HPV (human papillomavirus)
Information on HPV (human papillomavirus) and its link with cervical cancer.
If your doctor, nurse or health worker has told you that your abnormal Pap smear result may be due to an infection with HPV, you be may wondering what it is, how you got it and what it means for your health.
HPV is a very common virus, with four out of five people having it at some stage of their lives. In some cases, it can increase a woman’s risk of cervical cancer. However, most women with HPV do not develop cervical cancer.
About HPV
There are over 100 different types of HPV, including some that affect the genitals. Genital HPV is similar to the virus which causes warts on other parts of the body.Genital HPV is so common that it could be considered a normal part of being a sexually active person. Most people will have HPV at some time in their lives and never know it. You may become aware of HPV if you have an abnormal Pap smear result, or if genital warts appear.
HPV infection is very common and in most people it clears up naturally in about 8-14 months.
What does HPV have to do with cervical cancer?
A few of the many types of HPV have been linked with causing abnormalities of the cervix and in some cases the development of cancer of the cervix.It is important to remember that most women who have HPV clear the virus naturally and do not go on to develop cervical cancer.
In a small number of women, the HPV stays in the cells of the cervix. When the infection is not cleared, there is an increased risk of developing abnormalities. In very rare cases, these abnormalities of the cervix can progress to cancer. When cervical cancer develops, HPV is found in almost all cases. Having regular Pap smears is the best way to ensure that any changes are monitored and managed to protect your health.
If you have early cell changes due to HPV, there is a strong likelihood that these changes will clear up naturally in 8 to 14 months. Because of this, and the fact that cancer of the cervix takes around 10 years to develop, your doctor may recommend simply having another Pap smear in 12 months time.
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How did I get HPV?
Genital HPV is spread through genital skin contact during sexual activity. As viruses are microscopic, HPV can pass through tiny breaks in the skin. HPV is not spread in blood or other body fluids. While condoms are an important barrier to many sexually transmitted infections, they offer limited protection against HPV as they do not cover all of the genital skin.Because the virus can be hidden in a person’s cells for months or years, having a diagnosis of HPV does not necessarily mean that you or your partner has been unfaithful. For most people it is probably impossible to determine when and from whom HPV was contracted.
Can HPV be cured or treated?
There is no cure or treatment for HPV. It will, in most cases, be cleared up by your immune system. However, the effects of the virus, such as any warts that appear, or changes to the cells of the cervix, can be treated.Consult your doctor or health practitioner if you are concerned about genital warts because of their appearance, or if they are causing you discomfort. There are a range of treatment options for warts.
If your Pap smear indicates that cells have been affected by HPV, you should have more frequent Pap smears until these cells return to normal. If the changes continue, further tests and treatment may be needed.
Should I have a special test for HPV?
There is an HPV test available which can identify strains of HPV. This is not a test for cancer. HPV tests are available in Australia but are only subsidised by the government in a limited number of cases. Because most HPV infections usually resolve naturally, and there is no cure, there is little reason to have an HPV test.Experts now recommend that HPV testing be used for women who have been treated for a high grade abnormality. The HPV test is done to make sure the virus has gone from your body. An HPV test done for this reason will be subsidised through a Medicare rebate. Your GP can advise you if the test would be useful in your particular case.
While a Pap smear cannot identify which type of HPV is present, regular Pap smears will make sure any changes that occur are identified early and managed effectively.
More information on HPV DNA testing and self sampling
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What about a vaccine for HPV?
Starting in April 2007, the Australian Government is providing a vaccine, Gardasil®, free to girls aged between 12 and 13 years* through the National HPV Vaccination Program on an ongoing basis.The community-based HPV catch-up program (delivered through general practice and community immunisation services), is provided for:
- 12-13* to 18 year old girls who have not completed their course at school; and
- 18 to 26 year old women.
Gardasil® does not protect against all strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer. That is why it is still important for women to keep up to date with regular Pap smears, so early changes caused by HPV can be monitored and/or treated to prevent cancer.
For more information on the HPV vaccine, please visit the Immunise Australia Program website.
* Note: Eligibility is from the age of the first year of secondary school in your State or Territory. It may be 12 or 13 years old. Contact your State or Territory Health Department for details.
Page currency, Latest update: 20 January, 2009