What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name given to a group of viruses that live on the skin. There are 100s of strains of HPV. Many of them are harmless infections which your body clears on its own.

Whilst most HPV strains are harmless, there are some strains of HPV that are high risk and can lead to cancers developing.

HPV can also cause genital warts in the genital or anal area and skin warts and verrucas on other parts of the body.

Learn more about genital warts

HPV is incredibly common. Most sexually active people will come across it at some point in their lives. If you have sex, you are more likely to have come across it than not.

How can I protect against HPV?

Get the vaccine

The vaccine protects against the HPV strains that cause cervical cancer as well as cancers of the mouth, throat, anus and genital areas. It's offered in schools to everybody up to the age of 12, so you may have been vaccinated then. Or you can get it for free on the NHS up to the age of 25. Trans people, gay and bisexual men, and men who have sex with men may also be eligible to get the vaccine free on the NHS up to the age of 45.

If you're not eligible for the free vaccine, you can pay for it privately, speak to your local NHS sexual health clinic or GP to find out more information.

Attend your cervical screening appointments

If you have a cervix, it's really important you attend your cervical screening (smear test) appointments when you’re asked to go. It's important to attend any additional appointments or your next cervical smear if you are asked to return earlier. These tests are to monitor you and reduce your chance of cancers.

Look after your sexual health in general

If you're sexually active, test regularly for STIs. And talk to your partners about testing too. Use safer sex practices, like using condoms, to reduce the chances of all STIs.

Pay attention to your body and look out for possible signs of infection. If you notice any symptoms, like skin changes, speak to your GP or visit a sexual health clinic. Early treatment of STIs is very effective.

Having sex when you have an HPV diagnosis

If you are diagnosed with HPV you might be worried about how it will affect your sex life. It can help to remember that HPV is incredibly common, people can have the infection for many years and it's impossible to know when or where it started.