Human Papillomavirus, or HPV, is one of the most common viruses in the world. Most people will come into contact with it at some stage in their life, often without ever realising. Despite its prevalence, HPV still carries stigma and misunderstanding — leaving many people feeling worried or confused when they first hear about it.
If you were born before 1991 (for women) or before 2006 (for men), you are less likely to have been offered HPV vaccination at school. This means you may have gone through much of your adult life unprotected. Many of our patients in and around SW14 first come to us with questions like: “What is HPV?” and “Why is it such a concern now?”
Let’s break it down clearly.
What exactly is HPV?
HPV is not a single virus, but a family of over 200 different viruses. Around 40 of these can affect the genital and throat areas. Some types are classed as “low risk” and can cause harmless but sometimes distressing conditions like genital warts. Others, known as “high-risk” HPV, can cause changes in cells that may develop into cancer over time.
The two most significant high-risk strains are HPV-16 and HPV-18, which are responsible for the majority of HPV-related cancers.
Why should you care?
Most HPV infections clear up naturally within one to two years as the immune system eliminates the virus. But in some cases, the virus lingers. When this happens, it can cause long-term health issues, including:
- Cervical cancer in women
- Anal cancer and penile cancer in men
- Head and neck cancers (including throat cancer) in both sexes
Even though these outcomes are relatively rare, they are significant enough to warrant awareness, testing, and prevention strategies.
What about symptoms?
HPV itself doesn’t usually cause obvious symptoms. That’s one of the reasons it’s so widespread: people can carry and pass it on without realising. Infections are often silent, making testing and screening crucial. We’ll cover symptoms in detail in the next post.
Why HPV matters for adults today
If you weren’t vaccinated as a teenager, you may assume it’s “too late” now. But the good news is that vaccination still offers protection against new HPV infections well into adulthood. For those already living with HPV, private clinics can provide discreet testing, reassurance, and treatment where needed.
Here in South West London, we see many professional patients who want to take proactive steps for their long-term health. HPV is not a reflection of lifestyle choices or sexual orientation — it is simply a part of life for most adults. What matters is how you manage your health moving forward.
Taking control of your health
Awareness is the first step. The second step is action. Whether that means getting vaccinated, booking a private HPV test, or seeking advice about symptoms, there are simple, confidential steps you can take right now to protect your health.
In summary:
HPV is extremely common, often harmless, but occasionally serious. Understanding it gives you the power to make informed choices. In our next blog, we’ll discuss the symptoms of HPV, what they may look like in real life, and when to seek professional help.
