HPV is quite common worldwide. About 75% of women become infected with HPV at some point in their lives.

What is the rate of HPV in the population?

In studies, HPV is detected in about 27% of women with a normal smear result, while in those with an abnormal smear result this rate is over 50%.

Which are the most common HPV types?

The most common HPV types are, respectively, Type 16, Type 6, Type 11, Type 18, Type 31 and Type 51.

Is HPV infection permanent in everyone?

80-90% of HPV infections are cleared by the immune system within 1-2 years. However, some high-risk types can be persistent.

Is HPV Common?
The Prevalence of HPV in the Population

How Common Is HPV Infection?

Unfortunately, HPV infection is a very common disease worldwide. Epidemiological studies show that a woman's likelihood of becoming infected with HPV during her lifetime is about 75%. This rate makes HPV one of the most common sexually transmitted infections.

In studies conducted in the United States, an HPV positivity rate of 24.4% was detected in university students with a normal cervical smear result. In male students, this rate was reported as 33.3%. These data show that HPV significantly affects not only women but also men.

TOPICS

How Many Types Does HPV Have?

More than 200 types of the HPV virus have been identified. About 40 of these cause infection in the genital area. HPV infection is most commonly seen in the 35–44 age range. However, it can be seen in every age group in which sexual activity has begun.

HPV Rates in the Population

In studies, HPV was detected in about 27% of women with a normal smear test. In patients with a cellular abnormality in the smear result, HPV positivity is at a rate of 50.2%. This situation shows the strong relationship of HPV with cervical cellular changes.

In terms of HPV positivity, the highest rate was detected in the Aegean Region, while the lowest rate was reported in the Eastern Anatolia and South-Eastern Anatolia regions.

The Most Common HPV Types

The most frequently detected HPV types in the population are, respectively:

HPV Type 16 (32%)
HPV Type 6 (17%)
HPV Type 11 (9%)
HPV Type 18 (8%)
HPV Type 31 (6%)
HPV Type 51 (5%)
HPV Type 33 (3%)

In about 90% of HPV infections that present as genital warts, HPV Type 6 and Type 11 are detected.

Is HPV Risky for Everyone?

The vast majority of HPV infections (80-90%) are cleared by the immune system within 1-2 years after entering the body. However, some high-risk types (especially Types 16 and 18) can be persistent for a long time and can lead to cellular changes over the years.

HPV is a very common virus. Being infected with HPV does not mean that you will get cancer; however, regular follow-up and the right screening tests are of great importance.

Is It Possible to Protect Against HPV?

Getting the HPV vaccine
Having regular smear and HPV tests
Keeping the immune system strong
Not smoking
A safe sex life

SAGA Clinic – Tirana, Albania

You can contact our clinic to get detailed information about HPV rates, typing and a personalized follow-up plan.

📞 Phone: +355 69 836 15 65
📱 WhatsApp: +355 69 362 08 38

Is HPV Common?The Prevalence of HPV in the Population