HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common virus. Around 80% of people will have HPV at some point in their lives. There are more than 200 types of HPV, most of which are harmless and clear naturally without treatment.

HPV can be divided into Low-risk HPV and High-risk HPV:

Low-risk HPV types can cause:

• Genital warts.
• Common warts.
• Verrucas on feet.

Some HPV types are considered high-risk for cervical cancer. HPV16 and HPV18 cause around 70% of cervical cancers. Having high-risk HPV does not mean you will develop cancer. Most HPV infections clear naturally.

High-risk HPV is linked to:

• Some head and neck cancers.
• Cervical cancer.
• Anal cancer.
• Vaginal cancer.
• Vulval cancer.
• Penile cancer.

How is HPV passed on?

HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, including:

• Genital skin contact.
• Vaginal, oral or anal sex.
• Sharing sex toys.

Anyone who has had intimate sexual contact can get HPV. It is not limited to penetrative sex and can be acquired from the first sexual contact.

Does HPV cause symptoms?

HPV usually causes no symptoms and does not require treatment. In 9 out of 10 people, the immune system clears the virus within two years.

Sometimes HPV remains inactive in the body for years and may become active again later, particularly if the immune system is weakened.

HPV and Cervical Cancer

Almost all cervical cancers (99.7%) are linked to high-risk HPV. The virus can cause abnormal changes in the cells of the cervix. These changes may be seen as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) on biopsy.

If high-grade CIN is left untreated, there is a small risk it could develop into cervical cancer.

Reducing Your Risk

Although HPV cannot be completely prevented, the following measures may help your immune system clear HPV and reduce the risk of CIN progressing:

Practice Safe Sex

Condoms and dental dams can reduce the risk of HPV transmission but do not provide complete protection because HPV can affect the surrounding genital skin.

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

Smoking is linked to around 20% of cervical cancers. It weakens the immune system and increases the risk of CIN developing and progressing, therefore reducing or quitting smoking would be recommended.

Also having a balanced diet, healthy weight and regular physical activity can support your immune system and may improve the likelihood of HPV clearance and CIN regression.

We would also recommend:

• Limit alcohol – Excessive alcohol intake may weaken the immune system and increase the risk of CIN progression.
• Reduce stress – Regular exercise, relaxation techniques and good sleep habits can help support immune health.

HPV vaccination

The HPV vaccine has been offered routinely to girls in Year 8 since 2008 and to boys in Year 8 since 2019. The vaccine helps protect against HPV-related cancers.

The vaccine does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Although vaccination significantly reduces the risk of cervical cancer, it does not provide complete protection. It is important to attend cervical screening appointments when invited, even if you have been vaccinated.

Emotional Impact of HPV

Many people feel worried, surprised or upset when they learn they have HPV. Concerns often relate to cancer risk, how the virus was acquired, or the impact on relationships. These feelings are common. If you have concerns, please speak to your colposcopist, clinic nurse or GP.

Key Points to Remember:

• HPV is extremely common.
• Most HPV infections clear naturally without causing problems.
• HPV may remain inactive in the body for many years.
• Having HPV do not mean you will develop cancer.
• Smoking increases the risk of cervical cancer in people with HPV.
• Cervical screening remains important, even after HPV vaccination.

Contact numbers

If you need further advice, or have any problems, please contact the appropriate number below:

University Hospital of North Tees

Outpatients Department:

Monday to Friday, 09:00am to 5:00pm
Telephone 01642 624172

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Outpatients Department:

Monday to Friday, 09:00am to 5:00pm
Telephone 01429 522865

You can also contact a Specialist Nurse Colposcopist on the following number:

Colposcopy Hub:

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Telephone 01429 522268
Email for enquiries: [email protected]

If you have any worries or concerns, you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours. Outside surgery hours, you should contact your GP’s surgery for the Out of Hours Service number.

Further information is available from:

NHS website

www.nhs.uk
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/human-papilloma-virus-hpv

Patient Experience Team (PET)

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you would like to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Team who will help you to do this.

This service is based at the University Hospital of North Tees but also covers The University Hospital of Hartlepool, our community hospitals and community health services.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Email: [email protected]
Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Out of Hours
If you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard (numbers below).