HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) is the most common sexually transmitted infection.

It is estimated that 80% of sexually active women and men will be infected with Human Papilloma Virus at some point in their lives.

More than 100 different types of the virus HPV exist, including 15 strains that are associated with “high risk” for the human genital tract. Of these, “high-risk” types 16 & 18 are responsible for 70% of all cervical cancers.

What does it look like?

Genital warts are growths that appear on the genital area, externally on the vulva, the anus or (for men) the penis, or internally in the vagina or on the cervix.

HPV-related growths may appear in mouth in both men and women.

What are treatment options?

Topical pharmaceutical creams, cryotherapy, electrosurgery and CO2 laser can be applied for external genital warts.

For the internal warts, in difficult to reach sites colposcopy is recommended.

Can the vaccine protect me?

There are two types of vaccines, the quadrivalent HPV vaccine type 6, 11, 16 and 18 (Gardasil®) and the bivalent HPV- 16/18 vaccine (Cervarix®).

The vaccines have an excellent safety profile, are highly immunogenic and have conferred complete type specific protection against persistent infection and associated lesions in fully vaccinated women.

They provide maximum benefit if the persons receives them before they are sexually active.