HPV
Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are viruses that infect the skin and mucous membranes. There are around 200 different types: they can affect the internal and external genitalia, the anal region, several areas of the skin, as well as the mouth and throat. Contrary to popular belief, papillomaviruses affect everyone, regardless of sex, gender, sexual or romantic attraction.
Human papillomaviruses are among the world's most frequent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 80% of the sexually active population will one day be confronted with a papillomavirus infection, half of them between the ages of 15 and 24.
There are 2 main categories of HPV. Genital HPVs are found mainly on mucous membranes (glans penis, vulva, vagina, cervix, anus and throat) and are sexually transmissible. Skin HPVs are responsible for vulgar warts, found mainly on the feet and hands. Vulgar warts are benign, i.e. they do not cause cancer.
Infection occurs mainly through sexual contact (genital, oral, anal or with the skin) with an infected mucous membrane or area. For example, if I perform unprotected cunnilingus on my partner, who has an HPV virus, I can contract it.
HPV transmission is possible without any apparent wart or symptoms.
Most HPV infections are symptom-free. However, when it does occur, the symptoms are :
- Warts on the anus, perineum (space between sex and anus), vulva, penis and, rarely, throat.
- Irritation and itching
- bleeding
- swollen lymph nodes
In 90% of cases of HPV infection, the immune system eliminates the virus within one or two years.
In some cases, HPV infection is responsible for the appearance of precancerous lesions that can lead to the development of cancer. The most common is cervical cancer, but other forms of cancer can also occur, affecting people with penises as well as those with vulvas.
More than a third of people with a uterus who develop cervical cancer die from it in Belgium. For other forms of cancer, the after-effects are disabling in the long term.
- Cervical cancer
- Vulvar cancer
- Vaginal cancer
- Mouth and throat cancer
- Anus cancer
- Penile cancer
In 2019, it is estimated that worldwide, HPV is responsible for 620,000 new cases of cancer in people with vulvas and 70,000 new cases of cancer in people with penises (WHO, 2024).
In 90% of cases of HPV infection, the immune system eliminates the virus within one or two years.
There is no cure for HPV. However, it is possible to treat the symptoms and consequences.
HPV viruses are transmitted by contact. This means that contamination can occur even if there is no penetration. Condoms (internal or external) or latex squares reduce the risk of HPV transmission, but do not provide 100% protection against these viruses, as they do not cover all areas of sexual contact. They do, however, offer protection against other sexually transmitted infections and against unplanned pregnancy (condoms). The internal condom offers better protection against HPV thanks to its external part, which covers more of the vulva or anus.
Vaccination remains the most effective way of protecting against the effects of HPV.
Sources
World Health Organization: WHO & World Health Organization: WHO. (2024a, March 5). Human papillomavirus and cancer. https://www.who.int/fr/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papilloma-virus-and-cancer
Morris, S. R. (2023b, November 4). Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. MSD Manuals for the General Public. https://www.msdmanuals.com/fr/accueil/infections/infections-sexuellement-transmissibles-ist/infection-par-le-papillomavirus-humain-vph
Les infections à Papillomavirus humain | AFRAPEDIA. (s. d.). https://www.afrapedia.org/sante-sexuelle/les-infections-a-papillomavirus-humain