HPV vaccines prevent cancer
HPV vaccines prevent infections that can lead to cervical cancer. Large studies and reviews have found no increased infertility risk. Protection is strongest before HPV exposure. Serious side effects are rare, and vaccination does not replace cervical screening.
On this page
Cancer prevention is visible in long-term data
A 2025 Cochrane review found about 80% lower cervical-cancer incidence for vaccination at or before age 16, with moderate-certainty evidence. This is a relative reduction compared with unvaccinated people, not complete protection. It is not an effect size for every HPV-associated cancer.
The infertility claim has been tested
The review found no increased infertility risk, with moderate-certainty evidence. A Danish cohort of 996,300 girls and women recorded 144 ovarian-insufficiency diagnoses; its adjusted hazard ratio was 0.96, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.55–1.68. That study alone cannot rule out a meaningful increase in this rare outcome. The whole review’s participant total is not the fertility sample.
Protection works best before infection
Vaccination prevents new HPV infections; it does not treat an established infection. Offering protection early says nothing about a child’s current sexual activity. The aim is to protect before exposure.
Safety and side effects
Pain and short-lived symptoms are common. Fainting can lead to injury, and severe allergy is very rare. Clinical precautions and schedules depend on the product and country.
Vaccination and screening do different jobs
Vaccination does not eliminate all future cervical-cancer risk or replace screening. Follow the official screening guidance for your country and circumstances.
HPV vaccines prevent infections that can lead to cervical cancer.
Keep in mind
- The findings apply to the vaccines, populations and outcomes studied. Personal recommendations depend on your health and current local guidance.
Sources you can check
Publication links open in a new tab, so you can keep your place here.
What are the benefits and risks of different human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines for preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related disease? (opens in a new tab)
Cochrane, 2025
Outcome-specific evidence: the whole review population is not the infertility sample. Cervical-cancer benefit is a relative reduction.
Return to reading ↑Association Between Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Primary Ovarian Insufficiency in a Nationwide Cohort (opens in a new tab)
JAMA Network Open, 2021
996,300 girls and women, with 144 diagnoses; the wide confidence interval leaves uncertainty for this rare outcome.
Return to reading ↑GARDASIL 9 — Prescribing Information (opens in a new tab)
FDA
Prevention does not treat established infection or replace cervical screening.
Return to reading ↑Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Safety (opens in a new tab)
CDC
Describes common reactions, fainting and rare severe allergy.
Return to reading ↑
Detailed research notes and source data
Our longer notes explain how we checked the studies, including disagreements and documents we could not get.
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These pages have not completed expert review. For personal vaccine advice, talk to a clinician who knows your circumstances.
Research checked: . Wording reviewed: 2026-10-15. Version: vaccine-2026-10-15.
We revisit the page when new evidence or corrections change the answer. A public history of corrections is not available yet.