Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the world’s commonest STD and causes warts and also cervical, vulval, anal and other types of pre-cancers and cancers.
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world.
Most sexually active adults will be exposed to HPV at some point during their lives, often without ever knowing it.
In the majority of cases, the immune system clears the virus naturally. However, certain HPV strains can persist and lead to genital warts, precancerous changes and a variety of cancers affecting both men and women.
For this reason, HPV vaccination is one of the most important preventative interventions available within modern sexual health medicine.
HPV is a group of more than 200 related viruses.
Some strains are considered low-risk and primarily cause genital warts.
Others are considered high-risk because they are associated with the development of cancer.
High-risk HPV strains are now recognised as the primary cause of:
In fact, HPV is responsible for the overwhelming majority of cervical cancers worldwide.
HPV is transmitted through intimate skin-to-skin contact.
Transmission may occur through:
Unlike some sexually transmitted infections, penetration is not required for transmission.
Because HPV is so common and often asymptomatic, many individuals are exposed without ever being aware of it.
Genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV types and are not associated with cancer development. However, they can cause understandable anxiety and may affect confidence, relationships and sexual wellbeing.
A diagnosis of genital warts does not imply promiscuity, infidelity or poor hygiene. HPV is extremely common and infection often occurs many years before visible warts appear, making it impossible in most cases to determine when or from whom the virus was acquired.
Treatment options vary depending on the number, size and location of lesions and may include topical therapies, cryotherapy or specialist procedures. Even after successful treatment, recurrence can occur because the virus may remain present within surrounding tissues.
Understanding transmission, recurrence and treatment expectations is often just as important as treatment itself, helping patients make informed decisions and reducing unnecessary anxiety.
At The Wright Practice, we discuss HPV vaccination as part of a wider strategy of preventative healthcare and sexual health optimisation.
We help patients understand their personal risk profile, assess previous vaccination history and determine whether vaccination is likely to provide meaningful benefit.
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No. Genital warts are caused by low-risk HPV strains and are not linked to cancer. They can, however, be persistent, slow to clear and a source of considerable anxiety, which is why proper diagnosis and treatment matter.
Not from the warts themselves. Genital warts are caused by different HPV strains to those linked to cancer. However, since HPV exposure of any kind is common, we may also discuss your wider HPV and cervical or anal screening history during your consultation.
This varies considerably depending on the size, number and location of the warts, and can take weeks to several months, sometimes requiring more than one round of treatment. Dr Dan or Dr Susan Jain can give you a realistic timeline based on your specific case.
Yes, recurrence is possible even after successful treatment, because HPV can remain present in the surrounding skin without being visible. This does not mean treatment has failed; it reflects how the virus behaves.
Possibly. Vaccination cannot clear an existing infection, but Gardasil 9 protects against multiple HPV strains, so it may still offer protection against strains you have not yet been exposed to. We test first to understand your individual HPV status before recommending vaccination.
No. While Gardasil is routinely offered to adolescents in the UK, adults of any age who were not vaccinated earlier in life may still benefit, particularly if entering new relationships or wanting to reduce future cancer risk.
We use PCR testing to check whether an active HPV infection is already present before recommending the Gardasil 9 vaccination course.
Warts typically remain in the genital and surrounding anal area where transmission occurred, though they can occasionally appear in nearby skin. Persistent throat or other symptoms should always be assessed separately rather than assumed to be related.
Your partner may wish to be assessed, particularly if they have symptoms or concerns, though HPV is so common that exposure often cannot be traced to a specific partner or point in time.
Treatments such as cryotherapy can cause mild discomfort, and your clinician will explain what to expect for your specific treatment plan before starting, including any aftercare needed.
Schedule a consultation | Call: +44 (0)207 139 1833 | Email: info@thewrightpractice.com
101 Harley Street, London, W1G 6AH
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