How is HPV transmitted and how can we protect ourselves?

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the world. Of the 200 types of this virus, 40 can cause genital infections. Anyone who is sexually active can be exposed to this virus , so it's important to know what it is, how it's transmitted, and how to protect yourself from it.

What is HPV?

A virus is a microorganism that infects cells, incorporating its genetic material into them. Its survival depends solely on the organism it has invaded.

Are all types of the virus responsible for cervical cancer?

Approximately 75% of cervical cancers and 55% of precancerous lesions in the same place are caused by two types of this virus . If we consider that 250 thousand women lose their lives every year from cervical cancer , while twice as many are diagnosed with the same disease every year , the percentage of cases for which the HPV virus is responsible is extremely large.

How is HPV transmitted?

Sexual contact is the most common way HPV is transmitted, even when there is no full penetration. So far, no other way of transmission has been proven, such as through simple skin-to-skin contact, but the possibility has not been ruled out by the medical community. According to research statistics in the US and Canada, 80% of women will be infected at least once in their lives by some type of HPV.

When does the HPV virus manifest itself?

The possible progression of an HPV infection is estimated, without any solid evidence, to be 9 to 15 years after its manifestation, however precancerous lesions can be detected even a few months after exposure to the virus.

How do we know if we have the HPV virus?

The virus is asymptomatic and only in the case of causing Genital warts , i.e. small tumors that resemble moles and are located on the external and internal genitalia, we can find out that we have them if we have not visited our gynecologist in the meantime.

How is it detected?

The virus is detected by a Pap test and related laboratory examination. In the event that the test result is inconclusive, it must be repeated or special detection tests must be performed, which are based on the analysis of the DNA of the virus.

How important are HPV vaccines?

HPV vaccines are the only means of 100% primary prevention of any infection with the virus that causes cervical cancer and constitute modern medical prevention practice worldwide. All girls and women from 12 to 26 years of age can be vaccinated, while there is no contraindication for women over 26 years of age, as the age range is determined epidemiologically.

It is best practice for girls to have already completed their vaccination before they begin their sexual life.

What protection does using a male condom provide?

It significantly reduces the possibility of HPV transmission but does not completely eliminate it.

What is the most dangerous age for infection?

From adolescence to about 25 years of age, a woman who begins to be sexually active, due to the morphology of the cervix, is likely to be exposed to the virus and become infected with it. The younger she is, the more easily she is infected by the virus, but at the same time, she can more easily overcome the infection.