HPV vaccine
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Information about human papillomavirus (HPV)
Do you suspect HPV infection, or would you like to get more information about the human papillomavirus or HPV vaccine? Your gynaecologist will be able to answer any questions you may have about HPV infection or Pap smears.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) briefly
- There are more than 200 known types of human papillomavirus (HPV), but only a small proportion of these are high-risk HPVs that can cause cellular changes or cancer.
- HPV infection is often asymptomatic, which is why many people become infected with HPV without knowing it, or it is diagnosed by chance in an HPV test or Pap smear.
- HPV infection has a good tendency to heal, but it should be monitored so that the infection does not persist and progress to cancer.
Symptoms and consequences of HPV infection
HPV or papillomaviruses are common – almost everyone becomes infected with HPV at some point in their lives. HPV infection is most common in sexually active young adults. It is estimated that 80% of sexually active people get HPV at least once in their lives.
Low-risk HPVs may cause changes in the skin and mucous membranes such as:
- skin warts
- laryngeal papillomas and
- genital warts (condyloma).
Prolonged infection with high-risk HPV can lead to serious consequences, such as precancerous growth and various cancers. High-risk HPVs are associated primarily with the development of cervical cancer and precancerous conditions of cervix. Other cancers caused by HPV include cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis and anus. Some cancers of the head and neck are also caused by HPV infection.
A high-risk HPV infection in the genital area is almost always asymptomatic and often self-healing. However, in a small number of people infected with HPV, the infection is prolonged, which can lead to the development of cervical cell changes. A small percentage of cervical cell changes progress to precursors for cervical cancer. Without treatment, some of the precursors will eventually develop into cancer.
Transmission of HPV
HPV is transmitted via genital mucosa or skin contact. The most common route of transmission is unprotected intercourse, but HPV infection can also occur without intercourse. HPV is not transmitted from sauna benches, toilet seats or blood stains.
HPV infection can sometimes remain latent for years, so it is usually impossible to trace the time of infection.
Treatment of HPV infection
For the time being, there is no treatment for HPV infection, but the infection often cures itself, especially in young people. The symptoms of approximately one in ten people with genital HPV infection are prolonged and can form precancerous lesions.
If a prolonged HPV infection or cellular changes in the Pap smear are detected, a further examination of the vagina and cervix is usually carried out with an optical microscope, or colposcope. Some precancerous lesions resolve spontaneously during follow-up, but prolonged and more severe cellular changes are surgically removed, for example, through the loop electrosurgical excision procedure or with a laser.
Condylomas can be treated at home with various topical preparations available with a prescription or at the doctor’s appointment with a laser or by freezing. Condylomas are prone to recur, as treatment does not remove the virus from the body but only the visible warts.
HPV vaccine – protection against infection
The best way to protect yourself against HPV infection and the cellular changes or cancer that it causes is the HPV vaccine, which provides protection against the most common high-risk HPV viruses. The HPV vaccine is most effective when given before becoming sexually active. Thanks to HPV vaccines, fewer people will become ill and die of the serious cancers it causes.
The HPV vaccine may also be useful when taken as an adult, and there is no upper age limit for vaccination. If you have already been infected with HPV, the vaccine can protect you against HPV types that you have not yet encountered.
Using a condom reduces the risk of HPV infection, but it does not provide complete protection, as the virus can also be transmitted through the skin of the genital area.
Sources:
Papilloomavirus (HPV) ja kondylooma naisella, Terveyskirjasto.fi External link
HPV-rokote, Terveyskirjasto.fi External link
Parempaaelamaa.fi External link
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Frequently asked questions about HPV (papillomavirus)
HPV is short for Human Papilloma Virus. There are more than 200 types of HPV. HPV viruses are common and it is estimated that 80% of sexually active people get HPV infection at least once in their lives.
HPV is transmitted via genital mucosa or skin contact, often as a result of unprotected intercourse. HPV infection can also occur without intercourse. HPV is not transmitted from sauna benches, toilet seats or blood stains.
HPV infection can sometimes remain latent for years, so it is usually impossible to trace the time of infection.
HPV infection is usually asymptomatic, which is why many people become infected with HPV without knowing it or it is diagnosed by chance in an HPV test or Pap smear.
Low-risk HPVs can cause benign changes such as:
- skin warts
- laryngeal papillomas and
- genital warts (condyloma).
Prolonged infection with high-risk HPV can lead to serious consequences, such as precancerous growth and various cancers. High-risk HPVs are associated primarily with the development of cervical cancer and precancerous conditions of cervix. Other cancers caused by HPV include cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis and anus. Some cancers of the head and neck are also caused by HPV infection.
HPV infection can remain latent for years, so it is usually impossible to trace the time of infection.
It usually takes more than 10 years for an HPV infection to progress from cellular changes to cervical cancer. With regular screening, any precursor changes can be detected and treated in time before the cancer develops.
The HPV infection often cures itself, especially in young people. The symptoms of approximately one in ten people with genital HPV infection are prolonged and can form precancerous lesions.
HPV infection is detected by an HPV sample taken from the cervix or a Pap smear. A positive HPV test means that the patient is infected with HPV caused by one or more high-risk HPV types. A Pap smear can be used to detect if the HPV infection has caused changes in the cells. For those who do not have a uterus, a sample can be taken from the vagina.
There is no HPV test available for men.