About 40 types of HPV are known as genital HPV as they affect the genital area.1,2 Up to 90% of people will be infected with at least one genital type of HPV at some time in their lives.1,3
Genital HPV types may be “high-risk” types (such as HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58) or “low-risk” types (such as HPV types 6 and 11).1,3,5
HPV is easily spread through direct skin-to-skin contact.4,5 Anyone who has any kind of sexual activity involving genital contact could get genital HPV. That means it’s possible to get the virus without having intercourse.1–5 Because many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms, they can transmit the virus without even knowing it.2 A person can be infected with more than one type of HPV.1
HPV
About 40 types of HPV are known as genital HPV as they affect the genital area.1,2 Up to 90% of people will be infected with at least one genital type of HPV at some time in their lives.1,3
Genital HPV types may be “high-risk” types (such as HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58) or “low-risk” types (such as HPV types 6 and 11).1,3,5
HPV is easily spread through direct skin-to-skin contact.4,5 Anyone who has any kind of sexual activity involving genital contact could get genital HPV. That means it's possible to get the virus without having intercourse.1-5 Because many people who have HPV may not show any signs or symptoms, they can transmit the virus without even knowing it.2 A person can be infected with more than one type of HPV.1
Genital HPV infection is not something to feel embarrassed or ashamed about. It's very common and for the majority of people, the body's defences are enough to clear the virus.1-3
WHO DOES HPV AFFECT?
A person’s first exposure to HPV tends to occur around the time of their first sexual encounter.1 HPV vaccination is generally offered to people before they become sexually active, which is why in Australia it is commonly provided in the early years of high school.1,3,4
The majority of people will have had at least one HPV infection by 30 years of age.3 There are a number of different HPV types that can lead to diseases and cancers.1,3,4 People may not have been exposed to all HPV types in previous sexual encounters, so prevention options such as HPV vaccination and regular cervical screening may be important ongoing considerations.1,4
PREVENTING HPV
Up to 90% of males and females will be infected with at least one genital type of HPV at some time in their lives.1,3
But remember that most people clear HPV infection from their body without any symptoms or health problems.1–3
If used correctly, condoms can help reduce the risk of genital HPV, and also provide protection against other sexually transmitted diseases.2,4 However, because HPV is transmitted through genital skin contact (not just sexual intercourse) condoms don't provide 100% protection against HPV.1,2,4
For females, your risk of developing cervical cancer can be reduced with cervical screening. Talk to your doctor for more information.1–4
There are vaccines available for certain types of HPV. Vaccination does not protect against all HPV types that could cause cervical cancer; therefore, it is important women continue with cervical screening.1,2,4