INFORMATION CENTRE
WHAT IS HPV?
The human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. HPV is the cause of cervical cancer, the fourth most common cancer among women.
90% of cases of infections tend to go on their own. There are many types of HPV, and while most of these infections do not cause any symptoms and will go away on their own, infection with certain high-risk types of HPV can worsen and develop into cancer.
In addition to cervical cancer, HPV can also cause a variety of other health problems in both men and women such as multiple other types of cancer and genital warts.
The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a group of more than 150 virus of small size related to each other.
About 40 have oncogenic potential.
It is transmitted by sexual contact to both men and women. This is the most common sexually transmitted infection.
It can be found in the cervix, vulva, vagina, anal canal, throat, mouth, penis and scrotum.
DID YOU KNOW?
There are safe and affective vaccines that prevent HPV infection. Vaccines can be given to both girls and boys.
HOW MANY TYPES OF HPV ARE THERE?
Papilloma viruses are divided for their ability to transform a cell into cancer, in: High risk, Intermediate risk, Low risk. Papilloma viruses are also classified by numerical order and there are more than 100 different viral types.
Low risk
Producing genital warts e.g. HPV-6 and HPV-11
Intermediate risk
Frequently detected in anogenital lesions e.g. HPV-39 and HPV-56
High risk
Involved in cervical carcinogenesis e.g. HPV-16 and HPV-18
HOW CAN HPV BE CONTRACTED?
HPV is usually contracted and spread during sex (vaginal, oral and anal) or skin-to-skin sexual contact.
It can be difficult to determine when somebody first became infected with HPV as symptoms may develop years after a sexual encounter with an infected individual.
HPV can be spread even when condoms are used and can be spread even in mutually monogamous relationships.
DID YOU KNOW?
Contaminated sex toys can transmit the virus
Papilloma virus has not been shown to be transmitted by:
• Going to swimming pools, jacuzzis, gyms, or any kind of sport.
• Kissing on the mouth.
• Non-sexual contact with someone with the infection, such as hugging or touching.
• Poor personal hygiene.
• Sharing of toys, food, or utensils from someone with the infection.
WHAT CAN I DO TO PREVENT AN HPV INFECTION?
Having human papillomavirus infection does not mean that you will have cancer. Knowing what the infection and the virus consists of can prevent this epidemic in the future and, over the years, cancer of the cervix.
Get vaccinated. Improving eating habits, avoiding smoking and having a responsible sex life, will prevent HPV infection.
IS HPV FOUND ONLY IN WOMEN?
Both women and men can have the virus and have no symptoms and therefore be carriers of the genital infection and infect their sexual partners.
The more sexual partners one has, the greater the risk of suffering some type of infection by the human papilloma virus. There is currently no accurate test for HPV in males.
HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER I HAVE HPV?
It is recommended to have an annual cervicovaginal cytology or smear test that will help in the detection, in case of infection, cellular changes in very early stages. Ask your doctor, gynaecologist or GU Specialist to guide you if you want to test for HPV.
CAN IT BE TREATED?
If you are found to have an HPV infection, there is a non-surgical treatment, in the form of a vaginal gel with no serious side effects observed*, that improves vaginal health. Thanks to its re-epithelializing and vaginal microbiota rebalancing action, it has clinically demonstrated efficacy in preventing and treating low-grade cervical lesions caused by HPV after 6 months of use7
*Surveillance data on file. Procare Health SL 2020. Vaginal Gel.
Factors that contribute to the persistence of HPV infection and potentially progressing to cervical cancer:
TYPE OF VIRUS
(some types of HPV persist longer than others)1
NUMBER OF DELIVERIES
(number of babies born) and early age at first birth3
TAKING ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Oral hormonal contraceptives create an increased risk of HPV persistence among women who have used them for many years. This risk decreases after treatment discontinuation1
SMOKING
Tobacco use decreases the immune system’s ability to clear HPV infection1,2
IMMUNE STATUS
Immunosuppressed people are more likely to have persistent HPV infections and a more rapid progression to precancerous lesions and cancer1
COINFECTION WITH OTHER SEXUAL TRANSMISSION AGENTS
Such as those that cause herpes simplex, chlamydiosis, and gonorrhea4
IMBALANCE OF THE VAGINAL MICROBIOTA5
In general, in order to avoid persistence of HPV infection, the following is recommended:
1. No Smoking1
2. Consult with your physician regarding the continuation of oral contraceptives1
3. Apply a specific vaginal gel7
1ST TREATMENT TO PREVENT AND TREAT THE HPV-DEPENDENT CERVICAL LESIONS
Instructions for use
WHERE CAN I GO TO GET TESTED?
Here is a list of Clinics that offer HPV Testing. You can also ask you personal doctor, gynaecologist or GU specialist for guidance and support.
GU Clinic Mater Dei Hospital (Free Service)
Location: second floor of the outpatient’s department
Clinic direct line: 25457494
Appointment contact number: 25457491
Email address: guclinic@gov.mt
GU Saint James Hospital GU Clinic
Location: Sliema
Contact number: 23291000
Email address: info@stjameshospital.com
Online appointments: https://m.me/saintjameshospital
Ta’ Pinu Pharmacy
Location: Gharb, Gozo
Contact number: 27888128
Email address: contact@tapinupharmacy.com
Persona
Location: Ta’ Xbiex
Contact number 21340366
Email address: info@persona.com.mt
Sex Clinic Malta
Location: Zebbug
Contact number: 79291817
Book online: https://willingness.com.mt/book-an-appointment/
Email address: info@willingness.com.mt
Contact: Daniela Magro +356 79272588
REFERENCES
- Kombe Kombe AJ, Li B, Zahid A, et al. Epidemiology and Burden of Human Papillomavirus and Related Di- seases, Molecular Pathogenesis, and Vaccine Evaluation. Front Public Health. 2021;8:552028.
- Galani E, Christodoulou C. Human papilloma viruses and cancer in the post-vaccine era. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2009;15(11):977-981.
- Louie KS, de Sanjose S, Diaz M, et al. Early age at first sexual intercourse and early pregnancy are risk factors for cervical cancer in developing countries. Br J Cancer. 2009;100(7):1191-1197.
- Tamarelle J, Thiébaut ACM, de Barbeyrac B, et al. The vaginal microbiota and its association with human pa- pillomavirus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonor- rhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium infections: a syste- matic review and meta-analysis. Clin Microbiol Infect. 2019;25(1):35-47.
- Gao W, Weng J, Gao Y, et al. Comparison of the vaginal microbiota diversity of women with and without human papillomavirus infection: a cross-sectional study. BMC In- fect Dis. 2013;13:271.
- https://papilocare.com/
- Serrano L, López AC, González SP, et al. Efficacy of a Coriolus versicolor-Based Vaginal Gel in Women With Human Papillomavirus-Dependent Cervical Lesions: The PALOMA Study. J Low Genit Tract Dis. 2021;25(2):130-136.
