Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

HPV is a common virus, with over 200 types of virus affecting 8 in 10 unvaccinated people at some point in their lives.

Most types of HPV affect the mouth, throat or genital area. They are easy to catch and can be spread from an infected person by any skin to skin contact of the genital area, from vaginal, anal or oral sex, or from sharing sex toys.

Most of the time, HPV causes people no problems. In some people, HPV can lead to genital warts, or cervical cancer, anal cancer, cancer of the penis, vulval cancer, vaginal cancer, and some cancers of the head and neck.

HPV testing is part of cervical screening. Testing is offered to people with a cervix aged 25 to 64. Some sexual health services also offer anal screening to men with a higher risk of anal cancer. There is no treatment for HPV, and most cases are cleared by your body within 2 years and cause no problems. However, treatment may be needed for genital warts or changes to the cells of the cervix.

It is important to take precautions against sexually transmitted diseases such as by using condoms, although there is still a risk of catching HPV because the virus can still be spread by skin around the genitals.

HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that cause the most cases of genital warts and cervical cancers and some other cancers, although it does not protect against all types of HPV.

Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV. High risk types 16 and 18 cause more than 8-% of all cases of cervical cancer, and types 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58 cause an additional 15% of cases. They also cause most types of anal cancer, and some genital and head and neck cancers.

Genital warts are a common sexually transmitted infection, consisting of small fleshy bumps on or around the genital or anal area. They may be unsightly or distressing but are not usually considered harmful to health. HPV virus types 6 and 11 cause 90% of genital warts.

AR Pharmacy offers Gardasil-9 HPV vaccination that helps protect against these 9 types of HPV. It is suitable for people aged 9 to 45, although it is more effective for younger people before people are exposed to HPV (ie before people become sexually active).

Vaccination is now available on the NHS to girls and boys in school year 8 ages 12 or 13 or to other high-risk groups through sexual health services. A catch up programme is in place – speak to your GP if you think you are eligible.

It is thought that the vaccine offers protection for at least 10 years, although it may be even longer. As the vaccine does not protect against all types of HPV, it is still important for people with a cervix to attend screening when advised.