HPV, or human papillomavirus, is a common virus that most people will encounter at some point in their lives.
While it often causes no symptoms and clears up naturally, some types of HPV are less likely to clear up on their own and can lead to serious health problems.
Here's what you need to know about HPV and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
1. What is HPV?
There are more than 100 types of HPV and around 40 that can affect the genital area. It is a common sexually transmitted infection, and it's often described as the "common cold" of sexual activity. Currently, there's no treatment for the virus itself, but the good news is that most HPV infections clear up naturally in 1-2 years, without causing any health problems.
However, in some cases, the virus can lead to serious conditions, including:
- Cervical cancer (almost all cases are caused by persistent HPV infection)
- Anal cancer (90%)
- Vaginal cancer (78%)
- Vulva cancer (25%)
- Penile cancer (50%)
- Oropharyngeal cancer (60%, affecting the back of the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue)
- Genital warts (around 90%).
2. How is HPV transmitted?
HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the virus, usually through sexual activity.
It can affect anyone and is often passed without either person knowing. Even a single sexual encounter can result in exposure.
3. How common is HPV?
HPV is incredibly common - 4 out of 5 people will have an HPV infection at some point in their lives, though most will not experience symptoms
4. How the HPV vaccine protects you
The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against the virus. The vaccine currently used in Australia, Gardasil 9, provides protection against:
- Seven high-risk HPV types responsible for 90% of cervical cancers and many other HPV-related cancers.
- Two low-risk types that cause 90% of genital warts.
Gardasil is available through the National HPV Vaccination Program, offering a free single-dose vaccine to boys and girls aged 12-13 in schools. It is most effective when given before any sexual activity and will not protect against HPV if someone is already infected.
The vaccine is also available for free to anyone aged up to 25 who may have missed out in the vaccine at school under the National Immunisation Program. If you have questions about your child's vaccination schedule or eligibility, consult your doctor or immunisation provider.
5. Testing for HPV to prevent cervical cancer
There are many types of HPV, classified as either "low-risk" or "high-risk." Low-risk types can cause genital warts but don't lead to cancer. High-risk types, however, can cause abnormal cell changes that may develop into cancer if left untreated.
Since HPV is responsible for most cervical cancers, it's recommended that women and people with a cervix aged 25-74 have a Cervical Screening Test every five years to help prevent cervical cancer. Although the vaccine protects against several high-risk HPV types, it does not protect against all strains and is ineffective if someone is already infected. Therefore, regular screening every five years remains essential.
The Cervical Screening Test is a quick and simple procedure that replaced the Pap test in 2017. All cervical screening participants now have the choice to self-collect their own sample.
To learn more about cervical cancer, such as symptoms and risk factors, visit our cervical cancer information page.
If you need to talk about cancer, call Cancer Council on 13 11 20.
