HPV virus – what you need to know about it?

HPV – the human papillomavirus – is one of the risk factors for developing cervical cancer. Although there are over 200 different virus subtypes, only a few are responsible for cancerous transformations in cells. It is recommended that women regularly undergo diagnostic tests for HPV causing cervical cancer through cytological examination. Additionally, vaccinations against the virus are also advised. These can be performed at our Wilmed clinic in Warsaw.

HPV is a fairly common human papillomavirus. To date, over 200 different virus subtypes have been discovered – the vast majority are not dangerous to human health, but some can cause certain diseases. Specific groups of HPV cause the formation of warts, herpes, and other lesions on the skin – they also cause genital warts, and others lead to the development of cervical, vulvar, penile, and anal cancers. HPV also increases the risk of throat and laryngeal cancer.

How can you get infected with HPV?

HPV infection occurs primarily through sexual contact: genital, oral, and anal; there is also a risk of infection through sharing towels or contact with the underwear of an infected person. Certain factors increase the risk of HPV infection. These include:

• long-term use of hormonal contraception,
• immune system dysfunction,
• chronic genital tract infections,
• high number of childbirths,
• high number of sexual partners.

HPV infection – diagnostics

For preventive and diagnostic purposes, it is advisable to regularly perform tests to detect HPV. In women, the test that allows detection of possible abnormalities (HPV infection in early stages may not show any characteristic symptoms) is cervical cytology. It should ideally be performed once a year – analysis of cervical epithelial cell samples allows detection of abnormalities indicating an existing cancer or signaling its potential development.

HPV vaccinations at Wilmed clinic

An effective method of protection against HPV infection, significantly reducing the risk of cervical cancer, is vaccination. It should be administered to all women who have started sexual activity, as well as girls before their first menstruation, between 11 and 12 years of age. Vaccination is also recommended for boys, as men are often carriers of the virus and can infect women.

HPV vaccination is performed at our Wilmed clinic in Warsaw. It consists of three intramuscular injections of the vaccine – after the first dose, wait about two months for the second, and then after another four months for the third.

Patients are referred for HPV vaccinations by experienced specialists at our clinic, who also provide comprehensive information about cervical cancer prevention during the visit. Call or write to us to schedule a consultation! We invite you -> https://en.wilmed.pl/contact/