What Is HPV?
What You Need to Know About the HPV Virus

How Is HPV Transmitted?

A marked increase in the frequency of HPV infection has been observed in recent years. The main reason for this is that the virus is easily transmitted. HPV causes genital warts, and genital warts are one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases.

It is estimated that about 75% of sexually active women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives. However, being infected with HPV does not necessarily mean that a wart will form.

What Are the Symptoms of HPV?

Most HPV infections cause no symptoms or run their course with mild symptoms. When it does cause symptoms, it usually appears as a wart in the genital area.

The virus can settle on the cervix without forming a wart and can cause cellular changes over the years. Because of this feature, it is described as an "insidious" virus.

The Relationship Between HPV and Cancer

It is known that about 5% of cancers caused by viruses or bacteria worldwide are associated with HPV. High-risk HPV types in particular (such as Type 16 and Type 18) are strongly associated with cervical cancer.

HPV Type 16 is the most common high-risk type, seen at a rate of about 32%. This is followed by HPV Type 6 at 17%. The frequency of HPV Type 11 is about 9%, and that of HPV Type 18 is about 6%.

For cancer-causing HPV types, the cancer development process usually takes place over a long period of about 10–15 years. For this reason, regular screening tests are critically important for early diagnosis.

What Is the HPV Test?

The HPV test is performed using the PCR method. In women, the virus's DNA is detected from a swab sample taken from the cervix, and the type carried can be identified. In men, the test is performed with a swab from the urethral area or, if there is a wart, with a biopsy sample.

More than 300 subtypes can be detected in the HPV DNA test. About 40 of these are considered high-risk. The high-risk types commonly seen in our country include Types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56 and 58.

When your HPV test is positive, the most appropriate approach is to perform a smear test and, when necessary, colposcopy.

HPV Treatment

There is no specific drug treatment that completely eliminates the HPV virus. Treatment is directed at the lesions caused by the virus. Vaporizing the wart tissue with a fractional carbon dioxide laser is an effective method with a low recurrence rate.

Local anaesthesia can be applied before the procedure. For widespread lesions, general anaesthesia may be preferred. The risk of scarring and colour change in the skin is quite low.

80–90% of HPV infections are brought under control by the immune system within 1–2 years. Regular follow-up and the right treatment approach reduce long-term risks.