HPV stands for human papillomavirus, a very common sexually transmitted infection.

HPV is spread through genital skin contact during sexual activity - and not just penetrative sex. It can enter your body through tiny breaks in your skin. Usually this happens without you ever knowing it.

Many people with HPV may never develop symptoms or health problems. But sometimes a persistent HPV infection can last longer and develop into genital warts. If untreated over many years, this can also cause abnormal cells to develop on a woman’s cervix. In time, this may develop into cervical cancer. Although cervical cancer is the most common type of cancer caused by HPV, it can also cause cancers of the penis, anus, vulva, vagina and throat.

The HPV vaccination can prevent many of these cancers from occurring.

Health professionals recommend the vaccine be given in 2 injections several months apart to boys and girls aged 12–13 years. The vaccine works best if you have it before you might be exposed to HPV. In other words, before you start having sexual contact with another person.

Condoms offer some but not total protection from HPV, as they don't cover all of the genital skin. The HPV vaccine won't prevent pregnancy or protect you from other sexually-transmitted infections.

Ask at your clinic if the HPV vaccine is available in your area and if you should consider having it.