HPV virus - what is it? Symptoms, diagnosis and impact on fertility.

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), the human papilloma virus, is one of the most common pathogens in the world. It is estimated that as many as 660 million people may be infected with it! Genital subtypes of HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, and science distinguishes around 200 types. Although many of these are harmless, some lead to very dangerous cancers such as cervical, anal or vaginal cancer.

HPV virus - what is it?

Human papilloma virus belongs to a group of DNA viruses in the family of Papillomaviridae. Modern science distinguishes around 200 different types of this virus, some of which have a low oncogenic potential, while others can lead to the development of cancers, including cervical, anal, pharyngeal or laryngeal cancer. HPV affects both the skin and mucous membranes, involving the intimate areas, anus, mouth and throat. Infection occurs through penetration of the virus into the deepest layer of the epidermis, where it replicates and can then remain in a latent (dormant) form in the body for life.

The most common route of HPV infection is sexual contact, whether vaginal, anal or oral. The virus can also be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, especially where the skin is damaged, making it easier for the pathogen to enter the body.

HSV and HPV

HSV and HPV are two different viruses that, although they can be transmitted sexually, have different causes, symptoms and health effects. HSV (Herpes simplex virus) is responsible for herpes, mainly causing lesions on the skin and mucous membranes, while HPV is associated with an increased risk of cancer.

There are two main types of HSV virus:

• HSV-1 - can cause herpes around the lips and face (known as 'cold sores' or herpes labialis). HSV-1 infection most often occurs as early as childhood, usually as a result of direct contact with skin and mucosal lesions of an infected person. After entering the body, the virus multiplies and remains dormant in the body.
  In some situations, the virus can be reactivated, leading to herpes symptoms. Triggers (known as triggers) include: weakness, menstruation, stress.

• HSV-2 - responsible for genital herpes and anal lesions. HSV-2 is mainly transmitted through sexual contact - whether during vaginal, anal or oral intercourse. There is also a risk of infection through contact with personal items such as towels or underwear. As with HSV-1, the virus remains dormant in the body and can be activated by factors such as weakened immunity, stress or trauma. It manifests as painful sores in the genital or anal area, which can be extremely uncomfortable for the patient.

HSV infection, although not life-threatening, can be bothersome and unpleasant. It is very common, as is HPV infection, estimated to affect between 60% and as many as 95% adults worldwide.

How can HPV infection occur?

HPV infection can occur in a variety of places, primarily in situations where there is close contact with an infected person.

• During sexual contact - the most common route of infection is sexual contact, including vaginal, anal and oral intercourse. HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection.

• Skin-to-skin contact - HPV can also be transmitted as a result of direct skin-to-skin contact, especially in areas where the skin is damaged or has microcuts, which favours the penetration of the virus.

• During childbirth - rarely, but it is also possible to become infected with HPV during childbirth when an infected mother passes the virus to her baby.

• In areas with a high risk of transmission - such as swimming pools or saunas, if there is direct contact with an infected surface, however, these cases are less common.

The human papilloma virus is highly contagious, which means that it is relatively easy to become infected. The incubation period of this pathogen ranges from a few weeks to even a few months. Often the virus does not show any symptoms, which makes it even more difficult to detect and increases the risk of further spread.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) types

The human papilloma virus (HPV) is divided into different types. Around 200 types of the virus are currently known. Some of these, apart from unpleasant symptoms, do not cause serious illness, but others can be responsible for deadly and dangerous cancers.

• Low-oncogenic HPV (e.g. types 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 54, 61, 72)
  These types have a low potential to cause cancer. Infection with them can lead to benign lesions such as genital warts (known as condylomata) and recurrent laryngeal papillomatosis. Although they are not life-threatening, they can cause considerable discomfort and require treatment.

• Highly ionogenic HPV (e.g. types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59):

  These types of virus are much more dangerous because they exhibit oncogenic properties, meaning the ability to transform cells cancerously. Highly oncogenic HPVs are responsible for the development of cancers such as cervical cancer, anal cancer, throat cancer, vaginal cancer and penile cancer. In particular, HPV-16 and HPV-18 types are responsible for approximately 70% of all cervical cancers, making them some of the most dangerous virus strains.

HPV virus - symptoms

Human papillomavirus infections are common, and many of those infected do not even know they are carriers. Thanks to the natural immune response, the overwhelming number of infections with the various HPV types are asymptomatic and transient.

However, the pathogen does not pass unknowingly in every infected person. Unfortunately, for some organisms, HPV can contribute to the development of unpleasant symptoms and even fatal diseases such as cancer.

What are the symptoms of HPV?

• Skin lesions on the hands and feet. The symptoms of the human papilloma virus on the skin are warts of about 1 cm in diameter, which can appear on the hands and feet. In the case of plantar warts, they are larger, can be painful and have a characteristic appearance - they resemble buttons, are devoid of fingerprints and may have black dots on their surface.

• Genital lesions. What does HPV look like on the genitals? The pathogen can lead to condylomas, which take the form of nodules or warts occurring around the labia, anus, penis or vagina. They can be convex and vary in number and size.

• HPV in the mouth and HPV on the tongue. HPV infection can also manifest in the mouth - in the form of warts on the tongue, palate, gums or the inside of the cheeks. These are often small nodules with an uneven surface. In some cases, a papilloma may appear in the throat, which makes swallowing difficult and can cause hoarseness.

• HPV in the anal area. HPV in the anus can manifest as both condylomas and cancerous lesions. Sometimes there are symptoms such as itching, burning or bleeding.

In women, the course of the infection is asymptomatic, apart from the occurrence of the aforementioned skin warts, genital warts (condylomata), oral mucosal lesions, dysplastic lesions of the cervix (found in screening cytology). In contrast, large lesions may actually produce symptoms such as difficulty passing urine or stool, pain during sexual intercourse, hoarseness. In contrast, the infection itself is asymptomatic.

In contrast, HPV symptoms in men can include lesions on the penis and in the anal area.

HPV in women

The HPV virus in women is closely linked to cervical cancer, one of the most dangerous female cancers. Every day in Poland, as many as five women die from the disease. Almost 100% cases of cervical cancer are linked to infection with highly ionogenic HPV types. In the initial stages, HPV infection can be asymptomatic, which makes early detection of the disease difficult.

In order to effectively protect yourself from the consequences of HPV in women, you should have regular cytological examinations and HPV tests. These tests allow early detection of cancerous lesions.

Remember that it takes up to 13 years from infection to the development of cervical cancer, so regular cytology will allow the disease to be diagnosed in time and appropriate treatment to be administered.

In addition to cervical cancer, HPV infection can also lead to the development of other dangerous cancers in women, such as vulvar, vaginal or anal cancer. The virus can manifest itself in the form of warts on the labia and can also cause lesions in the mouth, anus or vagina.

Currently, the most effective method of preventing oncogenic infections caused by HPV is vaccination against the virus. This is a key element of prevention, significantly reducing the risk of developing these serious diseases.

HPV and pregnancy

As HPV and pregnancy is a topic of much concern, it is worth knowing that HPV infection does not usually directly threaten the baby. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is very common, so many pregnant women are carriers of the virus. Fortunately, doctors reassure you - HPV is not transmitted to the baby via the intrauterine route, which means that it poses no direct threat to the foetus.

However, pregnancy can affect the course of HPV infection. Hormonal changes and weakened immunity can lead to increased symptoms of infection, and in some women, genital warts (condylomata) may become enlarged

The risk of a baby being infected with HPV during childbirth - whether natural or by caesarean section - is low. Even if virus transmission occurs, the baby's immune system usually eliminates the infection on its own. Papilloma in the throat of the newborn, although rare, can occur as a result of perinatal infection.

HPV diagnosis in pregnancy is crucial. The gynaecologist usually recommends screening at the beginning of pregnancyto determine whether the presence of the virus may affect the course of pregnancy and childbirth. Regular follow-up allows for appropriate management of the pregnancy and, if necessary, implementation of treatment.

If you are planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant, it is worth consulting your doctor about HPV testing to ensure the best possible care for you and your baby.

HPV in men

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection affects both men and women. HPV in men can lead to serious health consequences, including cancers of the mouth, throat, penis and anus.

As with women, symptoms of HPV infection in men may not appear until many years after infection, and the infection itself is often asymptomatic.

The most common symptoms of HPV in men include:

• Papillomas on the penis and condylomas, which are skin lesions in the genital area, can take different forms - they can be convex or shaped like nodules. Although they are not cancerous in themselves, in some cases they can develop into malignant lesions;

• change in colour, thickness of the skin and thickening of the penis;

• inflammation of the genital organs;

• inflammation in the anal area.

HPV infection in men is most common in those aged 18-39 years, although the risk of infection affects all sexually active men. HPV-related cancers, such as penile cancer, usually develop in men after the age of 60, which means that the consequences of infection can manifest themselves even decades after infection.

In order to detect the pathogen, it is recommended to perform an HPV test, which involves taking a sample from the penis or anus. Early detection of infection can prevent serious complications, so it is worth taking care of your health and making informed decisions to protect yourself against HPV.

What does the HPV test look like? Diagnosis

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is extremely common, and most people do not even realise they are a carrier. This is because the infection is often asymptomatic. HPV diagnosis plays a key role in preventive health care, as it can detect potentially dangerous types of the virus that can lead to serious complications, including cancer.

Who should take the HPV test?

The HPV test is worth taking in particular if:

• you have had or have had several sexual partners,

• you are planning a pregnancy,

• you suffer from chronic intimate infections or observe skin changes in the genital area,

• you have worrying symptoms such as condylomas or chronic inflammation of the cervix.

What does the HPV test look like?

HPV testing involves the collection of biological material, which is then subjected to laboratory analysis.

It can be:

• Cervical smear (in women) - often performed at the same time as cytology,

• a swab from the penis, anus or throat (in men),

• HPV blood test, which detects the presence of antibodies against the virus (less commonly used).

The HPV test makes it possible to determine unequivocally whether a person is infected and, if so, to determine the type of virus. A positive result indicates infection with one of the HPV genotypes tested, while a negative result indicates that there is no detectable presence of the virus.

Detection of high-oncogenic HPV may require further diagnostics, including cytology. It is recommended that regular cytology. This examination is performed to detect possible inflammatory conditions and cancerous lesions present in the cervical area.

HPV virus - how to treat?

Currently, there is no drug that can completely remove HPV from the body. HPV treatment is mainly focused on relieving symptoms and preventing health complications. Depending on the type of virus, the therapeutic approach may vary. For example, some strains of HPV responsible for common skin warts may respond to the use of appropriate dermatological preparations. In contrast, in cases of infections causing mucosal lesions, it is usually much more difficult, and in some cases impossible, to remove the virus.

Whether in the context of skin lesions or more complicated infections, treatment aims not only to eliminate symptoms but also to minimise the risk of developing dangerous complications.

In the case of infections with a high oncological risk, regular monitoring and removal of any pre-cancerous lesions becomes crucial to prevent the development of cancer. The basis here is early detection and intervention, which can significantly reduce the risk of serious health consequences.

Although HPV itself is not fully eradicated, effective treatment and appropriate prevention can significantly improve patients' quality of life and minimise the health risks associated with infection with this pathogen.

I have HPV what about sex? This is a common question. The HPV infection route mainly involves sexual contact, so infected people should use condoms, which, although they do not completely eliminate the risk, reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus to a partner.

The only effective way to protect against the consequences of HPV infection is to HPV vaccination. In countries where a vaccination programme has been in place for years, conditions caused by the human papilloma virus, such as cervical cancer and condyloma, have virtually ceased to be diagnosed.

HPV vaccination is particularly recommended for adolescents before the onset of sexual life, when the risk of infection is lowest. However, adults can also be vaccinated.

Why is it worth getting vaccinated?

• The vaccine protects against the most dangerous HPV types (16 and 18), which are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.

• There are no effective drugs to eliminate the virus from the body - if infection occurs, the body has to deal with it on its own.

• Having contracted HPV does not provide immunity, so re-infection with the same type of virus is possible.

• Regular diagnosis and prevention, including vaccination, are the most effective ways to protect against the serious consequences of HPV infection.

How do I register for the HPV vaccination Warsaw?

In Warsaw HPV vaccination, can be made in Invimed Clinic Prague. The patient does not need to make an appointment for the vaccination itself, only a qualifying appointment. Prior to vaccination, a signed consent form is required, passing the medical qualification and payment at reception. The vaccination should be performed within 24 hours of the qualification visit. During such a visit, qualified medical personnel assess the patient's general health, rule out contraindications to vaccination and provide detailed information on the procedure itself. Only after a positive qualification can the vaccine be administered. This ensures that the HPV vaccination process is safe and tailored to the patient's individual health needs.

For more information on getting the vaccination, see: HPV vaccination Warsaw - where to get it?