HPV

A very common sexually transmitted virus which usually causes no symptoms and goes away by itself, but can sometimes cause serious illness.

The virus is spread through contact with the genitals (oral, digital, vaginal, anal).

Usually this happens without anyone ever knowing it or it causing any problems.

Condoms offer some but not total protection from HPV, as they don't cover all of the genital skin.

You can be exposed to HPV the first time any type of sexual activity occurs, from only one sexual partner.

There are more than 100 varieties of HPV.

Some types of HPV infection cause warts, and some can cause different types of cancer.

Most HPV infections don't lead to cancer.

But some types of genital HPV can cause cancer of the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina (cervix).

Other types of cancers can be caused by HPV, including cancers of the anus, penis, vagina, vulva and back of the throat.

The HPV vaccine protects against the strains of HPV most likely to cause genital warts and cervical cancer and can be done at any age.

Having a new sex partner is a risk factor for getting a new HPV infection.

People who are in a long-term, mutually monogamous relationship are unlikely to get a new HPV infection.