11 common questions about HPV and HPV vaccination

What is HPV?

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common group of viruses that at least 8 in 10 of us will get at some point in our lives. There are over 160 types of HPV, each with its own number. In most people, your immune system will be able to get rid of the virus without you even knowing you had it.

There are 13 types of HPV that can cause precancerous changes in the cervix. Precancers are tiny areas of abnormal skin that could turn to cancer over a number of years if left undetected and untreated.

Regular cervical screening using  HPV DNA testing means precancers can be detected early and treated to prevent cancer of the cervix developing.

Can you get HPV without having sex?

HPV is passed on through sexual contact. Typically, this is penetrative contact, meaning that using condoms can reduce your risk of getting HPV.  However, condoms do not offer complete protection as HPV can be spread through skin-to-skin contact, meaning it can be transmitted by hand-to-genital contact. 

Is HPV herpes?

No, HPV and herpes are two different viruses — HPV is the human papillomavirus, while herpes is caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). 

While HPV is sexually transmitted, it isn’t classified as an STI and isn’t routinely checked for in a sexual health clinic. Herpes is considered an STI and is routinely checked for during sexual health screenings.

What is the HPV vaccine and when can I have it?

The HPV vaccine helps protect you against cancers caused by HPV, particularly cervical cancer.  It helps your immune system protect you from getting HPV and consequently reduces your risk of being diagnosed with cancers caused by HPV.

The vaccine has been given to girls at age 11-13 years as part of the school’s vaccine programme since 2008. Since 2019, it’s also been given to boys. It’s now given as one dose. If you missed having it, it’s offered for free by your GP up to the age of 25.

If you’re over 25, the vaccine still works, but you’ll need three doses. If you haven’t had it, ask your gynaecologist for advice.

Will having the HPV vaccine prevent all cases of cervical cancer?

The latest HPV vaccine protects against nine types of HPV – seven that can cause precancers, and two HPV that cause genital warts.

The present vaccine reduces your risk of cervical cancer by 90%, prevents 95% of genital warts, and reduces the risk of rarer HPV related cancers such as vaginal, vulval, anal, throat, larynx and tonsil cancers.

There are several HPV strains that are not covered by the vaccine, so cervical screening is still important even if you’ve had the vaccine.

How can I get rid of HPV?

There’s no specific medical treatment for HPV. Antibiotics kill bacteria, but anti-viral medicines only suppress viruses rather than destroy them.

Your immune system typically clears the virus itself, and in nine out of ten people, the virus is gone from their body within two years.

While there’s no treatment for the HPV virus itself, there are treatments for any conditions it causes. There are simple treatments for precancerous cells caused by HPV, and prescription creams, freezing or a minor surgical procedure to treat genital warts.

What happens if I test positive for HPV after cervical screening?

Cervical screening, which used to be called a smear test, is offered to all women every three years up to 50 years old, and then every five years up to the age of 64. Cervical screening helps identify high-risk HPV. 

If you test positive for HPV, the laboratory looks for precancerous cells. If no precancerous cells are found, the HPV screening test is repeated one year later. If precancerous cells are found, or if the virus is still present after three years, you’ll be asked to see a specialist gynaecologist for a further check called a colposcopy.

During a colposcopy, your gynaecology specialist will look at your cervix for any precancerous changes. A speculum is used to visualise the cervix, and liquids are put on the cervix to show any abnormal areas. The speculum can be uncomfortable, but the procedure itself should not be painful.

If there aren’t any precancerous changes, you will have a repeat HPV test in one year. If an area of precancer is found, then your gynaecologist may suggest that this is removed. This is a simple procedure that removes the abnormal area of skin which can either be done at the same time as your colposcopy, or can be carried out as a separate procedure. Removing the precancerous area of skin means that the precancer cannot develop into a cancer.

Can men get HPV?

Yes, men get HPV just like women from skin-to-skin contact and from penetrative sex.

Like in women, HPV in men usually does not cause any symptoms or problems. If it causes warts, these can easily be treated.

HPV can lead to cancers in men, including penile and anal cancers. However, it’s important to remember that these cancers are rare, so men do not have routine screening, and do not need a check when their partner is having a check for an abnormal smear.

How long can HPV be dormant for?

While HPV is often cleared from the body within two years, it can remain on the cervix for several years or even decades.

Because HPV doesn’t have any symptoms and can remain in the body for so long, it’s important to have regular cervical screening tests to detect any potential risk. Monitoring, and treating any precancer that may develop, will prevent cancer from developing on the cervix.