HPV and vaccination
HPV infection is widespread in both women and men. Almost 80% of women will become infected at some point in their lives, even asymptomatically. More than 100 types of HPV have been identified, about 40 of them sexually transmitted. Few types are related to cancer and women who get infected by them, have a higher risk of developing cancer.
If you have HPV infection, you may not have any symptoms. Some types that are usually not carcinogenic cause the appearance of warts that are harmless but spread easily to the surrounding area and are contagious to the partner.
Some other types of HPV affect the vagina and the cervix. In these cases, the virus causes cell lesions, called dysplasia. In most cases, malformations resolve on their own without treatment. The Pap smear test detects such dysplastic cells in the cervix and vagina and in that case colposcopy and biopsy will be needed. HPV test detects the DNA of the virus and tells us if it is carcinogenic or not. Also, some types of HPV are associated with cancers of the vulva, anal, penis, oral cavity and pharynx.
If necessary, we can cauterise or remove the lesions. Ointments or local solutions may also be used in external warts. But we cannot exterminate the virus itself.
Vaccination is a powerful weapon in preventing infection from the most common oncogenic types of HPV and in preventing cervical cancer. According to the National Vaccine Commission, all girls must be vaccinated for HPV types that cause cervical cancer, ideally at the age of twelve. In Greece, vaccinations are free of charge for girls and women through insurance funds at the age of 12-18, in 2-3 doses and over six months. If you are over 18, even if you have an HPV infection, you can benefit from vaccination. Although vaccinated, you continue screening with the annual Pap smear test because it does not protect you against all types of HPV. Also, if you smoke stop it, because smoking seems to be associated with relapse of the infection and with cervical cancer. Finally, exercise, good sleep, balanced nutrition, and stress management are factors that help strengthen the body’s defence so that it is not susceptible to infections
