HPV (human papillomavirus)
HPV stands for human papillomavirus and is a very common virus which usually has no symptoms. There are approximately 100 types of HPV.
HPV is usually spread through intimate sexual contact. Condoms don’t provide complete protection. Some people may also develop genital warts, which can sometimes be difficult to treat.
Most people who become infected with HPV clear the virus from their body, but others may develop a range of cancers in later life caused by the HPV virus.
Only certain types of HPV cause cervical cancer. These are called high-risk types. Almost all cervical cancers (more than 99.8%) are caused by one or more high-risk type of HPV. If you have cell changes caused by the virus, these may need to be treated in a colposcopy clinic.
What does the virus do?
In most people, HPV does not cause any problems, as the body will get rid of the virus on its own.
High-risk types of HPV can cause changes in the cells of the cervix. These cell changes are called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). In some cases cell changes can go back to normal, but sometimes they can get worse and become cervical cancer.
If you smoke your body’s immune system is weaker. This makes it much more difficult for your body to get rid of the virus. Smoking doubles the risk of cervical cancer. Visit the Help Me Quit website for support in stopping smoking.
How do I know if I have HPV?
Cervical screening is important because the virus does not usually cause any symptoms, even if there are cell changes on the cervix.
HPV can lie dormant (sleeping) for many years and may never cause any cell changes. If it is found on a screening test, we cannot say how long it has been there. The virus might cause cell changes many years later.
Learn more
If you would like to learn more about the vaccine, or the disease they protect against, a number of information resources are available to help.
You can also call NHS 111 Wales or your GP surgery for advice if you have any questions.
Data
No data found for this topic