WHAT
IS HPV?

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common virus that affects both males and females.1 There are more than 100 types of the virus.1 In fact, certain types of HPV cause common warts on the hands and feet.2 Most types of HPV are harmless, do not cause any symptoms, and go away on their own.1–3

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

  • In females, “High-risk” HPV types can cause cervical cancer and some vaginal, vulval and anal cancers.
  • In males, some HPV types can lead to cancers of the penis and anus.
  • For both genders, “Low-risk” HPV types can cause genital warts.
  • Both the “high-risk” and “low-risk” types of HPV can also cause abnormal changes.

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 a shamed about. It’s very common and for the majority of people, the body’s defences are enough to clear the virus.1–3

1. ATAGI. Australian Immunisation Handbook, 2023. Available at: immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au. Accessed March 2024. 2. Cancer Council. Understanding cervical Cancer. Available at: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-cervical-cancer-booklet Accessed March 2024. 3. NCIRS Human papillomavirus Factsheet 2023. Available at : https://ncirs.org.au/ncirs-fact-sheets-faqs/human-papillomavirus-vaccine-australians. Accessed March 2024. 4. CDC Genital HPV Infection - Basic Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm. Accessed March 2024. 5. Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer. National Strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer in Australia November 2023. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-11/national-strategy-for-the-elimination-of-cervical-cancer-in-australia.pdf. Accessed March 2024.

WHAT
IS HPV?

HPV

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Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a common virus that affects both males and females.1 There are more than 100 types of the virus.1 In fact, certain types of HPV cause common warts on the hands and feet.2 Most types of HPV are harmless, do not cause any symptoms, and go away on their own.1-3

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

  • In females, “High-risk” HPV types can cause cervical cancer and some vaginal, vulval and anal cancers.
  • In males, some HPV types can lead to cancers of the penis and anus.
  • For both genders, “Low-risk” HPV types can cause genital warts.
  • Both the “high-risk” and “low-risk” types of HPV can also cause abnormal changes.

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?

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PREVENTING HPV

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1. ATAGI. Australian Immunisation Handbook, 2023. Available at: immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au. Accessed March 2024. 2. Cancer Council. Understanding cervical Cancer. Available at: https://www.cancer.org.au/assets/pdf/understanding-cervical-cancer-booklet Accessed March 2024. 3. NCIRS Human papillomavirus Factsheet 2023. Available at : https://ncirs.org.au/ncirs-fact-sheets-faqs/human-papillomavirus-vaccine-australians. Accessed March 2024. 4. CDC Genital HPV Infection - Basic Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm. Accessed March 2024. 5. Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer. National Strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer in Australia November 2023. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-11/national-strategy-for-the-elimination-of-cervical-cancer-in-australia.pdf. Accessed March 2024.