We now know that in more than 95% of cases, the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is responsible for causing these changes to the cells of the cervix.
HPV is a very common virus. There are over 80 types of HPV: for example, HPV types 1,2 and 4 are responsible for common warts that affect the hands and feet. HPV types 6 and 11 cause genital warts. More importantly, however, are HPV types 16,18 31, and 33, which are associated with the cell changes that can lead to cancer of the cervix. Therefore, women who have had genital warts have the HPV types not associated with these cancerous changes.
The Human Papilloma Virus affects both men and women and many people are unaware that they have it. HPV can lay dormant for many months or years, and may only be awakened by the weakening of the immune system, often due to illness or stress. HPV is usually spread by sexual contact, but sometimes the route of transmission of the virus is uncertain.
At present there is no specific treatment for HPV, but there are things that you can do to help improve your immune system. The most important thing is to try to stop smoking. It is also important to have regular cervical smears, and if you change your sexual partner, use condoms to try and prevent the spread of infection.
Women are also sometimes concerned that HRT and the contraceptive pill are linked with cervical cancer. There is no evidence to support any link between HRT or the pill and cervical cancer at the present time. There has been some recent research that has suggested that an infection with Chlamydia may increase the risk of cervical cancer, but more research needs to be done to prove this.
There is no link between the virus that causes genital herpes and changes to the cells of the cervix.
Vaccines for HPV are in the process of being developed, but are not yet available.