If the virus persists, your doctor will probably recommend a colposcopy, which is the examination of your cervix under magnification and also a biopsy.

HPV is also linked to cancer of the penis in men

Australian research has led to the development of vaccines such as Cervarix and Gardasil that immunize against the HPV types that are commonly linked to cervical cancer.

HPV vaccination reduces your risk of HPV infection and lessens the likelihood of cervical changes that can lead to cancer, especially if you have not previously been exposed to HPV , however, current vaccines do not protect against all types of HPV associated with cervical cancer, and you still need to have Pap smears if you’ve been vaccinated.