What exactly is Human Papillomavirus?
Human Papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is a virus that is part of the group of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
There are more than 100 serotypes, affecting both men and women, which are classified as “high or low risk” depending on their potential to develop malignant lesions.
How is it transmitted?
HPV infection is usually transmitted by sexual contact. It is the most common STI, infecting most sexually active people at some time in their lives. It is estimated that approximately 70-80% of the population has been in contact with the virus at least once in their lifetime. However, only 10% of those infected will develop the disease.
What pathologies can develop from HPV?
The appearance of warts (condyloma) in the genital area is the most frequent manifestation of HPV. These warts can appear not only on the genitals, but also in and around the anus or even in the oral cavity.
In some cases, in which the infection does not disappear and persists over time without treatment, some types of HPV have the ability to develop cancerous lesions in certain locations: penile, anorectal and oropharyngeal.
How is it diagnosed?
In general, and always speaking of male patients, it is diagnosed by physical examination, by observing the warts.
What treatment should be followed?
There is no treatment that eliminates HPV. The infection cures itself in most cases.
In the case of men, treatment is only indicated if warts are present. If there is no lesion, it is not treated.
There are drugs that are applied directly to the wart and eliminate it. If these local treatments fail, surgical removal may be considered.
Is there any way to prevent HPV?
Yes, the best prevention is the vaccine. The vaccine provides greater protection before exposure to the virus, so it is best to get it before sexual intercourse.
In sexually active people it can also be beneficial, and can prevent new infections.
Although in Spain it is only included in the vaccination schedule for girls from the age of 12, it is also routinely recommended for boys. It not only protects them against infection, but also prevents the spread of the virus to their partners.
Condom use greatly reduces, but does not completely eliminate, the risk of contracting or spreading HPV.