The incidence of the human papilloma virus is one of the highest among men and women in the world. Despite this, the amount of misinformation and ignorance that exists around him is surprising.
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are transmitted through sexual contact. Some of them are responsible for some types of cancer, and also other conditions, such as genital warts. But of the more than 150 types that exist, only 13 of them are oncogenic (associated with the appearance of some type of cancer) and only 2 types (16 and 18), are the cause of most of the neck cancers of uterus.
As we say, HPV is not exactly unusual: 80% of sexually active people will have contact with the virus at some point in their life. And what’s more: it is usual to come into contact with him in youth, shortly after initiating sexual activity. This fact, together with the evidence that two specific types of papillomavirus cause 70% of cervical cancers (and others, such as cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina and penis), causes that a certain social alarm has been installed among the population.
Effective prevention by means of prophylactics against this type of virus is complicated, because the condom, both female and male, does not cover the entire skin. In addition, if we do not use any means of prevention, the only possible option is celibacy or exclusivity with a single partner, on both sides and without any having been in contact with the virus. An option, certainly, difficult to reconcile with the lifestyle of a person who wants to freely experiment with their sexuality and emotions.
Therefore, the vaccine is the only effective way of prevention. Many countries have already implemented vaccination of adolescent girls and, eventually, also of boys; Ideally, it should be administered before the first sexual intercourse.
HPV: misinformation and social alarm
As detailed information about the virus is obtained, the sensation of alertness to the possible dangers of its contagion increases in the population. The misinformation about this subject leads to a frequent mistake: that of associating the contagion of the virus automatically with the suffering of a cancer in the future. But to what extent should we be alarmed?
Thanks to the information provided by Doctor of Medicine Mercedes Herrero Conde, from SaludSexall, in this gallery we answer 10 frequently asked questions about the Human Papilloma Virus and delve into how to prevent its spread to stop its spread in the population.
