HPV

HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections in the world. Most sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point, often without even noticing it. In most cases, the body clears the virus on its own.

However, some types of HPV can persist for a long time and cause cellular abnormalities. Depending on the type of virus, this can lead to genital warts or, in rare cases, certain forms of cancer. Therefore, it is important to know what HPV is, how you get infected, and when testing is advisable.

What is HPV?

HPV is a collective term for over 200 different viruses. Some of these are transmitted during sexual contact.

A distinction is made between low-risk types, which can cause genital warts among other things, and high-risk types. The latter usually cause no symptoms but can lead to cellular abnormalities in the long term.

How do you get HPV?

HPV is transmitted through direct skin and mucous membrane contact during sexual activity.

Infection can occur during:

• Vaginal sex.
• Anal sex.
• Oral sex.
• Intimate skin-to-skin contact.

A condom reduces the chance of infection but does not offer complete protection because the virus can also be transmitted through skin around the genitals.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

Most people with HPV have no symptoms.

When symptoms do arise, they may include:

• Genital warts.
• Abnormal Pap smears in women.
• Cellular abnormalities discovered only during examination.

High-risk types of HPV usually cause no noticeable symptoms for many years.

When should you get tested?

There is no standard test for HPV for everyone. In women, HPV can be detected during cervical cancer screening or when a doctor deems it necessary.

Do you have genital warts or other symptoms? Then a doctor can assess what examination is needed.

How is HPV diagnosed?

In women, an HPV test can be performed on cervical cells. Additionally, abnormal Pap smears may warrant further investigation.

Genital warts are usually diagnosed based on their appearance during a physical examination.

How is HPV treated?

There is no medication that removes HPV from the body. In most cases, the immune system clears the virus on its own.

When HPV causes genital warts, these can be treated with medication or a medical procedure. For abnormal cells, a doctor will determine the necessary treatment.

Can you prevent HPV?

The risk of an HPV infection can be reduced by practicing safe sex and by vaccination against HPV.

In the Netherlands, HPV vaccination is offered within the National Immunization Program. The vaccination protects against the main types of HPV that can cause cancer and genital warts.

Frequently asked questions about HPV

Is HPV an STI?

Yes. HPV is primarily transmitted during sexual contact.

Does everyone with HPV have symptoms?

No. Most people don't notice an infection at all.

Does HPV go away on its own?

Yes. In most cases, the body clears the virus on its own within a few years.

Can HPV cause cancer?

Some high-risk types can increase the risk of certain forms of cancer in the long term if the virus persists.

Is there a vaccine against HPV?

Yes. HPV vaccination protects against the main types of HPV.

HPV is common

An HPV infection is usually harmless and often causes no symptoms. Nevertheless, it is important to remain alert for changes and to participate in screening programs when invited. Do you have genital warts or other symptoms? Then contact a doctor for appropriate advice and possibly further investigation.