HPV for Adults: Do You Still Need the Vaccine and Screening if You're Over 25?

Understanding HPV in Adulthood

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide. While the UK's successful vaccination programme targets young people, many adults have questions about their own HPV risks and whether vaccination or screening applies to them.

If you're over 25 and wondering about HPV, you're not alone. Let's explore what you need to know.

HPV Basics: A Quick Refresher

What Is HPV?

• A group of over 200 related viruses
• Around 40 types affect the genital area
• Spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact
• Most sexually active people will have HPV at some point

High-Risk vs Low-Risk Types

• High-risk types (especially 16 and 18) can cause cancers of the cervix, throat, anus, and genitals
• Low-risk types (especially 6 and 11) cause genital warts but not cancer

The Good News

• Most HPV infections clear naturally within 2 years
• Vaccination prevents the most dangerous types
• Cervical screening detects problems early

The HPV Vaccine: Who Gets It in the UK?

Current NHS Programme

The UK offers free HPV vaccination to:

• All children aged 12-13 (Year 8) regardless of gender
• Catch-up vaccination for those who missed it, up to age 25
• Men who have sex with men (MSM) up to age 45 through sexual health clinics
• People with HIV up to age 45
• Trans people based on individual circumstances

What the Vaccine Protects Against

The current vaccine (Gardasil 9) protects against:

• HPV types 16 and 18 (responsible for about 70% of cervical cancers)
• HPV types 6 and 11 (cause 90% of genital warts)
• Five additional high-risk types

Can Adults Over 25 Get the HPV Vaccine?

The Official Position

The NHS doesn't routinely offer free HPV vaccination to adults over 25 who don't fall into the specific groups mentioned above.

Why the Age Limit?

• Maximum benefit comes from vaccination before HPV exposure – ideally before becoming sexually active
• Most adults over 25 have already been exposed to some HPV types through sexual activity
• The vaccine doesn't treat existing infections – it only prevents new ones
• Cost-effectiveness – public health programmes prioritise those who benefit most

But There's Nuance

The age limit doesn't mean the vaccine is useless for older adults:

• You may not have been exposed to all vaccine-covered types
• The vaccine can still protect against types you haven't encountered
• Some benefit remains even after sexual debut

Getting Vaccinated Privately

If you're over 25 and want the HPV vaccine:

• Available privately at pharmacies and clinics
• Cost: Approximately £150-200 per dose (3 doses typically needed for adults)
• Discuss with a healthcare provider whether it's appropriate for your situation

Who Might Benefit Most

Consider private vaccination if you're over 25 and:

• Have had few sexual partners
• Are entering a new relationship
• Have recently ended a long monogamous relationship
• Have a partner with HPV or genital warts
• Are immunocompromised

Cervical Screening: Your Main Protection Over 25

For women and people with a cervix over 25, cervical screening (smear tests) is your primary protection against HPV-related cancer.

How Cervical Screening Works

• Tests for high-risk HPV types
• If HPV is found, cells are checked for abnormalities
• Detects pre-cancerous changes before cancer develops

Screening Schedule in England

• Ages 25-49: Every 3 years
• Ages 50-64: Every 5 years
• Over 65: Only if recent tests were abnormal

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have slightly different schedules.

Why Screening Matters

• Cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable with regular screening
• Early detection means simpler treatment
• HPV testing is more sensitive than previous methods

Responding to Screening Results

• HPV negative: Low risk, return for next scheduled test
• HPV positive, no cell changes: Repeat test in 12 months
• HPV positive with cell changes: Referred for colposcopy (closer examination)

HPV Testing for Men

Currently, there's no routine HPV screening for men in the UK. Here's why and what you can do:

The Challenge

• No approved test for oral or penile HPV in routine practice
• HPV testing for men is primarily done for research
• Most men clear HPV without ever knowing they had it

Anal HPV Screening

• May be offered to men who have sex with men (MSM) in some areas
• Particularly if living with HIV
• Not yet part of a national programme

What Men Can Do

• Get the HPV vaccine if eligible (MSM up to 45, or privately)
• Use condoms – reduce but don't eliminate HPV risk
• **Check for genital warts – visible sign of low-risk HPV
• Be aware of symptoms – persistent sores, lumps, or changes

HPV and Oral/Throat Cancer

HPV-related throat cancers are increasing, particularly in men. What to know:

Risk Factors

• Multiple oral sex partners over lifetime
• Smoking (compounds HPV cancer risk)
• Being male (higher rates of oral HPV)

Signs to Watch For

• Persistent sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Lump in neck
• Ear pain on one side
• Unexplained weight loss

Prevention

• HPV vaccination reduces oral HPV infection
• Limiting oral sex partners may reduce risk
• There's no routine screening for throat HPV

Living With HPV: What If You Already Have It?

If you've been told you have HPV, here's what to know:

HPV Is Incredibly Common

• 8 out of 10 people will have HPV at some point
• Most infections cause no problems and clear naturally
• Having HPV doesn't mean you'll develop cancer or warts

What You Can Do

• Attend all screening appointments – early detection is key
• Don't smoke – smoking increases cancer risk from HPV
• Maintain good health – supports immune function
• Have open conversations – HPV is not a reflection of behaviour

Talking to Partners

• HPV is so common that most sexually active people have had it
• It's not possible to know who transmitted HPV to whom
• Long-term partners often share HPV types
• Vaccination can still protect against types neither of you have

Key Takeaways for Adults Over 25

1. Cervical screening is essential – don't skip your appointments
2. The vaccine may still help – consider private vaccination if circumstances suggest benefit
3. HPV usually clears naturally – most infections resolve without causing problems
4. Cancer is preventable – through vaccination, screening, and early treatment
5. Stigma is unwarranted – HPV is a near-universal part of sexual life

Take Action for Your Health

Whether you're wondering about vaccination, due for screening, or concerned about symptoms, taking action is always the right choice.

We offer comprehensive sexual health services including HPV information, screening support, and advice on vaccination. Book a consultation to discuss your individual circumstances and make informed decisions about your health.