HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is a very common group of viruses that infect human skin and mucous membranes. Over 200 types of HPV have been identified, and some of them have high oncogenic potential (can lead to cancer) — especially types 16 and 18.
What causes it: virus (HPV); distinguishing between "low risk" types (more often warts) and "high risk" types (associated with cancer).
How infection occurs: most often through sexual contact and skin-to-skin contact in the genital area; infection during oral/anal sex is also possible.
Source of pathogen: human — often asymptomatic person.
Incubation period: symptoms (e.g., genital warts) may appear after a few weeks to several months; on average approx. 2–3 months (can be longer).
Who is most at risk: practically every sexually active person (HPV is very common), and people with reduced immunity are more exposed to chronic infection and complications.
2. Symptoms of HPV infection
Most often, the infection is asymptomatic and may resolve spontaneously. However, in some people, skin lesions or (after years) precancerous/cancerous lesions appear.
Most common symptoms:
skin warts (e.g., on hands, feet),
genital warts (warts in the genital/anal area),
sometimes itching, burning, discomfort, pain during intercourse (if there are lesions).
Course of the disease:
many infections "disappear" (become undetectable) within 1–2 years,
the problem is persistent infection with high-risk types, which can lead to precancerous changes and, after years, to cancer.
Possible complications:
HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer, but also anal, penile, vulvar, vaginal, and some oropharyngeal cancers.
When is urgent medical consultation necessary:
bleeding after intercourse or between periods, unusual discharge,
new/growing lesions in the genital, anal area or in the mouth,
persistent ulcers, pain, rectal bleeding,
when you have reduced immunity and notice skin/mucous membrane changes.
3. Where does HPV occur?
HPV occurs all over the world — it is not a "tropical" disease, but a common population infection.
Information for travelers and persons planning trips:
the risk of infection mainly depends on sexual behaviors, not on a specific country,
the burden (frequency of cervical HPV infections) is highest in Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe.
this information is particularly important for people planning a longer stay, new sexual relationships, and also for people who have not been vaccinated.
4. How to protect yourself against HPV?
A. General prevention
Safer sexual behaviors (limiting the number of partners, talking about sexual health).
Condoms reduce the risk but do not protect 100% because HPV can also infect uncovered areas.
Screening tests for women (Pap smear/HPV-test according to recommendations) — help detect precancerous changes early.
B. Vaccination against HPV
Vaccination is a key method of preventing HPV-related cancers.
For whom recommended: routinely for girls and boys before sexual initiation; vaccination also makes sense for older people, especially if they haven't been vaccinated before (scope depends on country recommendations and medical qualification).
Vaccination schedule (most common):
9–14 years: usually 2 doses at an interval of 6–12 months.
≥ 15 years (and people with reduced immunity): usually 3 doses.
Gardasil 9: 0–2–6 months.
Cervarix: standard 0–1–6 months.
If the 2nd dose in the 2-dose schedule is given too early, a 3rd dose may be needed (decided by doctor and current recommendations).
Booster doses: currently there is no routine recommendation for a booster dose; registration documents emphasize that need for a booster has not been established.
How long it protects: protection is long-lasting — data indicate maintenance of high antibody levels for at least a dozen years after vaccination.
Additional notes:
the vaccine does not heal existing infection — it works preventively,
even after vaccination, women should perform screening tests because the vaccine does not cover all HPV types.
5. Summary
HPV is very common and often asymptomatic, but some types (especially 16 and 18) can lead to cancer. The most effective prevention is vaccination against HPV, supplemented by safer sexual behaviors and screening tests for women. Vaccination is particularly worth considering for children and adolescents before starting sexual life, as well as for people who haven't been vaccinated before. If vaccination is to "secure" against new exposures (e.g., before leaving, changing partner), it is best to start it as early as possible because full protection develops after completing the recommended dose schedule.