How is HPV spread

There are around 40 different types of HPV that can affect the anogenital area (the cervix, vulva, anal area and penis). HPV is spread through skin contact, often during sex. Exactly how a person gets the virus is uncertain, and it's not always possible to find a sexual cause. It's thought there may be other ways of spreading the virus that have not yet been identified.

HPV can affect both men and women and because the virus is very common, most people who are sexually active will have HPV at some time during their life. Many people don’t have any symptoms and are unaware that they have HPV. The virus may be inactive for weeks, months, and - for some people - possibly even years after infection. The body’s immune system is usually able to get rid of an HPV infection, and for most people infections come and go without causing any problems.

Although HPV can increase the risk of developing some types of cancer, most people who have HPV won't develop cancer.

HPV can also be spread through oral sex. The chance of getting HPV rises with certain risk factors:

*    Number of lifetime sexual partners (risk increases with more partners)

*   Young age: Women aged 20 to 24 are most likely to be infected, but they usually clear the HPV infection with no problems.

*   Women who are sexually active with men who have other partners at the same time

Who can get HPV?

Any man or woman who has ever had sex can get HPV. The virus is spread through sex.

Condoms do not completely protect you from HPV, but are very helpful in protecting you from other infections that can be spread through sex.