What is HPV?
HPV stands for human papillomavirus, which is a name for a very common group of viruses, with some types causing cervical cancer or genital warts.
Where to get help in Bexley?
There are no at-home tests for HPV. You will be invited to your first cervical screen shortly after your 25th birthday, if you have not received an invitation letter, contact your GP.
You may be eligible for the HPV vaccine if you did not receive it during your time at school. For more information, visit the NHS website or contact your local healthcare provider.
HPV is transmitted via skin-to-skin contact with the genitalia, vaginal, anal or oral sex, or sharing sex toys. Many HPV infections will infect the genitals, mouth or throat.
HPV generally comes with no symptoms (asymptomatic) but can sometimes cause Genital Warts.
Cervical screening is the test available for HPV in the UK. It is offered to people with vaginas aged 25 to 64, generally every 3 years helping to prevent cervical cancer.
There is no way to fully protect yourself against HPV, but methods that are strongly recommended are:
- Barrier methods: Consistently using condoms and dental dams during sex can significantly reduce the risk of STIs.
- Get Regular Screenings: Attending your cervical screening appointments and any follow-ups is important, it can be life-saving
- Vaccination: The HPV vaccine is available to children aged between 12 and 13, and other groups that are deemed at-risk.
There is no treatment for HPV, most HPV infections do not cause any issues and are cleared from the body within 2 years.
Treatment is available for people with genital warts, or abnormal cells from cervical screenings.
Your appointment will be with a female doctor or nurse, you will need to undress from the waist down (a sheet will be provided to put over you). You will then lay down on the bed with your feet together and knees apart whilst the samples are being taken.
A doctor or nurse will insert a small tube-shaped tool (speculum) into your vagina and open it to see your cervix. They will then take a small sample of cells using a soft brush. After the sample has been taken, you will be free to get dressed.
The time it takes for your results to arrive and what to expect will be explained to you before you leave. You may experience some spotting or light bleeding after your test, which is normal.
You do not need to tell your partner(s) that you have HPV as it is very common and can be cleared from the body without treatment, however open and honest conversation is encouraged.
Telling male partners
As there is no testing available for males, or people with a penis, it is important that you gather the correct information before you have the conversation, to avoid panic or anxiety. You may be able to use a partner notification service if it’s available to you.
HPV can cause cell abnormalities, which may develop into cervical, anal, penile, vaginal and vulval cancers. In some cases, it can develop into some head and neck cancers.
HPV is mostly harmless, and transmission from parent to baby is rare. Even if they do get HPV, their body can clear the virus with no long-lasting effects.
There are treatments to help manage genital warts if they become large enough to trouble you, however, your doctor may advise that you wait until after childbirth to treat your warts - unless there is a danger of them blocking the vagina and affecting the birth.
If you have abnormal cells or a positive cervical screening result, you will be closely monitored throughout your pregnancy which includes further screening appointments.