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Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Overview

Open all pages about Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) usually has no symptoms, so you may not know if you have it. In some people, it can cause genital warts.

You can get human papillomavirus (HPV) from vaginal, anal or oral sex and sharing sex toys.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) does not cause problems for most people. But some types of HPV have been linked to cancers such as cervical or anal cancer.

A test for human papillomavirus (HPV) is done during cervical screening. People at higher risk of anal cancer can also sometimes get an HPV test.

You can reduce your risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) by using condoms during sex. There's also a vaccine for some types of the virus.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) usually goes away on its own without any treatment. Get medical advice if you have symptoms like genital warts.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus that’s usually spread through sexual contact.

Page last reviewed: 27/05/2022
Next review due: 27/05/2025