What Is Human Papillomavirus and Why Is It Dangerous?

This dangerous infection may develop completely unnoticed but even turn deadly in some cases. In fact, there is not one virus –– there are plenty of them, up to 200 species. Most human papillomaviruses (HPV) are harmless. However, about 40 of them are able to attack the genitals of people, and at least 14, according to WHO, are carcinogenic; that is, they can provoke cancer.

Women are most often affected by the virus. It is HPV that, in 70% of cases, causes cervical cancer – the second most common type of malignant tumor among women in developed countries. But men are also at risk – the human papillomavirus can trigger malignant tumors in the anus, penis, and oropharynx.

You can’t immediately determine which type of HPV you got. But the chances that you have are extremely high. Approximately 80% of sexually active people are infected. Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and most HPV victims do not even realize they are infected. 

The Symptoms of Human Papillomavirus

HPV is a tricky thing. Often it doesn't show up at all. Sometimes symptoms appear many years after infection, so it is difficult to determine exactly when the infection entered the body.

The most obvious (but not mandatory) symptom is the appearance of growths on the skin of any part of the body. Papillomas, condylomas, and warts are all HPV.

Fortunately, they often pass by themselves within a year or two and do not pose a health hazard. But if HPV symptoms do not disappear, and especially if papillomas and warts appear on the genitals or in the mouth and throat area, it is necessary to consult with a therapist, gynecologist, or urologist.

With a prolonged chronic form of HPV, it can lead to cell changes that eventually turn into malignant ones. It takes an average of 10-20 years from infection to cancer development.

How to Treat the Human Papillomavirus

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the virus itself. Therapy is reduced to the elimination of symptoms and the fight against the possible consequences of HPV – precancerous and cancerous conditions.

Warts and papillomas are usually physically removed by various methods. A dermatologist, gynecologist, urologist, or ENT specialist (if we are talking about growths in the oropharynx) will help you choose the most effective and safe one.

Precancerous and cancerous conditions can also be cured – the more successful, the earlier the disease is detected. Therefore, WHO recommends that all women over 30 years of age do a regular pap test (Pap smear).  When examining a gynecologist, take a smear to help identify precancerous changes in the cervical mucosa. As a rule, it is enough to undergo the procedure once every five years. But if the doctor believes that in your case, it is necessary more often, listen to his opinion.

For men, screening is not recommended. Just do not forget to consult a doctor if you suddenly notice something unusual – soreness, growth, swelling – in the area of ​​the genitals, anus, or oropharynx. Regular check-ups with a urologist (for men over 40, preferably at least once a year) will reduce the risk of missing something serious.

How Not to Get Infected With  Human Papillomavirus

HPV is a disease that is easier to prevent than to treat. The surest way to do this is to get vaccinated, but vaccination is most effective only if the body has never encountered a virus. Therefore, WHO recommends that children be vaccinated between the ages of 9 and 14, before the onset of sexual activity, ideally at 11-12 years old.

If you did not get vaccinated on time, you can get vaccinated until the age of 21 (for boys) and up to 26 years (for girls).

To reduce your risk of contracting HPV later in life:

• Use condoms.


• Be especially careful if you have a weakened immune system (for example, diagnosed with HIV).


• Quit smoking – smoking can accelerate the development of cervical cancer and other cancers.


• Strengthen your immunity.