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Four out of five people will have HPV at some stage in their life.
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an infection that four out of five people will have at some stage of their life and never know it. There are over 100 types of HPV that affect different parts of the body. Approximately 20 types of HPV affect the genital area and the cervix. In rare cases, HPV can lead to the development of cervical cancer.
How common is HPV?
HPV is so common that it is almost a normal part of life after you start to have sex.
How does HPV spread?
HPV is spread through contact with genital skin during sex. HPV is not spread through blood or other body fluids. Condoms provide only limited protection from HPV as they do not completely cover genital skin.
How do I know if I have HPV?
Most people will have HPV at some stage in their life and never know it. You may become aware of HPV if you have an abnormal Pap smear result, or if genital warts appear. In the majority of cases, however, no symptoms are present.
How is HPV treated?
Most women who have HPV will clear the virus naturally and do not develop cervical cancer. In a small number of women HPV stays in the cells of the cervix. If the infection is not cleared, there is an increased risk of cervical cancer. It is important to have a Pap smear every two years so cell changes caused by HPV can be identified, checked and treated if necessary.
When cervical cancer develops, HPV is found in almost all cases. A number of other factors may increase the risk of developing cervical cancer. These are increasing age, smoking and lowered immunity, together with cell changes caused by HPV.
Should I be tested for HPV?
HPV tests are only recommended for women who have had treatment for a high-grade abnormality. The purpose of a HPV test is to find out if a women is infected with a high risk HPV type associated with the development of cervical cancer.
How can HPV be prevented?
A vaccine has been developed to prevent certain types of HPV associated with cervical cancer. The vaccine works by preventing HPV infection but will not treat existing infection or disease. The vaccine is most effective if given before sexual activity starts.
In November 2006, the Australian Government announced it would fund the provision of HPV vaccine for girls and women aged 12/13 to 26 years. For more information about the HPV vaccine visit the Immunise Australia Program.
While the new vaccine aims to prevent cervical cancer in the future it is still important for women to keep up to date with regular Pap smears, so early changes caused by HPV can be monitored and/or treated to prevent cancer.
Women, whether vaccinated or unvaccinated should have a regular Pap smear every 2 years, as this remains the most effective way to prevent cervical cancer.
For more information on HPV you can view the link between cervical cancer and HPV booklet or contact your Pap smear provider.
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