What's HPV?

What’s HPV?

Here we have some basic information about Human Papiloma Virus (HPV), a prevalent virus that affects millions worldwide, with over 200 different types identified. It’s primarily transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

HPV is incredibly common, with the majority of sexually active individuals encountering it at some point in their lives. While most HPV infections clear on their own without causing any symptoms or health issues, some strains can lead to genital warts or various cancers, including cervical, anal, penile, and throat cancers. Vaccines are available to protect against certain high-risk HPV strains, significantly reducing the risk of associated cancers.

Regular screening, such as Pap tests for cervical cancer, is essential for early detection and treatment of HPV-related abnormalities. Education and awareness are crucial in combating the spread of HPV and its associated health risks.

Key facts
FAQ: HPV at a Glance
By Gender: Female & Male
Global figures

Key facts

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the name of a group of 200 known viruses. They do not cause concerns in most people, but infection with some high-risk types is common and can cause genital warts or cancer.
In 90% of people the body controls the infection by itself. Persistent HPV infection with high-risk HPV types is the cause of cervical cancer and is associated with cancers of the vulva, vagina, mouth/throat, penis and anus.
HPV infection causes about 5% of all cancers worldwide, with an estimated 625 600 women and 69 400 men getting an HPV-related cancer each year.
Prophylactic vaccination against HPV can prevent these cancers. In addition, HPV-screening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions is an effective way to prevent cervical cancer.

FAQ: HPV at a Glance

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common group of viruses with diverse strains, each carrying its own implications. Here’s a brief overview:

Prevalence

More than 80% of sexually active people will contract at least one type of HPV at some point in their lives.
Approximately 660 million people are infected with HPV worldwide.

High vs. Low Risk

High-Risk HPV: Strains like HPV 16 and 18 are linked to the development of cancers, emphasizing the importance of regular screenings and vaccinations.
Low-Risk HPV: Strains causing warts are generally less concerning, though they can impact one’s quality of life.

Cancer Connection

HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for approximately 70% of all cases of cervical cancer.
High-risk HPV types contribute to cancers of the cervix, anus, vulva, vagina, penis, and oropharynx.

Warts and Beyond

Common Warts: Low-risk HPV strains can cause warts on various body parts, including hands and feet.
Genital Warts: Certain HPV strains, often low-risk, are responsible for genital warts, affecting the genital and anal areas.

Transmission

Common Routes: HPV is primarily spread through intimate skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity. It can also be transmitted from mother to baby during childbirth.

Screening and Early Detection

Pap Smears: Regular screenings, especially for individuals with a cervix, aid in detecting abnormal cell changes caused by high-risk HPV.
Testing for Men: While routine testing isn’t standard for men, those with symptoms or at higher risk may undergo testing.

Prevention Strategies

Vaccination: Vaccines, such as Gardasil 9, target key high-risk HPV strains, offering protection against cancer and certain warts.
Safe Practices: Consistent and correct condom use can reduce the risk of transmission.

Gender Neutral Impact

Not Exclusive to Women: While cervical cancer is the most discussed consequence, HPV affects individuals of all genders, underscoring the need for awareness and prevention across the board.

By Gender: Female & Male

HPV in Women

Genital Warts: Some types of HPV can cause genital warts, which are growths or lumps that appear on the genital and anal areas. These warts are usually not cancerous.
Cervical Cancer: Certain high-risk types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer. Regular Pap smears and HPV tests are important for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.
Other Cancers: HPV can also cause cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, and oropharynx (back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils).

HPV in Men

Genital Warts: Like in women, men can develop genital warts if infected with certain types of HPV. These warts may appear on the penis, scrotum, or around the anus.
Throat Cancer: Men, especially those who have sex with men, are at an increased risk of developing HPV-related cancers in the throat.
Penile Cancer: Although rare, HPV infection can contribute to the development of cancer of the penis.

Global figures

Women

In general, HPV poses the greatest risk to women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) because high-risk HPV can progress to cervical cancer if it’s not treated. Pap smears and HPV tests can detect precancerous cell changes early to prevent cancer in your cervix. Harmless forms of HPV can also cause genital warts in people who are AFAB.

Men

HPV poses fewer health risks to men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB). If you’re AMAB, HPV can cause genital warts, but most infections clear on their own. HPV can lead to cancers of your penis, anus, head and neck, but these cancers are rare.

The highest prevalence of cervical HPV among women is in sub-Saharan Africa (24%), followed by Latin America and the Caribbean (16%), eastern Europe (14%), and South-East Asia (14%) (2). Prevalence in men is highly variable based on sexual trends.

Cervical cancer was the fourth leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths in women in 2020, with an estimated 604 127 new cases and 341 831 deaths worldwide .

Cervical cancers account for 93% of HPV-related cancers in women .

Globally, it is estimated that getting an HPV-related cancer each year.

625 600 women and

69 400 men

A new study has been published in The Lancet Global Health showing that almost 1 in 3 men over the age of 15 are infected with at least one genital human papillomavirus (HPV) type, and 1 in 5 are infected with one or more of what are known as high risk, or oncogenic, HPV types.

The global pooled prevalence was 31% for any HPV and 21% for high-risk HPV. HPV-16 was the most prevalent HPV genotype (5%) followed by HPV-6 (4%). HPV prevalence was high in young adults, reaching a maximum between the ages of 25 years and 29 years, and stabilized or slightly decreased thereafter.

HPV is responsible for

almost all cases of genital warts and cervical cancer
90% of anal cancers
78% of vaginal cancers
25% of vulvar cancers
50% of penile cancers
60% of oropharyngeal cancers

How HPV is spread

You do not need to have penetrative sex.

You can get HPV from:

any skin-to-skin contact of the genital area
vaginal, anal or oral sex
sharing sex toys

Symptoms of HPV

HPV does not usually cause any symptoms.

Most people who have it do not realise and do not have any problems.

Screening tests are used to check for a disease or condition when there are no symptoms. The goal of screening is to find health problems early, when they may be easier to treat.

Understanding HPV involves acknowledging its dual nature—manifesting as both harmless warts and potentially life-threatening cancers. Vigilance through vaccination, safe practices, and regular screenings remains our most potent defense against the multifaceted impact of HPV.

cancer.gov

WHO.com