NHS Service

What is HPV? How is it Prevented?

HPV Prevention

Sexual health intersects with physical and mental health, with some STI’s becoming permanent conditions which can affect your physical health, going forward with your life.  Their effects can lead to worse or life threatening health conditions that will inevitably affect your mental health.  

HPV is one of those STI’s.  

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a common group of viruses and the most common sexually transmitted infection. You do not have to be promiscuous or even to have had sex more than once to contract HPV. You can get it the first time you are ever sexually active. Whilst HPV typically does not cause any issues, sometimes HPV can cause genital warts and abnormal cell changes that turn into cancer. HPV Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself against the HPV virus. Touchwood Pharmacy offers the HPV vaccination in Sydenham, Bromley and Hanwell.  Visit us online to book your HPV vaccination with us at any of our three sexual health clinic locations.

Key HPV facts

There are forty types of HPV, which can cause illnesses that range from gential warts to mouth and/or cervical cancer.  Prior to vaccination programmes relating to HPV, it was the most common STI in the UK.  


About 70% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV.  Not all forms of HPV cause cervical cancer, but where cervical cancers exist, nearly all were caused by HPV. This is especially true for women who smoke.  

About every 1 in 4 mouth and every 1 in 3 throat cancers are HPV related in older adults.  However most younger throat cancer patients have an HPV link.  

Other less common cancers such as anal, penile, vaginal and vulvar cancers are also linked to HPV.

Can HPV be prevented?

The short answer is yes!  HPV Vaccines can be administered to any male or female who wants it and is age 12 and above. HPV Vaccines have shown to be 99% effective in preventing pre-cancer caused by HPV types 16 or 18 (the cervical cancer causing kinds).  The HPV Vaccine, in combination with regular cervical screenings comprise the global strategy of The World Health Organisation to eliminate cervical cancer.

Touchwood Pharmacy offers HPV Vaccination booking online for our clinics in Sydenham, Bromley and Hanwell. Our professional and compassionate staff will offer kindness and understanding as well as making your trip to our clinic discreet and efficient. Book online today at www.touchwoodpharmacy.com