2023-06-28 10:22:01
How is HPV contracted and does the virus only affect women? We explain how you can become infected.
The abbreviation HPV stands for Human Papilloma Virus – the term hides a virus that can trigger sexually transmitted diseases such as genital or genital warts or (cervical) cancer. HPV is considered one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases. As “NetDoktor” explains, most infections with HPV heal unnoticed. Nevertheless, (malignant) tumors can form long after an infection.
We explain to you how infection with HPV expires and how important the Vaccination is.
HPV: how is it transmitted?
As “NetDoktor” further explains, men and women can equally become infected with the human papilloma virus.
Infection occurs primarily during sexual intercourse – i.e. through direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes. But also via infected objects such as towels or sex toys. Mothers can also pass HPV to their children at birth.
80 percent of men and women become infected with HPV
As the Ministry of Social Affairs reports, infections with “cancer-causing HPV types (types 16 and 18)” are responsible for over 70 percent of “malignant cases of cervical cancer”. However, prolonged infections can also lead to the formation of cancer cells in the female and male genitals as well as in the throat and larynx. Around 80 percent of all men and women will become infected with HPV at some point in their lives.
Cervical cancer is the third leading cause of death in women worldwide – in Austria alone, around 400 new cases of cervical cancer and 130-180 deaths are registered every year.
Infection with genital or genital warts is also common: more than one percent of sexually active people suffer from genital warts. About every tenth person suffers from the sexually transmitted disease during their lifetime.
How to protect yourself from HPV!
According to the Ministry of Social Affairs, an HPV vaccination can reduce the risk of genital warts and cervical cancer (and other types of cancer that can be caused by HPV, such as throat, larynx, vagina, anus, and penis cancer) by up to 90 percent.
The vaccination against human papillomavirus has been available for boys and girls as well as men and women since February 1, 2023 from the age of 9 to the age of 21 free of charge. Immunization is recommended up to the age of 30. After that, the vaccine is optional. Regular gynecological examinations for women – Pap smears and HPV tests – should continue to be carried out “despite” vaccination. Condoms do not provide adequate protection against infection with HPV. However, safer sex helps to effectively protect against other STDs.
Does an HPV vaccination make sense if you are/was already infected with HPV?
This question was also asked during the panel discussion entitled “Better safe than sorry”, which was initiated by the Alpbach Vienna initiative group (IG Vienna for short). Prof. Dr. Stephan Polterauer, Specialist in gynecology and obstetrics, has a clear answer: “Even if you are or have been infected with HPV, you should get vaccinated. Since no immunity is created, you can always be infected and that’s why it’s important to have the opportunity of vaccination.”
➞ Yes! Vaccination, even if you are or have been infected with HPV, definitely makes sense.
What does an affected person advise?
The influencer fruity.sky told k.at that she had a conspicuous cancer smear during a routine check-up at the doctor’s and that’s how she found out about her HPV infection. She exchanged views with those affected about her diagnosis and also used her reach on Instagram to educate about the topic.
“It is important to me to make other women aware of this. First and foremost, I would like to call on everyone to get vaccinated in good time,” explained the influencer. She calls on those affected to talk about their diagnosis: “Even if it is transmitted through sexual contact, it is not a sexually transmitted disease. The exchange with family, friends and those affected helped me a lot to deal with the topic openly. “
Petition for free HPV vaccination
There is currently a petition on the petition website “mein #aufstehn” that advocates that the HPV vaccination should be affordable for everyone. You can find more information about this here.
If you suspect you have contracted HPV or an STD, you should speak to an expert.
You can also find further test offers at Aids Hilfe Austria.
You can find more information about the HPV vaccination here.
#infects #human #papillomavirus