Print Page

All sexually active women are at risk of HPV infection, the cause of cervical cancer. But you can take steps to reduce the risk.

You should always ask your doctor or nurse about whether vaccination is suitable for you - but here is a guide as to who might benefit from vaccination alongside regular smear tests and a healthy lifestyle.

Sexually active women
The HPV virus – which causes over 99.7% of cervical cancer cases – is very widespread and easily transmitted. In fact, 75% of women who have ever been sexually active are likely to be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. Although most types of the virus are non-cancer-causing, there are several types that can cause cervical cancer. Most of these infections will clear up on their own but in some women the infection becomes persistent and could ultimately progress to cervical cancer.

The virus is spread through sexual contact – but it doesn’t need to be intercourse. Even intimate skin-to-skin contact in the genital area can be enough to transmit HPV [6] [10] .

Vaccination offers protection against HPV infection caused by the most common cancer causing HPV types. Vaccination can not clear up any infections that you already have but it can help prevent future infections. In addition, regular smear tests can detect pre-cancerous cell changes on the cervix.


Back to top