What is human papillomavirus (HPV)?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that spreads through skin-to-skin or sexual contact.

There are different types of HPV that can affect different parts of your body. In most people, HPV does not cause symptoms and the virus may go away on its own.

Some types of HPV are called low-risk and may cause genital warts. Other types are called high-risk. If these are not treated, they may lead to some types of cancer.

HPV can affect anyone who is sexually active, even if they have only had sexual contact once. Most people who are or have been sexually active will have HPV at some time in their lives.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

Most people with HPV do not have any symptoms.

Some types of HPV can cause warts on any part of your body, including the genital area. Warts are usually painless but they may be:

• itchy or uncomfortable
• flat or raised
• single, multiple or grouped together

You may also notice:

• discomfort when passing urine or blood in your urine
• itching around the anus
• bleeding after passing a stool

If you have a high-risk type of HPV, the virus can cause changes to the cells of the cervix. There are usually no symptoms but some people may notice:

• bleeding after sex
• pain during sex
• abnormal periods, unusual vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge
• pelvic or back pain

What causes HPV?

HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. It most commonly spreads during sexual activity, including non-penetrative sexual contact.

The virus can live in your skin for many years. It is not known how long you can spread the virus after you first catch it. You can spread the virus even if you do not have any symptoms.

HPV can also be passed from an infected pregnant person to their baby. It is unlikely that HPV will be passed on to your baby during labour and birth.

When should I see my doctor?

See your doctor if you notice symptoms such as:

• bleeding after sex
• pain during sex
• abnormal periods, unusual vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge
• pelvic or back pain

Also see your doctor if you have genital warts:

• that have an unusual appearance (for example, pigmented or raised)
• that are itchy or uncomfortable
• if you are immunosuppressed (have a weakened immune system) or living with HIV

How is HPV diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may examine you. If you have a cervix, they may also do a cervical screening test.

Read more about informed consent and shared decision making.

Cervical screening test

Cervical screening tests check for high-risk types of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer.

You should have a cervical screening test every 5 years if you:

• have a cervix
• are aged 25 to 74 years
• have ever had sexual contact — even if you are not sexually active now

In Australia, cervical screening tests have replaced Pap tests (smears).

During the test, your doctor or nurse collects a sample from your cervix with a swab. You may be able to collect your own sample.

There is currently no HPV screening test available for males.

You can also have cervical screening during pregnancy. Your doctor will use special equipment to do this safely.

Anal cancer screening tests

Evidence for anal cancer screening is limited. If you are at higher risk, screening may be recommended.

Screening may be recommended if you are living with HIV and:

• are aged 35 years or older and are gay, bisexual, a man who has sex with men or a trans woman
• are aged 45 years or older and are female or male

Talk to your doctor about whether screening is right for you.

How is HPV treated?

There is currently no treatment that cures HPV. In most people, the body clears the virus by itself within 1 to 2 years.

If you develop genital warts, your doctor may remove them using cryotherapy ('freezing' treatment). They may also suggest a cream or ointment. Sometimes genital warts need to be removed in hospital.

If HPV leads to cancer, you will be referred to a specialist. Your healthcare team will work with you to choose the treatment options that are right for you.

What are the complications of HPV?

If high-risk HPV types are not treated, they may lead to serious health problems. Complications of HPV may include:

• cervical cancer
• other anogenital cancers, such as anal cancer, vaginal cancer, vulval cancer and penile cancer
• oropharyngeal cancers (cancers at the back of the throat, including at the base of the tongue and on the tonsils)
• cervical dysplasia (abnormal cell changes in the cervix)
• respiratory papillomatosis (warts in your airways that may become life-threatening)

Read more about cancer types.

Can HPV be prevented?

You can lower your chance of HPV infection by:

• getting the HPV vaccine
• practising safe sex
• having regular cervical screening tests

Condoms do not fully protect against HPV because they do not prevent all skin-to-skin contact.

The best way to protect yourself and others against HPV is vaccination. The HPV vaccine is recommended for:

• people aged 9 to 25 years old (the optimal age for vaccination is 12 to 13 years old)
• people who have weakened immune systems
• males who have sex with males

Read more about how the HPV vaccine is eliminating cervical cancer in Australia.

Resources and support

The National Cervical Screening Program has information about cervical screening. You can also call 1800 627 701.

ReachOut Australia has information about safe sex.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing explains how to self-collect your own sample for the cervical screening test.

Cancer Council has information about HPV, the HPV vaccine and the Cervical Screening Test.

Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation has information about HPV vaccination.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to talk with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Languages other than English

Cancer Council SA has cervical screening information translated into community languages.

The Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer can help you find information about cervical screening in your language.

Sexual Health Victoria has information about safe sex practices.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Family Planning Australia has information about cervical screening.

The National Cervical Screening Program has resources available in 6 First Nations languages. You can also find answers to commonly asked questions about cervical screening

Our Mob and Cancer has information on HPV, vaccination and cancer.

Information for sexually and gender-diverse people

The HPV and ME campaign has HPV information for LGBTIQ+ communities,

including resources on prevention, vaccination and screening, and guidance on accessing inclusive healthcare.

An LGBTQ+ Guide to HPV from Can We explains HPV, vaccination and prevention, including information relevant to men who have sex with men and people living with HIV.

HPV Facts for LGBTQ+ explains that HPV can affect anyone and outlines why vaccination is important.

The Cancer Council has tailored information about cervical screening and HPV risk for LGBTIQ+ people, including all people with a cervix.

The National Cervical Screening Program has resources to help people of diverse sexualities and genders understand and access cervical screening.

The Cancer Institute NSW provides support to improve cervical screening awareness and participation in LGBTQ+ communities.