What you need to know about HPV
HPV stands for Human papillomavirus.2 HPV infections are very common.2 Nearly everyone will get HPV at some point in their lifetime.3
Both males and females can get an HPV infection.2 Most HPV infections go away by themselves within 2 years.3 But sometimes, if they are high risk HPV types and if infection lasts longer, it can increase the risk of certain types of HPV related cancers.2,3
In Ireland, HPV-related cancers claimed the lives of more than 196 people yearly.4 Additionally, HPV infections can cause genital warts in both males and females, with more than 1,000 reported cases of genital warts in Ireland each year.5
HPV is spread through intimate skin to skin contact.2 You can get HPV by having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has the infection, even if they don’t have any signs or symptoms.2
You can’t always tell if a person has HPV as most HPV infections don’t have signs or symptoms.2 This means that people infected with HPV often don’t know that they have it and can continue transmitting the infection to others.2 However, you can develop symptoms years after having sex with someone who has the infection.2 This is what makes it hard to know when you first got it.2 HPV that persists can cause health problems like genital warts and cancer.2 (To be removed)
HPV can be passed on even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms.2
You can also develop symptoms years after you have sex with someone who is infected. This makes it hard to know when you first became infected. You may also have no signs or symptoms.
For some people, HPV can stay dormant (sleeping inside the body) for years. It can then become active over time.
It’s important to note that developing cancer with a high risk HPV type typically takes years.3 While some individuals may clear their HPV infection within two years, others may not be able to do so.3 For those who do not clear the infection, there is a potential risk of developing certain types of HPV-related cancers.2 This makes it hard to know when infection first occurred. Signs or symptoms may also not be present.2 This is why cervical screening is important.3 Regular medical check-ups can help in monitoring and addressing potential health concerns associated with HPV.3
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