HPV, human papillomavirus (HPV), is a viral disease that progresses with warts, especially in the genitals. The virus can only settle on the skin and mucosa and cause disease there. Clinical symptoms are usually in the form of raised warts on the skin or mucosa. A single wart multiplies over time and if left untreated, can lead to cervical cancer in women, as well as vaginal, anal and laryngeal cancer. Although women are more affected, it is known to cause penile cancer, anal and laryngeal cancer in men.
HPV, especially because it is sexually transmitted, unfortunately causes couples to worry when one of the couples is positive. There are more than 40 subtypes of HPV, and most of them are innocent, meaning they only progress with warts. In fact, these viruses can be completely cleared from the body by the immune system over time. However, some subtypes are resistant to treatment and have an oncogenic structure, meaning they have a high potential to cause cancer.
The presence of HPV in one of the couples can cause trust between the couples to be shaken. Due to the long incubation period and the fact that the virus can remain in the body for a long time without causing symptoms, the virus may have been acquired by the couple before their relationship. One of the couple may have acquired the virus somehow before their current relationship and transmitted it to their current partner/spouse. The lesions detected in the person now may be a recurrence of a previous lesion that was not noticed after the initial infection.
HPV is mostly transmitted sexually. However, it should not be forgotten that HPV can be transmitted without sexual contact. Studies have shown that HPV can spread through contact, although rare. Skin hygiene and hair cleaning tools are important in preventing this contact. Researchers have shown that HPV can survive on surfaces. There is a rare risk of transmission through contact in people with a damaged skin barrier. Couples should consider this type of transmission.
If your spouse or lover is detected as HPV positive, the important points you should also pay attention to are as follows:
- Determining the HPV subtype: If HPV warts are detected in men, determining the HPV type for their partner is very important. If a man has a high-risk HPV subtype, his partner will be monitored more closely for cancer risk.
The HPV subtype can be learned by taking a sample from the wart and sending it to the laboratory. With this test, it is learned which type of virus causes warts and whether it carries a risk for cancer.
- HPV vaccine: Getting vaccinated is an important step to protect against HPV. The HPV vaccine can be effective in protecting especially against cancer-causing types of the virus. This vaccine, which is available for both women and men, can help prevent the virus from being transmitted.
It may be thought that the vaccine will be ineffective in infected people or that it is pointless to get vaccinated if the person is already infected. HPV can continue its effect on the skin for a long time without stimulating the immune system. The immune system is stimulated with the vaccine and activates the body against the HPV type that is present in the person.
- Regular doctor check-ups: HPV infection can increase the risk of cervical cancer, especially for women. It is important for your partner to have regular gynecological examinations and Pap smear tests. In men, HPV can cause genital warts or other problems; therefore, it is important not to neglect health checks.
Most warts can be overlooked when they are small. Your doctor can treat your wart while it is still small, using light and magnifying tools.
- Protected intercourse: HPV is mostly transmitted through sexual contact. If your partner has HPV infection, avoiding unprotected sex can reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. Although using a condom does not necessarily prevent HPV transmission, it can reduce the risk of transmission.
- Monitor the symptoms: HPV can cause warts or abnormal cell changes in your genitals. If you notice any changes or suspicious conditions in your genitals, you should immediately consult a urologist.
- Healthy lifestyle: Individuals with a strong immune system may have a higher chance of defeating HPV. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking and managing stress can support the immune system.