HPV Awareness Day: Eight facts everyone should know

On HPV Awareness Day, we should all take a minute to understand this virus better. 

Here are eight key facts the HSE has outlined about HPV:

HPV is extremely common 

HPV stands for human papillomavirus, and there are over 100 different types of it. Most people will have some form of Human papillomavirus at some point in their lives, often without even realising it.  

HPV spreads through skin-to-skin contact

You can get HPV from any kind of physical or sexual contact of the genital area, even if you use a condom. Because it’s transmitted through skin contact, it can spread even when there are no visible signs or symptoms.  

Some types of HPV are high-risk and can cause cancer

While many types of HPV are harmless, certain high-risk strains have been proven to cause cervical cancer, as well as cancers of the penis, anus, vulva, vagina, and throat.  

Most HPV infections clear up on their own

For most people, Human papillomavirus doesn’t cause any harm and is cleared by the immune system within 1 to 2 years. However, in some cases, the virus can remain dormant and reactivate later. This makes it difficult to determine exactly when someone was exposed to HPV.  

Smoking makes it harder for your body to fight HPV

If you smoke, your body is less able to clear an HPV infection. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. If you need support, the HSE QUIT team offers free help at quit.ie.

The HPV vaccine is highly effective but doesn’t replace screening

The HPV vaccine protects against the types of virus responsible for 9 out of 10 cervical cancers. However, it doesn’t protect against all types of Human papillomavirus or all cervical cancers. That’s why regular cervical screening is still important, even if you’ve been vaccinated.  

Regular screening helps detect abnormal cells early

For women with persistent HPV infections, the virus can cause abnormal cell changes in the cervix over 15 to 20 years, increasing the risk of cervical cancer. Regular screening helps detect these changes before they become cancerous, making treatment easier and more effective.  

Know the symptoms of cervical cancer 

HPV cervical screening doesn’t detect every case of cervical cancer, and not all cervical cancers are caused by Human papillomavirus. 

It’s important to be aware of symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding, spotting, pain during sex, pelvic pain, or unusual discharge. 

If you experience any of these, visit your GP or a women’s health clinic - even if your last screening test was clear.  

This infection is most common in younger people, which is why CervicalCheck offers free cervical screening every three years for those aged 25 to 29 and every five years for those aged 30 to 65. 

Early detection saves lives, so make sure to attend your regular screenings and stay informed about Human papillomavirus and cervical cancer prevention.  

For more information, visit the CervicalCheck website or talk to your healthcare provider.