Every sexually active person will encounter this virus at some point

Every week I meet them in the clinic – men and women, young and older, who arrive embarrassed, confused, or worried. Some are sure someone cheated on them, others are convinced there’s no point in getting vaccinated at their age. Almost everyone thinks it's a "women's issue." But the human papilloma virus is one of the most common infections in the world, and it does not stop there.

The fear of the papilloma virus stems from ignorance, the myths surrounding it make it harder to prevent infection, and it is spreading rapidly. Once you understand the facts, you understand that it is also possible to prevent and save lives.

HPV is one of the most cunning viruses – it can remain dormant for years with no external sign.

Sometimes a Pap test returns showing the presence of the virus, and the women being tested assume it is a fresh infection – especially because they previously received a negative result. But the virus can remain dormant for a decade or more, and then suddenly infect cells again locally.

In other words – infection is not proof of cheating, but a natural part of the sexual life of almost every adult.

The papilloma vaccine is not meant only for young people, but for anyone who has not yet been exposed to all the strains of the virus.

The vaccine protects against several different strains. Even if you were exposed to one strain, you may still be exposed to others. By the way, recent studies have shown that even women who underwent conization treatment for precancerous cervical lesions and received the vaccine only afterward were more protected against recurrence of precancerous lesions. So apparently the vaccine is beneficial even in controlling a strain we were already exposed to.

The virus is so common that almost every sexually active person will encounter it at some point, women and men alike. Anyone can get vaccinated, and recently the vaccine was even added to the health basket for men and women aged 18 to 26 who did not complete the vaccine in school, and it is provided at no cost to this population.

The good news: even at an older age, the vaccine effectively protects and reduces the risk of severe disease.

HPV does not distinguish between genders. It also causes penile cancer, anal cancer, throat cancer, and oral cavity cancer. Men do not only transmit the virus – they can get sick themselves. The meaning is clear: the vaccine is not a “romantic gesture,” but direct protection of personal health – no less important than early detection or healthy nutrition.

Most HPV infections are completely silent. No pain, no signs, no hint.

Women have screening tests that diagnose early cervical changes. But men still do not have successful screening tests to detect carriage or precancerous changes. And when symptoms do appear – such as a lesion on the penis, anus, or in the oral cavity – it is already considered cancer. Therefore, there is no other way to protect men right now – only the vaccine. That is exactly why the vaccine is so critical. It protects even when there is no way to know the virus is present.

The virus is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, even without penetration. The friction itself, even in the groin area, may be enough for infection. The condom does not provide full protection. It definitely protects against other diseases, but it is not a substitute for the vaccine.

Bottom line, HPV is not a topic to be afraid to talk about, but to understand. Almost everyone who has sex will be exposed to it at some point, but with vaccination, awareness, and appropriate testing – it is possible to prevent most cases of illness.