HPV, Human Papilloma Virus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. This virus, which can affect both sexes, can cause different health problems with hundreds of different types. However, the answer to the question “What is HPV?” is very important for both your personal health and your loved ones to have information about it and to take precautions.
What is HPV?
HPV is the abbreviation of “Human Papillomavirus” in English and means “Human Papilloma Virus” in Turkish. This virus represents a group of viruses that infect the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. HPV is a fairly common infection worldwide and is usually sexually transmitted. However, it is known that it can also be transmitted through skin contact. While some types of HPV cause genital warts; Other types can cause cellular changes in areas such as the cervix, anus, penis, and throat that can lead to cancer. For this reason, HPV is an important issue in terms of both individual and social health.
What are the Types of HPV?
HPV virus is a group of more than 200 different species. These species are classified according to the region they are infected with and the health problems they cause. It is generally examined in two main groups as low-risk and high-risk. Low-risk types of HPV usually do not cause cancer, but they can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as warts. Especially HPV-6 and HPV-11 types are the most common causes of genital warts. These types of infections are usually treatable and not life-threatening. However, although rare, they can be associated with a condition called papillomatosis in the respiratory tract. High-risk HPV types may play a role in the development of some types of cancer. Especially HPV-16 and HPV-18 are responsible for a large part of cervical cancers. In addition, these types can increase the risk of cancer in areas such as the anus, vagina, vulva, penis and throat. Other high-risk types include types such as HPV-31, HPV-33, HPV-45, and HPV-52. Although these types carry a risk of cancer, they are not as common as HPV-16 and HPV-18. Some types of HPV cause warts on the skin surface, especially on the hands and feet.
What are the Symptoms of HPV?
HPV infection often progresses without symptoms. Most people carry and transmit the virus without even realizing that they are infected, but in some cases, signs and symptoms may occur depending on the type of HPV. HPV symptoms can generally manifest themselves in the form of genital warts, skin lesions and cellular changes. When the virus remains silent in the body for a long time, cellular changes can occur that can lead to a risk of cancer.
What are the Symptoms of HPV in Women?
HPV infection in women is often asymptomatic, but in high-risk types, HPV symptoms can lead to changes in cervical cells in female patients, paving the way for cancer. Pap smears and HPV tests are important to detect these changes at an early stage. Low-risk types, on the other hand, can cause genital warts. These warts can appear around the vagina, vulva, or anus. Warts are usually painless but can cause itching, irritation, or discomfort.
What are the Symptoms of HPV in Men?
In men, HPV infection is usually asymptomatic and the virus is usually cleared by the immune system. In some cases, HPV symptoms can cause warts in the genital area in male patients. These warts, which can be seen around the penis, testicles or anus, are painless and can cause discomfort in appearance. High-risk HPV types can rarely lead to conditions such as penile or anus cancer.
What are the Symptoms of HPV in Children?
In children, HPV can be passed from mother to baby during birth or transmitted through skin contact. Warts on the hands, feet or face may occur in children. These warts are painless in most patients and can be eliminated with treatment. In rare cases, a condition called papillomatosis occurs in the respiratory tract. In this case, symptoms such as hoarseness or difficulty breathing may occur.
What Causes HPV?
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is a group of viruses that are transmitted through skin and mucous membrane contact. The main cause of infection caused by the virus is direct contact of a person with another individual who carries the virus.
How is HPV Transmitted?
Although HPV is mostly sexually transmitted, it is an infection that does not always require sexual intercourse. Through contact, it can enter the body through areas of micro-level damage to the skin or mucous membranes. The factors that answer the question ” How is HPV transmitted?” are as follows:
Sexual Contact: The most common cause of HPV infection is unprotected sexual contact. During vaginal, anal or oral intercourse, the virus can easily pass from an infected person to their partner. Therefore, it is a common infection among sexually active individuals.
Skin Contact: Sexual intercourse is not mandatory for the transmission of HPV. The virus can also be transmitted by touching the skin or genital area of an infected person.
Transmission During Birth: HPV can be passed from infected mother to baby during birth. This condition can lead to a disease called papillomatosis, especially in the respiratory tract.
Weak Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to HPV infection. This can cause the infection to stay in the body longer and increase the impact of high-risk species.
Lack of Hygiene and Common Areas: Shared areas (e.g., swimming pools, showers, or gyms) and sharing personal belongings (towels, razors, etc.) can lead to the transmission of the species that cause warts on the hands or feet.
How Is HPV Virus Diagnosed?
The HPV virus can be detected by routine screening tests in cases where there are no symptoms of the disease. The Pap smear test, which is used to detect cellular changes in the cervix in women, is one of the most common methods. This test detects abnormal cell changes by examining cell samples taken from the cervix under a microscope. The HPV test is the answer to the question “How to understand HPV?“, which is performed directly to detect the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of the virus. Pap smear and HPV test are applied together in women, allowing a more comprehensive evaluation. In men, there is no routine screening test for HPV. However, the presence of genital warts usually indicates low-risk HPV types, and the doctor can take a sample from these warts and perform a biopsy. In addition, anus screenings can be performed, especially in HIV-positive individuals or men in high-risk groups.
How is the HPV Test Performed?
The HPV test is a laboratory test to detect high-risk HPV types that can lead to cervical cancer, especially in women. “How is the HPV test done?” This test is performed on a cell sample taken from the cervix and can be applied together with the Pap smear test. During the procedure, a healthcare professional inserts an instrument called a speculum into the vagina and takes a sample of cells from the cervix with the help of a small brush. This process takes a few minutes, is usually painless, but may cause a slight feeling of discomfort. The sample is sent to the laboratory and the genetic material (DNA or RNA) of the virus is analyzed. If a high-risk type of HPV is detected as a result of the test, your doctor may recommend additional tests or follow-up examinations. In men, there is no routine HPV test, but HPV analysis can be performed by biopsy in the presence of genital warts or lesions. HPV testing is extremely important to detect cervical cancer early and refer it to appropriate treatment. It is recommended to do it regularly for women over 30 years of age. Paying attention to factors such as sexual intercourse, vaginal product use and menstrual period before the test can increase the accuracy of the test.
What are HPV Treatment Methods?
There is no direct treatment of HPV infection because the virus is cleared by the immune system, but health problems caused by HPV, such as genital warts or cellular changes that can lead to cancer, can be controlled with different treatment methods. Treatment varies depending on the type of infection, symptoms, and the person’s health status.
Genital warts are associated with low-risk HPV types and are usually painless. However, it may be desirable to treat it due to aesthetic concerns or discomfort. Common HPV treatment methods for genital warts include:
Medicated Creams: Topical medications can help shrink or disappear warts.
Cryotherapy: Warts are frozen using liquid nitrogen and allowed to fall off over time.
Surgical Intervention: Laser burning or surgical removal of warts can be applied to large or resistant warts.
Electrocauterization: It is a method of removing warts by burning them with electric current.
High-risk types of HPV can cause cellular changes in the cervix or other areas that can lead to cancer. Such conditions are usually detected during regular screenings and can be treated at an early stage:
LEEP (Loop Electrocautery Excision Procedure): Affected tissue is removed using a thin wire ring to remove abnormal cells.
Cryotherapy: Abnormal cells are destroyed by freezing.
Conization: It is a surgical method in which abnormal cells are removed from the cervix.
It is important to adopt a healthy lifestyle so that HPV is cleared by the immune system. A balanced diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, and avoiding smoking can strengthen the immune system.
What is HPV Vaccine?
“What is the HPV vaccine?” It is a protective vaccine developed to prevent various types of cancer such as cervical cancer caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), anus, penis, vulva, vagina and throat cancers and genital warts. The vaccine strengthens the immune system against the virus, providing protection to the body before infection occurs. The HPV vaccine is particularly effective against high-risk types of HPV (e.g. HPV-16 and HPV-18) and plays a vital role in preventing cellular changes that lead to cancer. The vaccine may also protect against warts linked to low-risk species.
Who Should Be Vaccinated With HPV?
The HPV vaccine is recommended for both women and men. The period when it is most effective is the age when individuals have never encountered HPV. It is generally recommended to be applied to girls and boys between the ages of 9-14. The vaccine in this age group provides the highest protection due to the stronger response of the immune system. Individuals in the 15-26 age group who have not been vaccinated before can also get vaccinated. In adults between the ages of 27 and 45, the vaccine is evaluated by a doctor based on the person’s health status and history of contact with the virus. The vaccine provides protection for both sexually active and non-sexually active individuals. HPV vaccination vaccine for protection in boys and girls contributes to the formation of herd immunity.
How Many Doses of HPV Vaccine Will Be?
The way the HPV vaccine is administered varies according to the age and immune status of the person. Two doses of vaccine are considered sufficient for children and adolescents between the ages of 9 and 14. After the first dose, the second dose is given in 6-12 months. However, in individuals aged 15 and over, three doses of vaccine are administered to strengthen the immune response. In this case, after the first dose, the second dose is given within a month or two, and the third dose is given within six months. Three-dose vaccination is preferred in individuals with weakened immune systems. Completion of all doses is very important for the vaccine to provide full protection.
