Cervical Cancer

Which types of HPV does the vaccine protect against?
There are two vaccines available on the market and they protect against different types of HPV.

Does HPV cause cervical cancer?
Infection with certain types of HPV is the major cause of cervical cancer. Almost all women will have HPV infection at some point but very few will develop into cervical cancer.

Who should get the HPV vaccine?
The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls from 10 years to young women as old as 26 years.

How common is HPV infection?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) there are 440 million people who are infected with HPV.

What is the difference between a Pap smear and a HPV test?
A pap smear is used to detect cell changes or abnormal cells. It is used to find cancer cells and cells that might become cancerous.

How effective is the HPV vaccine?
Gardasil and Cervarix are highly effective in preventing infection with the types of HPV that they target.

How do you get HPV?
HPV is passed through skin-to-skin contact most often during sexual intercourse.

Can you lower your chances of getting HPV?
Because HPV is common and invisible the only way to lower your chances is to not have sex.

Is there a cure for HPV?
There is no treatment or cure for HPV but the health problems caused by HPV can be treated.

Can I be re-infected with HPV?
If you or your partner is infected with HPV you will share it until the immune system gets rid of the virus.