11901 Hpv Human Papilloma Virus

Overview

HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus that can affect the skin and moist areas of the body, like the cervix, anus, mouth, and throat. There are many types, and most are harmless. Some types cause warts; a few high-risk types can lead to cancer over time.

Yes, HPV is very common. Studies suggest that most people will have it at some point, often without knowing.

HPV can affect anyone who has ever been sexually active, at any age. It is most common in teenagers and young adults in their 20s, but the virus can stay in the body for years and cause problems later in life.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Most people have no symptoms at all.
• Genital warts: small bumps or growths on or around the genitals or anus.
• Common warts on hands, feet, or other skin areas (different HPV types).
• Mouth or throat warts (from oral HPV).

Symptoms in children

• Children can get common skin warts, but HPV infection of the genitals is uncommon and not usually the same as adult sexual transmission.
• Some children may get warts on their hands, feet, or face.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have had HPV for many years without knowing.
• Some types of HPV can cause cell changes that lead to cancer, often without any symptoms until the cancer is more advanced.
• Persistent hoarseness, cough, or swallowing problems can occasionally be a sign of HPV-related throat changes.

Causes

Main causes

• HPV is caused by the human papillomavirus.
• The virus spreads through skin-to-skin contact, most often through vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
• In rare cases, a mother can pass the virus to her baby during childbirth.
• It is not spread through hugging, sharing food, or using a toilet seat.

Risk factors

• Being sexually active
• Having many sexual partners
• Not having been vaccinated against HPV
• A weakened immune system (for example, from HIV, an organ transplant, or certain medicines)
• Smoking tobacco, which can make cell changes more likely to progress

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you notice a new or unusual wart on your genitals, anus, mouth, or throat
• If you have bleeding that is heavy, unusual, or after sex
• If you have pelvic or anal pain that does not go away
• If you are due for a cervical screening (Pap test) and have missed it

Book a routine appointment if:

• For regular sexual health check-ups if you are sexually active
• To catch screening tests like cervical screening, which can find early changes
• If you have questions about vaccination or your risk of HPV

Diagnosis

Doctors usually diagnose HPV by examining warts or by testing for the virus through a screening sample. For early cell changes, cervical screening (a swab or scrape) is the most common test.

Tests that may be done

• Visual inspection of warts by a doctor or nurse
• Pap smear / cervical screening to check for cell changes
• HPV testing, which looks for high-risk types in the cervix
• Biopsy (taking a tiny tissue sample) if a growth looks unusual

What to expect at your appointment

Testing is usually quick and not painful. For cervical screening, a small plastic brush is used to gently collect cells from the cervix. If you are worried, the doctor or nurse can explain each step and answer your questions.

Treatment

There is no specific medicine that kills the virus itself. Treatment focuses on the health problems that HPV can cause, such as warts or abnormal cell changes. Most low-grade changes are watched closely, because many go away on their own.

Self-care at home

• Keep warts clean and dry, and do not pick at them.
• Use condoms or dental dams during sex, which can reduce but not eliminate the risk of spreading HPV.
• If you have skin warts, over-the-counter treatments may help, but talk to a pharmacist or doctor first.
• Stop smoking, because smoking makes HPV-related cell changes more likely to progress.

Medical treatments

For visible warts, a doctor can offer topical creams or liquids, freezing, or minor procedures to remove the wart. For abnormal cervical cells, treatments may include laser, freezing, loop electrosurgical excision (LLETZ), or cone biopsy. These are simple procedures that remove the affected tissue and do not involve any specific drug.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed. It is used only if warts are very large or if cell changes are advanced and need to be removed to prevent cancer.

Living with this condition

For most people, living with HPV means living a normal life, because the virus does not affect daily activities. If you have warts, you may need to manage them with your doctor until they clear. It is important to attend regular check-ups and screening appointments.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your immune system strong with enough sleep, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet.
• Avoid smoking, as it weakens the immune system and makes it harder for the body to clear HPV.
• Practice safer sex by using condoms or dental dams consistently.
• Keep all follow-up appointments for screening or monitoring.

Diet and exercise

A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps support your immune system. Regular exercise, such as walking or cycling for 30 minutes most days, can also improve your body's ability to fight infections.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Finding out you have HPV can be upsetting, especially because many people confuse it with having cancer. It is important to remember that HPV is very common and almost always clears on its own. If you feel anxious or depressed, talk to your doctor or a counsellor.

Prevention

Some HPV infections can be prevented with vaccination. Screening programs can prevent cervical cancer by detecting changes early. Practising safer sex and getting vaccinated before becoming sexually active offer the best protection.

Vaccines

The HPV vaccine is given to boys and girls, usually around age 12–13, but older teens and adults can also get it. It protects against the most common high-risk types and types that cause genital warts. Talk to your doctor or school immunisation service about availability.

Screening programmes

Cervical screening (Pap test) checks for cell changes caused by HPV. In the UK, people with a cervix are invited for screening every 3 to 5 years between ages 25 and 64. Regular screening can stop cervical cancer before it develops.

Complications

If left untreated

• Some HPV types can cause cell changes that, if left alone for many years, can develop into cancer – most often cervical cancer.
• HPV is also linked to cancers of the anus, penis, vulva, vagina, and throat.
• Genital warts can grow larger or multiply, but they are not dangerous and do not turn into cancer.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is good. Most HPV infections go away by themselves within two years. Even when cell changes are found, doctors can treat them successfully if they are detected early. Thanks to vaccination and screening, cervical cancer is now largely preventable.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization (WHO) ↗

Local organisations

• NHS UK ↗ · UK

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