It is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to various health problems, including cervical cancer in women.

The cause of HPV infection is a DNA virus from the family of papillomaviruses

HPV is very common. The disease affects both men and women of all ages, although young people are at greater risk

HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) worldwide.

HPV can lead to various health problems, including genital warts and certain types of cancer, such as cancer of the cervix, anus, and oropharynx (cancer of the mouth and throat).

Increasing awareness about HPV and promoting preventive measures such as vaccination and regular screenings are important in controlling the spread of this disease.

Transmission and symptoms

Methods of transmission of HPV: It is mainly transmitted through skin-to-skin contact in the genital area and as a result of all types of sexual relations, including vaginal, anal and oral sex.

HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact. Also, this virus can spread through close skin-to-skin contact, such as contact during childbirth or genital-to-genital contact.

The HPV virus can be transmitted even in the absence of visible symptoms or signs of infection.

Symptoms: Most people with HPV do not experience any symptoms and the infection clears up on its own. However, some types of HPV can cause genital warts, which are small, fleshy bumps or lumps in the genital area.

Types of HPV

High risk strains

4 high-risk strains of HPV are known as the cause of cervical cancer as well as other types of cancer such as anal, vaginal, penile and oropharynx cancer. The most common high-risk strains are HPV 16 and HPV 18, which are responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. Other high risk strains are 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.

Low risk strains

Low-risk strains of HPV do not usually cause cancer, but they can still cause health problems such as genital warts. The most common are the low-risk strains of HPV 6 and HPV 11, which are responsible for most cases of genital warts.

HPV vaccination

The importance of HPV vaccination

HPV vaccination is important in preventing HPV infection, which can lead to a variety of cancers, including cervical, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.

• Vaccination provides long-term protection against HPV and reduces the risk of developing HPV and related diseases.

  Recommended age groups for vaccination:

  The HPV vaccine is recommended for both men and women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine vaccination for adolescents 11-12 years of age.

  It is also recommended for people up to 26 years old who have not been vaccinated before.

  Potential side effects

  The HPV vaccine is generally safe and well tolerated. Common side effects include pain or swelling at the injection site, fever, and headache.

  Serious side effects are rare.

  Types of vaccines available in Iran

  Gardasil 9 (German): This vaccine is 9-valent and covers HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58.

  Gardasil 4 (German): This vaccine is 4-valent and covers HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18.

  Papillogard (Iranian): This vaccine is bivalent and covers virus types 16 and 18.

  Prevention and screening methods

  Safe sex practices such as practicing safe sex, such as using condoms, can help reduce the risk of HPV transmission.

  Pap smear test can help detect HPV infections and abnormal cell changes in the cervix in the early stages and provide the possibility of timely treatment and prevention of cervical cancer.

  Regular Pap smear tests and HPV vaccination can help prevent cervical cancer.

  HPV-related diseases

  Genital warts: HPV infection can cause genital warts, which are small, fleshy bumps. These warts can appear in the genital area, anus or throat.

  Cervical cancer: HPV is the main cause of cervical cancer.

  Other cancers: HPV infection can also lead to other types of cancer, including cancer of the anus, vagina, vulva, penis, and oropharynx.

  Vaccinations and regular screenings are important for early detection and prevention of these cancers.

  Treatment options

  Although the virus can remain in the body without symptoms for a long time, but in mild cases, the immune system can overcome the virus and destroy it, and therefore strengthening the immune system can help speed up the healing process of the disease. In severe cases, surgical interventions and prescription of antiviral drugs are also performed.

  Surgical interventions: In cases where HPV-related diseases lead to abnormal cell growth or cancer, surgical interventions may be necessary. Methods such as cryotherapy, laser therapy and surgical removal can be used to remove abnormal tissue. The effectiveness of these types of methods in eliminating the virus is still being researched.

Medication: Antiviral medications may be prescribed to treat HPV-related conditions such as genital warts. These drugs can help reduce symptoms and prevent the virus from spreading.

Also, drugs containing medicinal mushrooms such as ganoderma and shiitake can prevent the spread of this virus by inhibiting the proliferation of HPV-infected cells and play a useful role in improving its symptoms.

Lifestyle changes: Making certain lifestyle changes can help manage HPV treatment. Always remember to create correct habits in nutrition, sleep, safe sex and managing stress and anxiety, and quitting smoking will strengthen the body’s immune system, and by strengthening the immune system, better results can be achieved in the treatment of this disease.

Conclusion and summary

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection that can lead to various health problems, including cervical cancer. Preventive measures are key in reducing the risk of HPV infection, and this can be achieved through safe sex and vaccination. Vaccination against HPV is very effective in preventing infection and reducing the incidence of related diseases. Early detection through regular screenings, such as Pap smear and HPV testing, is very important in identifying and treating HPV-related diseases in the early stages. By prioritizing prevention, vaccination, and early detection, we can work to reduce the burden of HPV-related disease and improve public health.