HPV: Dangerous errors and the importance of vaccination for everyone!

HPV: Dangerous errors and the importance of vaccination for everyone!

Celle, Deutschland - What do we know about HPV and the associated health risks? The human papilloma virus (HPV) has established itself as the most common sexually transmitted infection and can have over 200 different types. The medical look at HPV is from Dr. Sophie Servaes, Gynecologist in Telt, significantly shaped. According to her assessment, HPV can hide in the body for years without causing symptoms. However, this invisibility takes a high risk, since HPV affects not only women but also men - a common mistake that many have.

HPV is not just an issue for women, because men can also infect and statistics sick are alarming: In Germany, around 10,000 men develop penis cancer, anal cancer or head neck carcinomas every year, all of which can be favored by HPV. In many cases, the infection remains undetected, since 90 % of people do not even know that they are affected. Another often widespread misunderstanding is that a condom only offers complete protection - this is wrong, because HPV can also be transmitted.

HPV and cancer risks

The risks of HPV are comprehensive. HPV infections are responsible for approx. 99 % of all cervical carcinomas, with about 50 % of the cases being due to the high-risk type HPV16. It is important for women to perceive regular check-ups, such as the Papal Test, to recognize early changes. Unfortunately, statistics show that around 4,600 women in Germany develop cervical cancer annually, of which around 1,500 die.

Not only women are affected. About 25 % of the types of cancer caused by HPV affect men. Offers for HPV vaccination, such as Providence, are therefore important for both genders. HPV vaccination in particular has proven to be an effective means of preventing up to 90 % of the infections. From the school year 2023, vaccination for students from the 4th grade will be offered free of charge to increase the quota.

vaccination recommendations and prevention

vaccinations play a central role in prevention. One principle is: the earlier, the better. Young people should ideally maintain vaccinations before the age of 15. When vaccination, only small amounts of aluminum are used as an adjuvanz that are considered safe. The Gardasil® 9 vaccine protects against several HPV types and offers both boys and girls protection.

The vaccination rate has increased in recent years. For example, she was 58.4 % for 15-year-old girls in 2024, while she was increasing to 36.9 % in boys. Nevertheless, the general vaccination rate is still below the aim of 80 % until 2030. This fact must be addressed as far as possible to protect the health of everyone.

Finally, it should be noted: HPV can have serious consequences, but with the right education, vaccination and regular preventive examinations, the risk can be significantly reduced. It is up to all of us to be attentive and take health seriously.

For further information and medical education about HPV, a look at the information from lle.be href = "https://www.cancer.fr/professionnels-de-sante/Prevention-et-depistagen/Prevention/agets-infectieux/Prevenir-les-cancers-aux-hpv"> Cancer.fr and bvf.de .