What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a viral infection that is mainly sexually
transmitted by direct contact with an infected person. It is the most common sexually
transmitted infection worldwide.
There are more than 100 types of HPV viruses. About 40 of them can infect the
genitals. At least 14 HPV types, classified as ‘high risk’, can cause cancer, such as
cervical cancer in women. Cervical cancer (cancer of the neck of the womb) is the
most common cancer after breast cancer to affect women aged 15–44 years in
Europe (1). The ‘high risk’ HPV types can also cause anal and genital cancers, and
some cancers of the head and neck, in both men and women. The 'low risk' HPV
types can cause genital and anal warts.
A jab to fight HPV and SAVE LIVES |
European Vaccination Information Portal
This content is hosted by a third party. By showing the external content you accept
the terms and conditions of YouTube.
Load once Don't ask again
All the videos are available in 23 EU languages. Turn on subtitles in your language.
What are the symptoms of HPV?
In most cases, an HPV infection disappears on its own without causing any obvious
symptoms or problems. However, sometimes the HPV infection can persist and
cause after some years some of the complications listed below.
What are the complications of HPV?
If HPV does not go away it may cause:
cervical or other types of cancer (e.g. vulvar, vaginal, anal penile, and some
cancers of the head and the neck)
genital and anal warts
How is HPV spread?
HPV is transmitted by direct contact, mainly sexual, with someone who has the virus.
Who is at risk of HPV?
Anyone who is sexually active is at risk of contracting HPV.
How can HPV be prevented?
Vaccination of girls and boys against HPV can prevent HPV infections and
consequently HPV-related diseases in both sexes, including genital and anal warts,
cervical cancer and other cancers caused by HPV. Routine HPV vaccination usually
takes place between 9 and 14 years of age, in accordance with the national
vaccination schedule.
The use of condoms is not 100% effective in preventing the transmission of the virus.
This is because HPV can also occasionally infect surrounding skin that is not
protected by the condom.
How is HPV treated?
There is no treatment for the virus itself, but the health problems caused by HPV can
be treated in different ways. Genital warts can be treated using medication or by
surgery. A healthcare provider should be consulted for advice on the specific
treatment options.
Cervical cancer and tissue in the cervix that is described as ‘precancerous’ can be
identified early through cervical cancer screening and treated. This is offered to
women in accordance with national recommendations. Other HPV-related cancers
are also more treatable when diagnosed and treated early, but there are no specific
screening programmes for these.
