Quick answer

What is human papillomavirus (hpv)?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus spread through skin-to-skin contact, including sexual contact. Most people clear HPV without symptoms, but persistent infection with high-risk types — especially HPV 16 and 18 — can cause cervical, anal, throat, and other cancers. The NHS HPV vaccine is offered to school-age children and some adults. Cervical screening (smear tests) now tests for high-risk HPV to detect infection early.

HPV — a common virus with serious consequences if persistent

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common viral infections worldwide. Most sexually active people will acquire HPV at some point — often without knowing it.

For most, the immune system clears the virus within 2 years. But persistent infection with high-risk HPV types can cause cancer — decades after initial infection.

How HPV spreads

HPV passes through skin-to-skin contact — not only penetrative sex:

  • Vaginal, anal, and oral sex
  • Intimate touching of genital areas
  • Mother to baby during birth — rare

Condoms reduce risk but do not eliminate it — HPV affects areas condoms do not cover.

High-risk vs low-risk HPV

High-risk types — HPV 16 and 18 cause most HPV-related cancers:

  • Cervical cancer — the most preventable through screening
  • Anal, penile, vulval, vaginal, and throat cancers

Low-risk types — HPV 6 and 11 cause genital warts — fleshy growths that are not cancerous but may recur.

HPV and cervical cancer

Nearly all cervical cancers are linked to persistent high-risk HPV infection. The progression takes years to decades:

HPV infection → abnormal cervical cells → precancerous changes (CIN) → cervical cancer (if untreated)

Cervical screening interrupts this pathway by detecting HPV and abnormal cells before cancer develops.

NHS cervical screening

Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64 are invited for screening:

  • Aged 25 to 49 — every 3 years
  • Aged 50 to 64 — every 5 years

The test is HPV-primary — checks for high-risk HPV first, then examines cells if HPV is found. Colposcopy — magnified examination of the cervix — follows abnormal results.

NHS HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccine (Gardasil) protects against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 — and additional types in newer formulations.

Offered routinely to all children in school Year 8 (aged 12 to 13) — two doses.

Catch-up available up to age 25 for those who missed school vaccination.

Men who have sex with men up to age 45 — available at sexual health clinics.

Vaccination before sexual activity gives the best protection but still benefits those already sexually active.

Genital warts

Caused by low-risk HPV — appear as small lumps on genitals or anus. Treated at sexual health clinics with creams, cryotherapy, or removal. Warts may return — the virus can remain dormant.

Red flag symptoms — see a GP

Regardless of screening status:

  • Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause
  • Unusual vaginal discharge
  • Persistent sore throat, ear pain, or neck lump — possible throat HPV cancer
  • Anal bleeding or pain
  • A lump on the penis or vulva

See cervical cancer for how cervical cancer is diagnosed and treated, and attend every screening invitation — it prevents cancer.

Common questions

What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus is a group of viruses affecting skin and mucous membranes. There are over 100 types — some cause warts, others are high-risk and linked to cancer. HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Most infections cause no symptoms and clear naturally.
Does HPV always cause cancer?
No. Most HPV infections clear within 1 to 2 years without causing problems. Persistent infection with high-risk types — particularly HPV 16 and 18 — can lead to abnormal cell changes that, over years, may develop into cancer. Cervical screening detects these changes early when treatment is highly effective.
Who should have the HPV vaccine?
The NHS offers HPV vaccination to all children in school Year 8 (aged 12 to 13). A catch-up programme is available for girls and boys who missed it, up to age 25. Men who have sex with men up to age 45 can access the vaccine through sexual health clinics. The vaccine protects against the highest-risk HPV types.
How does cervical screening detect HPV?
Cervical screening (smear test) now tests for high-risk HPV first. If HPV is found, the sample is checked for abnormal cells. HPV-positive with normal cells — repeat test in 12 months. HPV-positive with abnormal cells — referral to colposcopy for closer examination and treatment if needed.
Can HPV cause cancers other than cervical cancer?
Yes. HPV is linked to anal cancer, penile cancer, vulval and vaginal cancer, and oropharyngeal (throat) cancer. Cervical screening only covers cervical disease. There is no routine HPV screening for other cancers — see a GP for persistent symptoms such as anal bleeding, a throat lump, or difficulty swallowing.
What are genital warts and are they dangerous?
Genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV types (6 and 11) — not the types that typically cause cancer. They appear as small fleshy growths on or around the genitals and anus. Treatments include topical creams, cryotherapy, or surgical removal at sexual health clinics. They may recur but are not cancerous.
Can condoms prevent HPV?
Condoms reduce HPV transmission but do not provide complete protection because HPV spreads through skin contact beyond the area covered by a condom. Vaccination before sexual activity and cervical screening remain the most effective strategies for preventing HPV-related disease.

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