What is HPV?
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HPV stands for human papillomavirus.
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HPVs are very common viruses that infect the deeper layers of the skin and internal passages such as the vagina, the cervix (at the lowest part of the uterus and at the top of the vagina) and the mouth.
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Infection with low-risk types can cause warts.
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Infection with high-risk types can cause cancer.
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The types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer and genital warts are spread through sexual contact (not just intercourse).
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Four out of five people become infected with HPV at some time in their lives.
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The peak incidence of HPV infection is between the ages of 16 and 20.
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Most people with HPV infections have no symptoms, the infection clears without treatment and doesn’t develop into cervical cancer.
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However, some HPV infections don’t clear and over time cause abnormal cells to grow on the cervix. If these cells go undetected (by cervical screening) and untreated, over time, usually many years, they can lead to cervical cancer.
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Genital warts are caused by low-risk types of HPV and are not associated with cervical cancer.
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Genital warts are the most commonly reported sexually transmitted viral infection in New Zealand.
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The age groups most affected by genital warts are young men aged 15 to 24 and young women aged 15 to 19.
