Myth: Having HPV means I have got cancer

Fact: There are about 200 types of HPV. About 40 types affect the genital area, simply meaning they will live there, a few can cause unpleasant but harmless conditions like genital warts. Around 13 high-risk types can cause cervical cancer and other cancers of the genitals as well as mouth and throat cancer, but this is rare.

Myth: You will know if you have HPV

Fact: HPV is symptomless and in most cases the immune system will clear the infection. Cervical screening picks up any abnormal cells.

Myth: You can only get the virus through sexual intercourse

Fact: HPV is usually sexually transmitted, but it can also be transmitted by any skin-to-skin contact in the genital and oral areas.

Myth: HPV is a sign of being promiscuous

Fact: 80% of us will contract HPV virus at some point in our lives. It is easy to get and pass on and you can get it the first time you have any sexual contact.