I’ve got an HPV – will I get Cervical Cancer?

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is one of the leading (but not only) causes of Cervical Cancer. The exact number of HPVs is not known, but there are over 40. These are mostly thought of as low risk which can cause genital warts and high risk if they might lead to Cervical Cancer. Very few are considered high risk. The risk level relates to the likelihood you will develop Cervical Cancer not how risky your sexual activity is.

If you have an HPV, do not panic about cancer, it is thought that 83% of sexually active women will get an HPV, and most women do not get Cervical Cancer. Knowing that you have an HPV and then keeping your immune system healthy can prevent reoccurrence. There is no cure for HPV but most immune system can keep the virus suppressed within two years of infection. It is when your body cannot suppress the virus that it may cause changes in the cervix which may then lead to cancer.

Cervical cancer is very slow to develop and can be detected on a PAP smear test, and early detection is key to successful treatment. If you are a sexually active women and have not had a PAP smear for three years, Better2Know can arrange one for you.

The Department of Health in the UK now recommends Gardasil as a vaccine against four HPV that cause genital warts and cervical cancer.

You can reduce your risk of Cervical Cancer from HPV if:

• You are older when you first have sex
• You have a monogamous relationships/ few sexual partners
• Use Condoms
• Get vaccinated
• Have regular PAP smear tests

Better2Know is the UK’s largest private provider of STD tests. We can test for all HPVs and other STDs. We have clinics across the UK and we do not need your real name to book an appointment. Call us today on the number provided at the top of the page.

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