HPV - FAQ2025-02-11T11:25:49+01:00

HPV – Humane Papilloma Viren:
Antworten auf häufige Fragen

Almost everyone becomes infected with human papillomaviruses (HPV) during their lifetime. The genital HP viruses are divided into two groups: the low-risk and the high-risk viruses. Infection with low-risk viruses can lead to the formation of genital warts. An infection with high-risk viruses that does not heal on its own can, in rare cases, lead to cervical cancer over a period of 10 - 15 years.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How do you contract HPV?2022-04-19T14:58:10+02:00

The main route of infection

Infection usually occurs during sexual intercourse through contact with infected skin or mucous membrane areas. Viruses can also be transmitted during oral sex. Infection by non-sexual means is possible, but comparatively rare.

How can you protect yourself?2021-01-25T14:50:37+01:00

Unfortunately, condoms do not reliably protect against HPV because they do not protect all potentially infected areas of skin in the genital area. Nevertheless, they can reduce the risk of infection and of course protect against many other sexually transmitted diseases.

Since 2007, there has been the possibility of vaccination for all those who have not yet been infected. However, this vaccination only protects against an initial infection or against a new infection. According to the current state of knowledge of medical research, vaccination does not improve the chances of healing an existing infection. It is therefore only useful as a preventive measure and is not suitable as a therapy.

Who infected whom?2021-01-25T14:52:00+01:00

Many women find it difficult to talk to their partner about their HPV infection. Most are concerned with the following questions: Who infected whom?

Since the infection does not cause any symptoms, it usually goes unnoticed by those affected. Because women are more likely to be examined, they are also more likely to be diagnosed first. Who infected whom first can no longer be clarified in retrospect.

What does HPV infection mean for my partner?2021-01-25T14:53:45+01:00

Fortunately, serious health problems caused by HPV infection are very rare in men. If your partner wants clarification or advice, urologists, dermatologists or the family doctor are the appropriate contacts for him.

Should we use a condom in the future?2021-01-25T14:52:52+01:00

If you are in a committed relationship, it can be assumed that your partner is also infected with HPV. It is not known whether both partners repeatedly infect each other. However, there are indications that existing cell changes on the woman's cervix are more likely to disappear if a couple regularly uses condoms during sexual intercourse. The reason could be that the immune system can fight off an infection better if it does not have to fight off a new infection at the same time.

Has my partner "cheated"?2021-01-25T14:52:26+01:00

The detection of an HPV infection is not a sign of an external relationship or infidelity. The infection may have occurred many years ago and remained unnoticed, as the infection is usually asymptomatic.

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