2024-09-01 22:00:00
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In an awareness campaign about the human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV, Sandrine Corman, Emilie Dupuis and Juliet Bonhomme asked our infectious disease specialist, Dr. Belkhir, all things HPV.
What is HPV?
Human papillomavirus is a family of viruses that includes more than 200 types1 that are specific for infecting the skin and mucous membranes of women and men2. These viruses are mainly spread through sexual contact and close skin-to-skin contact. More than 80% of sexually active people will become infected during their lifetime.
In 90% of cases², the infection goes unnoticed and goes away on its own, but some types of HPV may persist and cause genital warts or cancer (cervix, vagina, vulva, anus, penis, head and neck) , without symptoms appearing immediately. 99% of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus².
How can we reduce the risk of new infections?
Condoms can reduce the risk of transmission, but they are not enough. Vaccination is recommended to prevent HPV-related diseases.
Of course, it’s best to get vaccinated from a young age (starting at age 9), but the HPV vaccine can protect you even as an adult.
Is it too late to get vaccinated?
No, because even if you have been infected with HPV before, vaccination can still protect you against the HPV types present in the vaccine.
How to minimize the consequences of infection?
For women, the most established method of screening for cervical cancer is the Pap smear test. It is very important to have it done every 3 years (recommended for ages 25 to 65). However, even with vaccination, a smear test is the best way to detect abnormal cervical cells early and treat them before they develop into cervical cancer².
There is no standardized screening test for men.
HPV prevention is an important public health issue. By protecting ourselves with vaccinations and regular smear tests, we can significantly reduce our risk of HPV-related cancers and diseases. Ask your doctor for personalized advice and help raise awareness of this important health cause among those around you.
1. ECDC 2020. Last visit: 03/2024..
2. High Council of Health. Vaccination against infections caused by human papillomavirus. Brussels: CSS; 2017. Opinion No. 9181.
3. Chesson HW et al. Estimated lifetime odds of human papillomavirus infection in the United States. Sexually Transmitted Diseases 2014;11:660-664
This is a communication from Merck Laboratories. This article reflects the views of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Merck.
BE-NON-02197 – Last revision date: 06/2024
Last updated: August 2024
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