HPV

Transmission

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. There are many different types of HPV, and lots of them spread easily through skin-to-skin contact during sex – whether it involves a penis, vagina, anus, or mouth. Condoms reduce the risk but don’t offer complete protection, since HPV can also be passed on through skin that isn’t covered.

Symptoms

HPV is a sneaky one. Most people who carry the virus don’t notice it at all, but some types of HPV can cause:

Genital warts – small, flesh-coloured or pink growths around the genitals or anus.
Warts in the throat or mouth after oral sex.
In rare cases, HPV can lead to cell changes that increase the risk of certain types of cancer, including anal, penile, and throat cancer.

Most HPV infections clear up on their own within a couple of years, without causing any symptoms at all.

Testing

Testing for HPV isn’t part of routine STI checks, but it can be detected through a cervical screening for people with a uterus. For others, the diagnosis often comes after noticing warts or cell changes. If you’re worried about HPV, speak to a healthcare professional and be open about your sexual practices.

Treatment

Genital warts can be treated with medication, freezing, or cauterisation, though the virus can remain dormant in the body and return later. For cell changes, regular follow-ups are important. Vaccination against the most high-risk types of HPV is also available and can protect you and your partners. Since 2020, the HPV vaccine has been offered to all pupils in school years 5–6 as part of the national vaccination programme. The vaccine is also free for anyone living with HIV. Those who missed it at school and don’t live with HIV can still get vaccinated at their own expense.

Vaccination is especially recommended for men who have sex with men, trans people, and individuals living with HIV – as the risk of HPV-related illnesses is higher in these groups.

How to Protect Yourself

Want to avoid HPV? Here are a few tips:

Use condoms during sex to help reduce the risk.
Get vaccinated against HPV – it’s strong protection against the most dangerous types.
If you have a uterus, regular cervical screenings are recommended from the age of 23.

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