haven’t had it, talk to your doctor — it’s one of the rare things in medicine that prevents both cancer and warts. Win-win. 

Herpes: The One with the Blisters 

Herpes works differently. It’s a lifelong infection, caused by either HSV-1 or HSV-2. After the first infection, the virus hides in nerve cells and can reemerge from time to time as an outbreak — usually as painful sores or blisters. People who have HSV-1 and develop outbreak sores on their lips often report they get a tingling feeling in the spot before the sore (once known as a cold sore) presents itself.  

Some people get frequent outbreaks. Others may only have one. And some never have symptoms at all but can still transmit the virus. 

There’s no cure (yet), but antiviral medication can: 

• Shorten outbreaks 

• Reduce symptoms 

• Lower the chance of passing the virus to a partner 
  
  

HSV alone doesn’t cause cancer, but it can cause embarrassment and/or emotional distress — which are entirely unnecessary. 

However, some studies suggest that having HSV-2 alongside a high-risk HPV infection may increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. Why? It’s possible that: 

• Herpes causes inflammation or lesions that make it easier for HPV to invade cervical cells 

• The immune system may be less effective at clearing HPV during an HSV infection 

• Herpes might act as a co-factor, triggering cancer-causing changes 

Still, this link is not definitive, and more research is needed. For now, think of HSV as an unwelcome sidekick, not a ringleader. 

How to Avoid the Worst (without swearing off sex) 

You don’t need to live in fear — or live in a bubble — to stay safe. But smart, realistic prevention makes a huge difference. 

• Get vaccinated if you’re eligible. 
  The HPV vaccine is safe, highly effective, and not just for teenagers. It’s now FDA-approved for adults up to age 45. Even if you’ve already had sex or have had an HPV infection, the vaccine can still protect you against other cancer-causing strains. And it’s not just for women — men can get HPV too, and it can lead to cancers of the penis, anus, and throat. 

• Consider suppressive therapy if you have herpes. 
  Daily antiviral meds like valacyclovir or acyclovir can reduce the number of outbreaks and lower your risk of transmitting the virus to a partner by about 50%. Some people use them just during outbreaks, others take them daily as a preventive measure. Your doctor can help you decide what’s right based on how often you get symptoms and whether your partner is HSV-negative. 

• Use protection regularly. 
  Condoms are a solid first line of defense. They reduce the risk of spreading herpes and HPV — though not completely, because both viruses can live on areas that condoms don’t cover (like the groin or thighs). Still, they dramatically reduce risk, especially when used consistently.  

• Avoid sexual contact during active herpes outbreaks. 
  This one is key. If you or your partner has herpes and notice any tingling, burning, itching, or of course, visible sores, it’s time to hit pause. Herpes is most contagious during an outbreak — but it can still spread even when you don’t see anything. That’s why some people with frequent outbreaks take daily suppressive medication to reduce the chance of transmission. 

• Get screened regularly. 
  There’s no universal screening test for herpes unless you have symptoms or request a blood test — but if you’re sexually active with new or multiple partners, it’s worth a conversation with your healthcare provider. 

For HPV, screening is more straightforward: 

• Pap smears starting at age 21 

• HPV testing added by age 30 
  
  

These tests help detect abnormal cervical cells before they become cancer. And yes — people with cervixes need to stay on top of this even if they feel totally fine. 

• Talk with your partner(s).  
  It doesn’t have to be a big, dramatic reveal — just a calm, honest conversation. Ask when they were last tested, share your own history, and talk about what you’re both comfortable with. If someone tells you they have herpes or HPV, that’s not a reason to panic. It’s a reason to plan. Barrier methods, medication, and a little extra care can go a long way. Plus, if they are willing to discuss these issues, it’s a sign that they care about your health as well as their own, which is kind of a green flag. 

• Know that “asymptomatic” doesn’t mean “not contagious.” 
  This is the frustrating part: even if you feel totally fine and have no visible signs, you can still pass on HPV or herpes. Both viruses can lie low and shed invisibly. That’s why combining safe sex habits (barrier methods), communication, regular screening, and medication (when appropriate) creates the best possible protection — for you and the people you care about.
   

Final Thought 

HPV and herpes are common, manageable, and — most importantly — worth talking about. There’s no shame in having either and no downside to being aware and careful. With vaccination, regular checkups, safe practices, and open communication, you can avoid the worst consequences of these very common conditions. 

Now go forth and be smarter than your high school health class ever prepared you for.