HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus and refers to a family of viruses that can cause a variety of diseases in both women and men. HP viruses are the main cause of cervical, vaginal and anal cancers. In addition, HP viruses can cause genital warts and other cancers, especially in the throat, nose and tongue.
Basically, HP viruses can be divided into two different groups:
The so-called low-risk group is a very large group of HP viruses that generally do not lead to serious diseases. However, they can cause genital warts. Genital warts (Condylomata accuminata) are unpleasant, but they cannot degenerate or cause cancer. Genital warts are usually self-limiting. This means that in most cases they disappear within two years without therapy.
In contrast, there is the group of high-risk viruses. These viruses harbor a so-called oncogenic potential. This means that these viruses can cause cancer in the long term. This group mainly includes HPV types 16 and 18, but also 45, 31, 33, 52, 58 and some others. These HPV types are responsible for about 90% of all cervical cancer cases.
In general, an infection with an HPV strain is nothing bad or even reprehensible. Some studies show that most likely everyone has an infection with an HPV strain once in their lifetime. If an HPV infection is present, it should be controlled, because long-term infection can lead to cancer via precursors (dysplasias).
I will be happy to advise you about HPV, dysplasia and its prevention and treatment options during a personal consultation.
Any questions? Here is perhaps the answer!
FAQ
HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus and refers to a family of viruses responsible for a variety of diseases.
Basically, infections with HPV are not dangerous. In a few cases, however, human papilloma viruses can lead to cell changes and, in the course of time, to cancer.
No. Studies suggest that everyone has contact with HPV at least once in their lifetime.
In fact, the most common source of infection is sexual intercourse. However, HPV can also be transmitted through close contact with HPV-positive people without sexual intercourse.
Yes. Both men and women can become infected with HPV. In fact, genital warts, which are essentially caused by HPV, are more common in men than in women
There is an approved vaccine (Gardasil-9) that protects against the nine major HPV types.