HPV

Human papillomavirus is a group of viruses. Some types cause warts; others can lead to precancerous changes.

Through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including vaginal, anal and oral sex. Penetration is not required.

It is not transmitted through an ordinary hug or sharing food. It is not a sign of poor hygiene.

The immune system often controls the infection. Persistent infection with certain high-risk types calls for follow-up, not an automatic cancer diagnosis.

Warts can appear months or years later. Cell changes follow a different timeline.

There is no universal post-exposure test that detects HPV everywhere. Cervical screening is planned according to age, history and local recommendations.

Genital or anal warts. High-risk types usually cause no visible symptoms.

Yes. Someone can have and transmit HPV without visible changes.

Genital and anal skin/mucous membranes, the cervix and oropharynx. One cervical test does not check all these sites.

Warts are assessed during an examination. HPV testing and cervical cytology have different roles; certain results lead to colposcopy/biopsy.

For cervical HPV testing: a cervical sample or another specimen validated for the particular test. There is no routine blood test for overall HPV status.

A positive high-risk HPV test does not mean cancer. The next step depends on the virus type and cell changes.

Warts and precancerous changes can be treated. No medicine directly eliminates every HPV infection.

Yes, a different type can be acquired. HPV detected later does not prove a new exposure: the infection can reactivate.

Partners often share HPV. Routine HPV testing of a partner solely because of a positive cervical result is usually unnecessary.

Vaccination and appropriate screening. Condoms reduce risk but do not cover all skin; vaccination does not treat an existing infection.

For unusual bleeding, a persistent sore or a changing growth. Do not use hand/foot wart products to remove genital warts yourself.

Discuss vaccination and appropriate screening. Check the current price list for listed HPV services, without assuming every sample is suitable for everyone.