Overview
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name given to a group of over 100 strains of viruses.
In most cases, HPV goes away on its own and does not cause any health problems. Some strains are harmless, causing warts on hands and legs. Other strains can cause genital warts. The most serious strains can cause cancer.
There are at least 12 high-risk strains of HPV, but only two — types 16 and 18 — cause the majority of HPV-related cancers, including those involving the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis, and anus. High-risk HPV strains can also lead to cancers of the throat, tongue, and tonsils, known as oropharyngeal cancer.
HPV is most commonly spread through sexual contact.
Many people who are infected with the virus, don’t know they have it because they don’t have any symptoms. Symptoms only begin once the virus has manifested into an illness, like warts or cancer.
Cervical screening checks for the presence of HPV, which can cause cervical cancer. If a person has a cervix and has ever had sex (of any kind), it is important to have regular cervical screening, this includes trans and gender diverse people.
The HPV vaccine is the best protection against many of the cancerous strains of the virus.
The vaccine is free for anyone aged 9–26 years old and is recommended for kids aged 11–12 years old. In other situations, clinicians may recommend a course of HPV vaccines for individuals aged 27 years or older but the person will need to pay for the vaccine. People aged 27 and older who may benefit include:
Those with little previous exposure to HPV
Men who have sex with men
Those with HIV infection
Symptoms
HPV has no symptoms, so you may not know if you have it.
When a strain of the virus causes an illness like cancer or warts, those illnesses will have their own set of symptoms.
Many types of HPV affect the mouth, throat or genital area. They're easy to catch.
You can get HPV from:
any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
vaginal, anal or oral sex
sharing sex toys.
Treatment
There isn’t currently a treatment for HPV, only a vaccine to prevent it.
Illnesses caused by HPV, such as cancer or warts, have different treatment options available.
How long does HPV last?
Most people’s immune system will clear an HPV infection within two years.
When that infection becomes more persistent, it may develop into an illness, like warts or cancer.
Illnesses caused by HPV can be managed with treatment and in some cases cured. The timing of this will vary depending on the type of illness and its severity.
Should I see a doctor?
Cervical screening checks for the presence of HPV, which can cause cervical cancer. If a person has a cervix and has ever had sex (of any kind), it is important to have regular cervical screening, this includes trans and gender diverse people.
If your smear test has a negative result, your next test should be in 3 years.
A positive smear result doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Your doctor or nurse will inform you of the next steps. You may need to have further testing done. Or—most likely—you will just have to get more regular smear tests (once a year, rather than once every 3 years). That way, they can keep an eye on the infection to see whether it goes away on its own or develops into something more.
If you develop warts on your hands or legs, a health professional can freeze these off for you if you like. Otherwise, they will probably disappear on their own within a couple of years.
If you develop genital warts, see a doctor.
Proactive prevention of HPV
The HPV vaccine is the best form of protection against 9 of the most common strains. These strains cause most cases of cancer and nearly all genital warts.
The vaccine is free for people aged 9–26 years old and is recommended for kids aged 11–12 years old. In other situations, clinicians may recommend a course of HPV vaccines for individuals aged 27 years or older but the person will need to pay for the vaccine. People aged 27 and older who may benefit include:
Those with little previous exposure to HPV
Men who have sex with men
Those with HIV infection
The vaccine doesn’t treat HPV, it only prevents it. That’s why it’s best if people receive the vaccine before they become sexually active, as they won’t have been exposed to the virus yet.
Kids aged 9–14 years old receive the vaccine in 2 doses, 5 or more months apart. People in this age bracket will develop a stronger immune response than those who are vaccinated when they’re older.
People who are 15 years or older need 3 doses of the vaccine over 6 months.
It normally takes 7 weeks for a person to develop antibodies after receiving the HPV vaccination.
The HPV vaccine isn’t suitable for:
People who are severely allergic to yeast
Pregnant people—it’s recommended that they wait until after they’ve given birth
People who have a fever or are sick—it’s recommended that they wait until they’re feeling better.
The next best form of protection against HPV is latex condoms.
Proactive prevention of HPV
Cervical cancer
Warts
Genital warts
Need to talk to a doctor about HPV?
If you have HPV symptoms and would like medical advice without needing to leave the house, you can book an online appointment with a Tend doctor through your app.
After the appointment, your doctor may advise that an additional, in-person appointment is required, to ensure you receive complete care. In some cases, we may require this before administering a prescription.
If this is the case, we'll book you for an in-person appointment at a time that suits you, at no extra charge.
Clinically reviewed by: Dr Mataroria Lyndon
Date of review: 8th August 2021