The Most Common Sexually Transmitted Infection
Most sexually active people will get HPV at some point. While most infections clear naturally, some HPV types cause genital warts and others can lead to cancer. Vaccination is transforming HPV-related disease prevention.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a group of over 200 related viruses, about 40 of which affect the genital area. HPV is incredibly common - most sexually active people acquire it at some point. The majority clear the virus naturally within 2 years. However, certain 'high-risk' types can cause cervical, anal, throat, and other cancers, while 'low-risk' types cause genital warts. Vaccination dramatically reduces these risks.
Genital warts are diagnosed visually by a clinician. High-risk HPV is detected through cervical screening (smear tests) for women. There is no routine HPV test for men, but anal HPV testing may be offered to high-risk groups. We can examine for warts and advise on screening. HPV testing should be interpreted with expert guidance.
HPV infections cannot be treated directly - the immune system clears most infections. Genital warts can be treated with topical creams (podophyllotoxin, imiquimod) or procedures (cryotherapy, electrocautery). Wart treatment doesn't eliminate the virus, so recurrence is possible. Pre-cancerous cell changes detected on screening can be treated to prevent cancer development.
Yes, vaccination can still be beneficial. While you may have been exposed to some HPV types, the vaccine protects against multiple types and you're unlikely to have encountered them all. The vaccine doesn't treat existing infections but prevents new ones. We offer private HPV vaccination.
No, most people with HPV - even high-risk types - do not develop cancer. About 90% of HPV infections clear within 2 years. Cancer typically develops only if high-risk HPV persists for many years. Regular cervical screening catches pre-cancerous changes early when they're easily treated.
There's no routine HPV test for partners without symptoms. Partners should be aware they may have been exposed but testing isn't usually helpful as most people clear the infection. They should watch for warts and attend promptly if any appear. The relationship timeline matters less than you might think - HPV can be dormant for years.
No, genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV types (mainly types 6 and 11) which don't cause cancer. However, having warts indicates HPV exposure, and it's possible to have multiple HPV types including high-risk ones. This is why cervical screening remains important regardless of wart history.
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