HPV

Transmission

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. There are lots of different types of HPV, and many are easily spread through skin-to-skin contact during sex - whether it's cock, pussy, ass or mouth that's involved. Condoms reduce the risk, but do not fully protect as HPV can also be transmitted through uncovered skin.

Symptoms

HPV is a stealthy virus. Most people who carry the virus do not notice it at all, but some types of HPV can cause:

Genital warts - small, skin-colored or pink growths around the genitals or anus.
Warts in the throat or mouth during 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 few years, without causing any symptoms.

Testing

Testing for HPV is not part of routine STI testing, but it can be detected through Pap smears in people with a uterus. For others, it is often warts or cell changes that lead to diagnosis. If you are concerned about HPV, talk to a healthcare professional and be clear about how you have had sex.

Treatment

Genital warts can be treated with medicines, frozen or burned off, but the virus can lie dormant in the body and come back. For cell changes, it is important to follow up with regular check-ups. Vaccination against the most risky types of HPV is also available, and it can protect you and your partners. Since 2020, the HPV vaccine has been given to all schoolchildren in grades 5-6 as part of the basic vaccination. The vaccine is also free for anyone living with HIV. If you are too old and have missed the vaccine at school and are not living with HIV, you can take the vaccine at your own expense.

Vaccine is particularly recommended for men who have sex with men, transgender people and people living with HIV - as the risk of HPV-related diseases is higher in these groups

How to protect yourself

Want to avoid HPV? Here are some tips:

Use condoms during sex to reduce the risk.
Get vaccinated against HPV - it is a strong protection against the most dangerous types.
If you have a uterus, regular gynecological smears are recommended from the age of 23.

Was this article useful?

Tack för din röst!

Du har redan röstat.

Articles

Here you will find our informative articles on everything related to sex, the body and sexual health. We write about STIs, testing, safer sex, pleasure, anatomy and much more - with no preconceptions, focusing on knowledge and pleasure. Whether you're curious, want to know more or just need the facts, you're in the right place.