We debunk the biggest myths about HPV

Did you know that HPV is so common that 80 percent sexually active men and women catch it at some point in their lives? The human papillomavirus HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world, and the most virulent genotypes can cause cervical cancer. Discover the seven biggest myths about HPV!

MYTH # 1: I’m not at risk of getting infected with HPV

Human papillomavirus infection occurs not only during sexual intercourse, but also through direct contact with the blood or saliva of an infected person. This means that infection can occur in many places – at the beautician, hairdresser or tattoo studio. [1] Moreover, the virus can also be transmitted through the use of the same towels or personal hygiene items.

Both men and women can get sick – and pass it on – without even knowing it. Moreover, even couples in long-term relationships can be affected by HPV. Anyone can become infected with HPV, although the risk increases as the number of sexual partners you – or your partner – have had throughout your life, increases. Other factors that increase the risk of infection also include:

1. Early sexual intercourse
2. Sexual partners at risk
3. Inadequate hygiene of intimate areas
4. A large number of previous deliveries
5. Long-term hormonal contraception
6. Having sex without condom protection [2]

MYTH # 2: HPV infection = cervical cancer

There are over 100 different types of HPV and we can divide them into two main categories – low risk and high risk. Low-risk HPV can cause warts around the genitals, anus, mouth, and throat. On the other hand, HPV viruses with a high oncogenic risk can cause many different cancers – cancer of the anus, vulva, mouth, throat, vagina, penis, especially cervical cancer. It is estimated that two strains of HPV – 16 and 18 – are responsible for 70 percent. cervical cancer cases, which leads to around 500 cases each year. new cases and 270 thousand. deaths worldwide. [3]

Fortunately, HPV infection is not a sentence and is not synonymous with cervical cancer. In most cases, HPV clears up on its own within two years without serious health problems, but sometimes HPV infections are not effectively controlled by the immune system. When high-risk HPV remains in the body for many years, it can cause cellular changes that, if left untreated, can deteriorate and become cancer over time. [4]

Find out more about the human papillomavirus at https://colpofix.pl/, which provides comprehensive information on the HPV virus.

MYTH # 3: HPV infection mainly affects the elderly

The human papillomavirus can be infected by anyone, and the most common HPV infections are not in middle age, and in women and men aged 15 to 25 years – they account for more than half of the infected people. [5]

MYTH 4: I have one sexual partner, so I’m not at risk of contracting HPV

All sexually active people can catch HPV, even if they only have sex with one person. Moreover, symptoms of infection can appear many years after infection, so there is no way of knowing which partner was the source of the infection or when it happened. For this reason, HPV infection in a long-term relationship does not mean betrayal of the partner. HPV infection is so widespread that many experts consider it an inevitable consequence of normal sexual activity.

MYTH # 5: HPV infection gives characteristic symptoms

Infection with the human papillomavirus is usually asymptomatic, and about 9 out of 10 infections will resolve on their own within two years – so many infected people will never know they have been infected with the virus.

Some women infected with low-risk HPV may develop genital warts that are not a serious health risk – they can also appear in men, but they are much less common. Moreover, some women infected with high-risk HPV may develop invisible cellular changes that over time can lead to the development of cervical, vaginal, vulva, anus, head and neck cancer.

Therefore, the only way to detect them is to visit a gynecologist who will check the presence of changes with the help of simple tests, schedule a follow-up visit and, if necessary, decide on appropriate treatment.

MYTH 6: Condoms completely eliminate the possibility of contracting HPV

Condoms offer some, but not 100% protection against HPV because they do not cover the entire skin of the intimate area. While they do not reliably block the spread of HPV, they offer significant protection against most other sexually transmitted diseases as well – which is why it is so important to always remember to use condoms with each new partner.

MYTH 7: HPV infection affects fertility

HPV infection does not affect fertility and reproductive capacity is not reduced.

FACT: Prevention protects against the development of cervical cancer – check yourself regularly!

HPV cancers are often asymptomatic until they are advanced. For this reason, prophylaxis in the form of regular cytology is so important. The examination does not hurt, it takes five minutes, and it can save a life.

It is recommended that the first Pap smear test is performed after the first sexual intercourse or at the latest in the age of 25. It should be repeated once a year and then, if the results are normal, every three years. Women at high risk of cervical cancer (HIV, HPV, immunocompromised, smokers) should have a Pap smear every year. Ending screening may be considered after the age of 60, but only if the results so far have been normal. [6]

Colpofix® – effective prevention and treatment of low grade cervical lesions caused by HPV

Colpofix® is an innovative vaginal spray gel used to prevent and treat cervical lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Therapy with Colpofix® is recommended for all women infected with the human papillomavirus, regardless of whether they have cervical lesions or not. In women with no cervical changes, Colpofix® is effective as a preventive treatment, and in women with cervical changes, Colpofix® is an effective therapy supporting the regression of changes and the reconstruction of the epithelium.

Due to the properties of the active ingredients: polycarbophil and carboxymethyl-beta-glucan, Colpofix® creates a barrier on the cervical and vaginal mucosa that protects the affected area against the harmful effects of external microbiological factors. In addition, Colpofix® supports the reconstruction of the epithelium and the reversal of cervical changes, as well as the reconstruction and maintenance of a normal vaginal microbiota, thanks to the prebiotic effect of carboxymethyl-beta-glucan.

The device has been evaluated in four clinical trials with over 2 patients, which demonstrated both clinical efficacy and a high safety profile. A study involving 000 women showed that 999% of patients had epithelial restoration and low-grade reversal of cervical lesions just six months after starting Colpofix®. women.

Its innovative spray formula allows for even and effective distribution of the gel on the cervical and vaginal mucosa, without the related leakage, and the ergonomic shape of the applicators allows it to reach the cervix. It is recommended to make one application a day (five sprays) at night before going to bed. One package is enough for 10 days of treatment. After this time, treatment should be resumed as prescribed by the doctor. Find out more at https://solinea.pl/colpofix/