evidence: Certain types of HPV cause genital warts. Other types, called "high-risk HPV," can cause cancer, especially cancer of the cervix. The cervix is the lower part of the uterus where a baby grows during pregnancy. Most cervical cancers are caused by HPV. That means if you have a cervix and are infected with certain types of HPV, you have a higher risk of getting cervical cancer. HPV tests use a sample of cells from your cervix to look for signs of infection with high-risk HPVs that can lead to cervical cancer. Knowing whether you have HPV helps your health care provider understand your risk for developing cervical cancer. If you have an HPV infection, you can discuss whether you need other tests and how often you should be checked for cervical cancer. [...] The HPV vaccine is a safe, effective way to protect yourself from HPV infections that can cause cancer and genital warts. The vaccine could prevent many of the cancers that HPV causes, including cancer of the cervix, vagina, throat, anus, and penis.