Human papillom viruses (HPV): Invisible danger and how we can protect ourselves from it

Have you ever thought about the invisible dangers that hide behind the word "HPV"? Perhaps you only know the human papilloma virus as one of many infections-but did you know that certain HPV types are responsible for various cancer? Whether cervix or throat cancer, HPV can often remain hidden for years before the first symptoms occur. But there is good news: This risk can be drastically reduced with a vaccination. Are you already protected? If not, it may be time to think about it.

What is behind the HPV virus?

The human papilloma viruses (HPV) are the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide, and according to Robert Koch-Institut (RKI), a large part of the population will come into contact with these viruses in the course of their lives. But what exactly is behind these viruses, how is the risk of infections and secondary diseases assessed, and what are the protection options? This article illuminates the background of HPV, explains the risk of viruses and shows the importance of precaution and vaccination. 

What are human papilloma viruses (HPV)?

HPV is a virus family with over 200 different types, of which about 40 types can infect the anogenital area, i.e. the skin and mucous membranes in the genital and anal area. The HPV types can be divided into high-risk and low-risk and low-risky: While low-risky often cause genital warts, high-risk types such as HPV 16 and 18 are considered carcinogenic and, if they remain untreated, can lead to different types of cancer. 

Transfer routes and risk of HPV infection

The human papilloma viruses are transmitted primarily through skin and mucosal contact, most often in sexual intercourse. Since the viruses in the affected skin and mucous membrane cells can remain unnoticed for a long time, the infection often remains symptomless and is often unknowingly passed on. This is particularly relevant, since some high -risks can also lead to cancer in the throat area, which is transmitted by oral traffic. 

The Robert Koch Institute estimates that about 80 % of all sexually active people will be infected with HPV at some point in life. Even if many infections are prevented from the immune system itself, persistent infections, i.e. infections that exist over a longer period of time, can be a significant risk, especially in the case of high -risk.

HPV and the risk of cancer

HPV infection is usually harmless, but high risk types can cause significant health problems. They are the main cause of cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide. According to RKI, HPV infections can also cause anal cancer as well as cancer in the genital area and head-neck area (e.g. tongue and throat cancer). In fact, it is assumed that about 99 % of the cases of cervical cancer are due to HPV infection.

Statistics and prevalence data in Germany

In Germany, around 4,600 women and 1,600 men fall ill annually in HPV-related cancer. Most of these cases are due to HPV 16 and HPV 18, which represent the most aggressive carcinogenic types. The data of the RKI also demonstrates that around 15 % of cancer in men are caused by HPV-one reason why the HPV vaccination is recommended not only for girls, but also for boys.

 

HPV vaccination-protection for the future

The HPV vaccination represents one of the most effective prevention measures against carcinogenic HPV types. In Germany, the permanent vaccination commission (STIKO) recommends the HPV vaccination for girls and boys from the age of 9, ideally before the first sexual contact. Vaccination protects against the most common and dangerous high -risk types such as HPV 16 and 18, which are responsible for 70 % of the cervical cancer cases, as well as 6 and 11 of the low -risic warts.

Vaccination rate in Germany

In Germany, the vaccination rate is around 45 % of girls and only 20 % of the boys, which is below the quota of 80 % recommended by the WHO. According to RKI, vaccination programs and information are crucial levers to increase acceptance and to build up heren immunity in the long term, which also protects unvaccinated people.

Scientific knowledge of effectiveness

Studies have shown that HPV vaccination can drastically reduce the incidence of HPV-related diseases. Countries such as Australia that record high vaccination rates observe a decline in cervical cancer cases by up to 87 %. Positive effects are also expected in Germany when the vaccination rate continues to increase and young people are immunized at an early stage.

Risk factors HPV infection

 An increased risk for an HPV infection arises from a variety of factors that affect physical conditions that affect sexual behavior or certain lifelong.

Sexual behavior

Several sexual partners or frequently changing partnerships increase the risk, since HPV is mainly transmitted through direct skin contact and sexual intercourse. The early start of sexual activities also increases the likelihood of infection.

Immune system weakness

People with a weakened immune system, such as diseases such as HIV or medication, have a higher probability that an HPV infection will not be fended off. A weak immune system makes it easier for the virus to keep in the body permanently.

Smoke

Smoking affects the immune system and damages the mucous membranes, which increases the risk of HPV infection and in particular from HPV-related cancer precursors. Especially in women, the risk of cervical cancer is greatly increased by smoking.

Oral and unprotected sexual intercourse

The notification of protective measures such as condoms increases the risk of infection. Condoms cannot completely prevent HPV, but significantly reduce the risk of transmission. Oral traffic also increases the risk of infection in the mouth and throat.

Early age and gender

Younger people, especially under the age of 25, become more infected with HPV, which is related to the biological and immunological conditions at this age. Overall, women are more often affected by HPV infections and develop specific HPV-related cancer such as cervical cancer.

Partner with a high risk of infection

If the sexual partner has frequently changing sexual contacts or has already gone through HPV infection, the risk of infection increases, even if there are only a few sexual partners.

Which stages of the HPV can occur?

 

Acute infection

Immediately after the transmission, the HPV increases in the infected skin or mucous membrane cells. In this early phase, the infection usually remains asymptomatic, which means that there are no visible signs or symptoms. Often the infected does not recognize the infection at this stage, and the immune system can often eliminate the virus within months.

Persistent infection

In some cases, however, the immune system does not manage to completely dismantle the virus, and it remains in the body for a longer period of time. This persistent infection is particularly problematic because it can lead to long-term cell changes, especially for high-risk HPV types. In women in particular, the virus often remains in the cervix area and thus increases the risk of later cancer.

Cancer preliminary stages (dysplasia)

A long-lasting HPV infection, especially through high-risk types such as HPV 16 and 18, can lead to cell changes for years. These so -called dysplasia are considered cancer precursors and often occur on the cervix and other anogenital areas. The changes are divided into severity, from light dysplasia (CIN 1) to severe dysplasia (CIN 3). Early detection through screening can track down these changes before you get worse.

Cancer stage

If severe dysplasia remain untreated for years, invasive cancer can develop from it. HPV-related cancer most often affect the cervix, but also the mouth-throat area, the anus and the genitals. The transition from dysplasia to cancer usually lasts years to decades, which underlines the benefits of regular check -ups. 

 

Which secondary diseases can occur?

Depending on the type of virus and course, HPV infection can lead to various secondary diseases, from benign growths to malignant cancer.

Prevention and early detection

In addition to vaccination, preventive examinations play an important role in the prevention of HPV-related diseases. The papal test, a cytological smear from the cervix, and the HPV-DNA test are effective means of early detection of cervical cancer and cancer. Women between the ages of 20 and 60 are recommended in Germany to regularly take care of preventive examinations.

What role do HPV tests play?

It is particularly important HPV test, because he specifically aims at carcinogenic viruses and can demonstrate persistent infection at an early stage. An HPV test is used to demonstrate the presence of high-risk HPV types in cells, especially on the cervix. It can be carried out as a sole test or in combination with a PAP smear to evaluate the risk of cervical cancer at an early stage. The test analyzes the DNA from HPV and identifies specific high-risk types associated with cancer. This is particularly recommended for women over 30 years to recognize and treat persistent infections at an early stage.

Prevention tips in everyday life

In addition to vaccination and preventive examinations, there are other measures that can contribute to the prevention of an HPV infection:

• Protection by condoms: Even if condoms do not offer 100 % protection, you can reduce the risk of HPV transmission.
• Informed partner choice: An open conversation with sexual partners about sexual health and infection risks can be helpful.
• Strengthening the immune system: A healthy immune system is better able to ward off the virus. This includes healthy nutrition, sufficient sleep and stress reduction.

Why is HPV education so important?

Human papilloma viruses affect almost every person in the course of their life, but the knowledge of the risks and prevention options is often inadequate. With the HPV vaccination and regular preventive examinations, however, effective measures are available today to significantly reduce the risk. It is therefore important that both young people and adults are informed about HPV and actively work for their health - be it through vaccination, precaution or a conscious lifestyle. The fight against HPV is a crucial step towards a healthier future without avoidable cancer.