Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

The HPV vaccine is designed to protect against high risk HPV, responsible for some anogenital cancers and head and neck cancers.

Disease and transmission – Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV) are found on the skin, in the upper airways, the genital and anal areas. Infection with one of the high-risk types of HPV can lead to genital warts and to cancer. HPV is linked to cervical cancer, anal and genital area cancers (including vulva, vagina and penis), and cancers of the mouth and throat. HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact of the genital area, as well as through oral, vaginal or anal sex.

Symptoms – HPV has no symptoms, so you are unlikely to know that you have it. HPV is very common and most people will get some type of HPV in their life.

Prevention – HPV lives on the skin in and around the whole genital area, so using condoms does not provide complete protection from HPV.

Treatment – Most HPV will clear spontaneously, with approximately 70% of new infections clearing within one year and approximately 90% clearing within two years. There is no treatment for HPV itself, however there are treatments for conditions caused by HPV, such as genital warts, cervical cell changes and cancer.

Vaccination - HPV vaccine is available to some groups on the NHS including school children and men who have sex with men. The vaccine is very successful in reducing risk of cervical and other cancers. This vaccine is predicted to save thousands of lives. There is benefit in receiving the vaccine up to the age of 45.