What is HPV anyway?

HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It’s a virus that’s passed on through sexual contact and close skin contact. It’s really common – around 80% of adults will get it at some point.

There are lots of different strains of HPV. Most strains don’t cause any issues and most HPV clears on its own. But some strains can lead to genital warts, and some can lead to cancer of the cervix, vulva, penis, anus, and throat. This is why it’s important to protect yourself with vaccination and testing. 

HPV isn’t cancer. 

If you test positive for HPV, it doesn’t mean that you have cancer. It does mean you might need to have a cervical sample taken to check for cell changes. Some people may need to talk to a nurse or doctor about what happens next.

HPV isn’t genital warts.

If you test positive for HPV, it doesn’t mean that you have warts. Some strains of HPV can lead to genital warts – but many people with this type of HPV don’t develop genital warts.

The only way to find out for sure if you have genital warts is to be examined by a health professional. Make an appointment with us and we can help.

Protect yourself and your partners from HPV:

1. Get vaccinated
2. Get regular cervical screening 

Vaccination is the best protection against HPV – for everyone. The HPV vaccine protects against the strains of HPV that lead to cervical cancer, anal and throat cancers, and most genital warts. It’s free for all New Zealand residents aged 9-26.

Where to get the HPV vaccine:  

• At school – the HPV vaccine is offered to all year 8 students through the school-based immunisation programme
• From your GP or usual health care provider  
• From a pharmacy (search on HealthPoint for one near you) 
• From some of our clinics 

For people with a cervix, regular cervical screening helps prevent cervical cancer. Getting regular cervical screening helps us spot any cell changes and treat them early – before they develop into cancer.  
You need regular cervical screening if you have ever had sex and you are both:

• A person with a cervix
• 25-69 years old 

Cervical screening saves lives. It’s how we check if you have the types of HPV or cell changes that could develop into cervical cancer. You need to do it every three or five years from the age of 25 to 70. 

There are two types of cervical screening:

• HPV self-test
• Cervical sample (also known as a smear test)  

• People with a penis can’t get cervical cancer, but they can get penis, anus, and throat cancer and genital warts – and they can pass HPV on.  
• Anyone with a cervix needs HPV testing – no matter your gender or sexuality.
• HPV testing isn’t available for people without a cervix.
• You don’t have to have penetrative sex to get HPV. Close skin-to-skin genital contact can pass on the virus.
• Most people will get the HPV virus at some point in their lives – it often clears up on its own. And with regular cervical screening, HPV rarely leads to cervical cancer.
• The most common cancer caused by HPV is cervical cancer, which is only a risk for people with a cervix. But HPV can also cause other forms of cancer, including cancer of the penis, anus, and throat. The best protection – for everyone – is vaccination.
• The HPV vaccine is free for all New Zealanders aged 9-26. 

• Our Let's talk HPV page has lots of useful information about HPV and cervical cancer
• Learn about HPV vaccination
• Learn about our at-home HPV test