What it is
Some types cause genital warts. Other high-risk types can cause changes to cells that may, over many years, lead to cancers such as cervical, anal, throat and penile cancer.
The HPV vaccine protects against the most harmful types. Cervical screening checks for high-risk HPV.
Common signs
- Usually no symptoms
- Genital warts with some types
How it is usually diagnosed
- Cervical screening tests for high-risk HPV
- Examination of warts
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Cervical screening results
- Colposcopy reports
- HPV vaccination dates
Questions to ask your doctor
- What does my HPV result mean?
- When is my next screening test?
- Should I have the HPV vaccine?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Bleeding after sex, between periods or after the menopause: get it checked soon
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.