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Introduction
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is carried by 80% of people at some point in their lifetime but is usually transient.
Most people with HPV infection show no signs or symptoms of carrying the virus.
There are at least 200 different sub-types of the virus, most of these are not associated with cancer. However, there are 14 subtypes, called high-risk HPV which do have an association with cervical cell abnormalities and cervical cancer.
Infection with these high-risk sub-types may lead to abnormalities in the cells of the cervix referred to as Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN). In this condition, cells of the cervix may begin to show precancerous changes and treatment may become necessary to prevent disease progression towards cancer.
Less than 1 in 10 people who persistently carry high risk HPV will develop cervical disease if not detected and treated.
How do people get HPV?
80% of most people, who have been sexually active, will have been exposed to HPV. The virus is easily transmitted during intimate contact between people including between partners of the same sex.
HPV infection may persist for a few years and then be spontaneously cleared by the persons own immune system; a small percentage of people are not able to clear off this infection.
Smokers are at a disadvantage and may have a prolonged persistence of the virus; this places them at a greater risk of developing cell changes.
How do I know if I have HPV?
As the virus causes no symptoms in the majority of people, most do not realise they have it.
When would I be tested for HPV?
All cervical smears are tested for high-risk HPV. These tests are carried out 5 yearly.
If the test is negative for high-risk HPV, then the person with a cervix returns to routine testing.
If this test is positive for high-risk HPV, the cells scraped off from the cervix at the time of the cervical screening, are further then examined for any abnormality.
The cells may be normal or may show abnormal changes (mild, moderate or severe changes). If there any abnormal changes then a referral is made to Colposcopy.
Can I avoid getting HPV?
If you are sexually active, there are no known methods (ie: condoms) which are shown to prevent 100% of transmission of the virus. It is therefore important, if you are sexually active, to participate in cervical screening, to detect presence of high risk HPV infection.
Where can I find more information?
If you would like more information about HPV or cervical screening, you could talk to the practice nurse at your GP surgery or visit the NHS Cancer Screening Programme website at
https://
Colposcopy unit contact numbers
(9am-4pm, Monday-Friday)
Wexham Park / Heatherwood patients
0300 615 4526
Frimley Park patients (seen at Heatherwood)
0300 613 4839
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Gynaecology service.
About this information
Service:
Gynaecology
Reference:
L/065
Approval date:
1 July 2025
Review date:
1 January 2028
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.