‍‍The most common STI in the world, with over 100 different types. Some strains are totally harmless. Others can cause genital warts or, more seriously, cancer.

Skin-to-skin contact. HPV loves warm, moist areas like the vulva, vagina, penis, scrotum, anus, mouth, and throat. It can spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and even from genital-to-genital contact without penetration or ejaculation.

Usually none, which is what makes it so sneaky. Most people clear it naturally within 1–2 years without ever knowing they had it.

Low-risk types can cause genital warts.

High-risk types can cause abnormal cell changes that may lead to cervical, anal, throat, vulva, penile, or vaginal cancers. These are picked up in your routine cervical screenings.

Not exactly, but in most cases, the immune system clears it without needing treatment.

Some high-risk strains can silently lead to cancer over time (we're talking over 10-15 years). Regular testing (aka cervical screenings) helps detect changes before they become serious.

Cervical screening (formerly known as a Pap smear) is used to detect HPV or cell changes in people with a cervix.

There’s no routine HPV test for the mouth, throat, anus, or penis but warts can be visually diagnosed.

HPV vaccine (like Gardasil 9) protects against the most harmful strains. It’s usually given at school, but can be caught up later if missed.

Condoms and dental dams lower the risk but don’t fully prevent transmission (because HPV spreads by skin-to-skin).

Regular cervical screenings are crucial, usually every 5 years from age 25–74 in Australia, unless advised otherwise.

Genital warts (low-risk HPV) can be removed with creams, freezing, or minor procedures at your doctor’s clinic.

Pre-cancerous cell changes found on cervical screening can be monitored and treated with procedures like the LLETZ procedure.

Good question! Not having Medicare doesn’t mean you're out of options.

• You can still access cervical screening through a GP, women’s health clinic, or a sexual health clinic, you’ll just need to pay out of pocket for the consultation and the test.
• Prices vary, so always call ahead and ask for a cost breakdown. Some clinics offer discounted rates for international students, refugees, or people on temporary visas.
• If you have private health insurance, check whether you’re covered for pathology/lab services, you may be able to claim part of the test cost.
• Family Planning clinics and some community health centres offer lower-cost or sliding scale services for people without Medicare. Worth a ring!

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Cost:

Without Medicare, the cost will depend on the clinic. You might pay $90–$150+ for the appointment and $40–$80 for the lab test.

If you’re enrolled in Medicare and have a cervix, you’ll usually receive a reminder letter or SMS from the National Cancer Screening Register when it’s time to screen.

If you’re not enrolled or unsure, you can:

• Call 1800 627 701 to check your status.
• Update your contact details on the National Cancer Screening Register website.
• If you don’t have Medicare, you can still opt into reminders through your GP or by contacting the National Cancer Screening Register and asking to be included manually.

There are some independent companies that are starting to pop up offering at-home cervical screening tests delivered directly to your door like June Health. Some regions and services (like MSI Australia) offer home kits for people overdue or with limited access. You could call your GP or a local sexual health hotline and ask if you’re eligible.

And watch this space, access is expanding!

If you’re not sure when your last test was (or if you’ve ever had one), here’s how to find out:

• Call your GP: They’ll have a record in your medical file.
• Call the National Cancer Screening Register: 1800 627 701. They can tell you the date of your last test.
• If you're over 25 and have never had a test or you’re due but unsure. It's totally okay to start fresh.

It depends!

• If your cervix was removed and the surgery wasn’t related to cancer or pre-cancerous changes, you may not need future screening.
• BUT, if you’ve had a partial hysterectomy (cervix still intact), or if your surgery was due to cancer, HPV, or abnormal cells, you may still need regular checks.
• Ask your doctor. They’ll help you figure out what’s best for your body.

That is so valid. If you’ve had a painful or distressing experience, it makes total sense to feel anxious. Please know:

• You can ask for a female clinician, go slowly, and pause or stop at any time.
• You can also request self-collection instead, which means you do the test yourself.
• If you’ve experienced trauma or medical anxiety, look for a trauma-informed GP or sexual health nurse, some even specialise in gentle cervical care.
• You deserve to feel safe. Your comfort and agency during the cervical screening is the most important thing!

First of all, we're holding space for you.

Some things that might help:

• Book with a clinician who is trauma-informed (ask the receptionist, they’ll know who to recommend).
• Ask the clinician to explain every step before they do anything or ask for a "you talk, I control" approach where you’re guiding the pace.
• Bring a support person or headphones with calming music.
• Remember: you can stop at any time.

If you have a cervix, yes, cervical screening is important for you too.

We know this space hasn’t always been safe or affirming. But you still deserve care.

You can:

• Ask for gender-affirming providers (some clinics specifically train in this).
• Use self-collection, which may feel more comfortable and private.
• Call ahead and ask about inclusive practices, it's okay to advocate for yourself.

In most cases, yes!

• You can ask your clinic to send your results via phone, secure SMS, or My Health Record.
• If you need to come back in (e.g. HPV was detected), they’ll explain next steps and support you through it.

Yes, sometimes. If you’re spotting or on the very light end of your period, it’s usually fine to go ahead. But if your flow is moderate to heavy, it’s better to reschedule - too much blood can interfere with the results, and you might end up having to repeat the test (and who wants to do that twice?).

But if your period surprises you on the day, call your clinic and ask what they recommend. They’ll guide you based on your situation.

Your sample goes off to a pathology lab, where it’s tested for HPV, the virus that can cause cervical cell changes.

• Results usually take a few days to two weeks
• Your clinic will let you know how you’ll receive them, by phone, SMS, My Health Record, or follow-up appointment
• If you haven’t heard back after 2 weeks, you can call your clinic to check in. You’re allowed to chase it up!

There are three main possible outcomes:

HPV not detected

This is the most common result. No high-risk HPV means that no action is needed. You’re good to go for another 5 years (unless your doctor says otherwise). Phewww! Pop it in your calendar. Celebrate with a lil happy dance.

HPV detected (no cell changes)

Your sample tested positive for HPV, which means the lab found a strain of the human papillomavirus that’s known to be “high-risk” (meaning: it can sometimes cause changes in cervical cells).

BUT your cervical cells currently look totally normal. That’s great news! It means your body is managing the virus well and hasn’t developed any worrisome changes. You’ll usually be asked to come back in 12 months for a follow-up test to see if your body has cleared the virus (which is the most common outcome), or if it’s still present.

Most people with this result go back to “HPV not detected” on their next test.

HPV detected with abnormal cell changes

This means HPV was found and there are changes in your cervical cells that need a closer look.

You’ll be referred to a specialist (usually for a colposcopy - a closer examination of your cervix using a microscope-like tool). This isn’t a cancer diagnosis, just a precautionary step to catch any issues early.

Good news! The specialist didn’t see anything that looked concerning enough to sample.

What happens next:

• You’ll likely return to regular cervical screening in 5 years, or
• They might ask you to come back in 12 months, just to keep an eye on things.

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Your clinician will explain their recommendation based on what they saw. No biopsy means likely low concern.

This means the doctor saw an area on your cervix they want to check more closely under a microscope.

What happens next:

• The biopsy sample is sent to a lab for testing
• Results usually come back within a few weeks
• Your clinic will contact you to talk through what they found and what (if anything) needs to happen next

Waiting for results can feel all consuming. Uncertainty is hard. Be gentle with yourself. You’re allowed to feel anxious, annoyed, or totally fine, however your body and mind react is valid.

• Distract yourself with what makes you happy. Your favourite show? Playing with your dog? Spending time with friends?
• Book a follow-up reminder so you’re not constantly wondering or waiting for that phone call.
• Reach out to your support network and lean on someone if you need to talk.

There are a few common paths here:

1.  Low-grade changes (LSIL/CIN1)

These are mild cell changes that often go away on their own, especially in younger people.

What happens next:

Usually, you'll just have another cervical screening test in 12 months to check that everything's back to normal.

If your follow-up HPV test is negative, you'll return to the routine 5 yearly screening.

2. High-grade changes (HSIL/CIN2 or CIN3)

These changes are more significant, but still not cancer. They just need to be removed or treated before they have the chance to become something serious.

What happens next:

You’ll likely be offered a simple treatment to remove the abnormal cells, like a LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone) or similar procedure using heat or laser. More on that below. Dw we got you!

Afterwards, you'll move into a 'test of cure' pathway, which usually involves yearly HPV tests until you have two consecutive negative results, then back to 5-yearly screening.

3. Unclear or inconclusive

Sometimes the sample isn’t clear enough to make a decision.

What happens next:

Your specialist might repeat the colposcopy or biopsy, or bring you back sooner for another test.

The most common treatment for high-grade changes is a LLETZ (Large Loop Excision of the Transformation Zone). Sounds intense, but here’s the deal:

• It removes a thin layer of abnormal cells using a heated wire loop.
• Usually done in a day clinic with local or general anaesthetic. You get to decide that!
• Takes about 10-20 minutes.
• You go home the same day, no stitches required.

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You may have light bleeding or cramping for a few days afterwards, and will need to avoid sex/tampons/heavy exercise for 4–6 weeks while your cervix heals.

No stress - your IUD stays right where it is.

• The speculum used during these procedures doesn’t affect the IUD.
• The clinician may see the strings from your IUD, but that’s totally normal.
• It won’t interfere with the test or change your results.

Sometimes your IUD can stay in, especially if the treatment area is small and the strings are visible and out of the way. Other times, your doctor may recommend removing it temporarily, particularly if:

• The IUD might block access to the area needing treatment, or
• There’s a chance the heat from the loop could affect the IUD’s position or function.

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If removal is needed, your doctor will explain why, and you’ll have options:

• They’ll usually remove it during the LLETZ procedure, and
• Discuss replacing it at your follow-up appointment, once your cervix has had a few weeks to heal (usually around 4–6 weeks).

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Replacing the IUD at the same time as LLETZ isn’t common, but if you're under general anaesthetic and the setting allows, your doctor might discuss it with you. You’re in the driver’s seat here, so your comfort, safety, and reproductive goals should always be part of the conversation.

Totally normal things your body might do while healing:‍

• Light bleeding or spotting for up to 2 weeks (like the tail-end of a period)
• Brown discharge (can look a bit like coffee grounds - that’s old blood, not infection)
• Mild cramping - think period pain level
• Watery or pinkish discharge
• Feeling tired or a bit sensitive emotionally (this is minor surgery, and your hormones and nervous system know it!)

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Hot tip: use pads or liners, not tampons or menstrual cups during this time.

These symptoms could be signs of infection, poor healing, or other complications. Don’t ignore them - call your doctor or go to emergency if you experience:

• Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in under an hour, or passing large clots)
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge (fishy, rotten, or metallic scent)
• Severe or increasing pelvic pain or cramping
• Fever (38°C or higher), chills, or feeling very unwell
• Pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter meds
• Dizziness, fainting, or light-headedness
• Ongoing bleeding or discharge beyond 3 weeks

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If you’re unsure - call the clinic where you got the procedure done or your GP. It’s always okay to ask. Trust your gut (and your cervix).