von: Eder Herbert March 3, 2023

What is the human papilloma virus (HPV)?

The human papilloma virus is the virus that is most frequently transmitted via sexual intercourse. So far, there are about 200 known HPV types, 40 of which are capable of infecting the sex organs of humans . About 80 % of people become infected with HPV through sexual contact at least once in their lives. But only in very few cases are symptoms noticed.

However, the human papilloma viruses can also promote the development of cervical cancer or various types of warts. HPVs are divided into low-risk groups (e.g. types 6 and 11) and high-risk groups (e.g. types 16 and 18). If a person becomes infected with a high-risk type, the risk of developing cancer increases enormously over the course of the years .

How is the human papilloma virus transmitted (HPV)?

Many of the different human papillomaviruses are transmitted through mere skin contact. This transmission is particularly easy via the skin in the case of the pathogens, which cause harmless skin warts. The other HPV types, mainly those that affect the genital organs and cause cervical cancer or genital warts, are usually spread and transmitted via the route of sexual intercourse. Even during oral sex, it is possible to become infected with HPV if the HPV-infected skin comes into contact with the oral mucosa. However, this does not always have anything to do with frequently changing sex partners. You can also become infected with HPV in a steady relationship. Infection when bathing together is rarer, but still possible. As far as theory at least is concerned, transmission of HPV via sex toys, toilets and towels is also possible.

As far as the relationship between sexuality and HPV is concerned, it can be said that transmission of the virus occurs independently of male or female persons in completely different ways . This in turn means that HPV can be transmitted no matter what sexual orientation a person has.

Another transmission route is the mother, who can transmit the HPV to the child during birth. According to the current state of knowledge, a risk of infection through normal kissing or even blood donations can be ruled out. If genital warts are discovered in children in the area of the anus, special caution is advised. A doctor should be consulted immediately in such a case in order to be able to rule out sexual abuse .

What are the risk factors for the human papilloma virus (HPV)?

Probably the greatest risk factor is unprotected sexual intercourse . Other risk factors for infection with HPV are the following:

Sexual contact before the age of 16: This is especially true for girls.
Smoking: Cigarettes or similar increase the risk of infection with HPV, but also the risk of developing cancer cells.
Births at a very young age and several children: During a pregnancy, changes occur in the cervix and its mucous membrane. It is then more susceptible to infections. In some cases these changes remain even after the pregnancy or pregnancies.
Unprotected sexual intercourse: If a condom is not used during sex, there is always a risk of infection with HPV.
Suppressed immune system: If the immune system is weakened, for example because of an illness , the risk of becoming infected with the human papillomavirus increases.
Other genital diseases: Genital herpes, chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases favour infection with HPV.

What are the symptoms of the human papilloma virus (HPV)?

As a rule, the immune system can cope excellently with the papillomavirus , or more precisely, fight it off perfectly, so that in many cases no or only a few symptoms appear. In general, however, can be said that the symptoms occur equally in women and men in the mouth/throat area and on the genital organs .

Which symptoms are triggered by HPV always depends on the type of virus. The following symptoms can occur:

Genital warts,
Cell changes in the area of the cervix,
HPV-associated cervical cancer,
Skin warts,
Warts in the mouth,
Skin lesions all over the body.

How is the human papillomavirus (HPV) diagnosed?

In general, people with a suspected infection with HPV visit a family doctor or women also visit a gynaecologist. The first step is to take a medical history, during which the doctor may ask the following questions :

Where exactly are the symptoms? Are there any changes in the skin?
Is there burning or itching in the genital area?
Has there been any bleeding that cannot be explained?

Then the doctor will do the physical examination. To do this, the entire body is searched for any warts. If there is a suspicion of an HPV infection and the doctor discovers suspicious warts, these will be sent to a laboratory for detailed examination.

Women are generally given a cervical smear test from the age of 20 onwards. This is to rule out cervical cancer. Such a cell smear is also taken if an HPV infection is suspected. In addition, the gynaecologist will carry out a colposcopy, in which he will examine the vagina, vulva, cervix and neck of the womb exactly . The HPV test, which can be carried out in the laboratory thanks to the cell smear, will also determine the type of virus. This means that can detect a tumour, among other things, at an early stage.

How is the human papilloma virus treated?

In most cases, no therapy is necessary because the HPV infection often heals on its own. However, if the body's own immune system does not manage to fight the viruses on its own, a therapy against the pathogen must be carried out. Treatment depends on which disease was triggered by the HPV. Skin warts or genital warts are usually removed. Since the human papillomavirus can rarely be completely removed, recurrences are more common.

If a doctor diagnoses HPV, the patient should inform their sexual partner. This is essential to prevent other people from becoming infected.

How can you prevent the human papilloma virus (HPV)?

The most effective protection against HPV is vaccination. Girls, but also boys, should be vaccinated between the ages of nine and 14. However, the best time is before the first sexual contact. Those who have not yet been vaccinated at the age of 15 should do so by their 18th birthday . It is still completely uncertain how long the protection provided by the vaccination will last. However, studies have shown that vaccinated women still have some protection against HPV after more than 10 years.