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

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

What do we know about HPV and the health risks associated with it? The human papillomavirus (HPV) has established itself as the most common sexually transmitted infection and can have over 200 different types. The medical look at HPV is given by Dr. Sophie Servaes, gynecologist in Tielt, played a key role. According to their assessment, HPV can hide in the body for years without causing symptoms. But it is precisely this invisibility that poses a high risk, as HPV affects not only women but also men - a common misconception that many people have.

HPV is not just an issue for women, as men can also become infected and the statistics are alarming: every year around 10,000 men in Germany develop penile cancer, anal cancer or head and neck cancer, all of which can be caused by HPV. In many cases, the infection goes undetected because 90% of people don't even know they are affected. Another common misconception is that a condom alone provides complete protection - this is incorrect because HPV can also be transmitted through skin contact.

HPV and cancer risks

The risks of HPV are extensive. HPV infections are responsible for around 99% of all cervical cancers, with around 50% of cases being due to the high-risk type HPV16. It is important for women to have regular checkups, such as the Pap test, to detect early changes. Unfortunately, statistics show that around 4,600 women in Germany develop cervical cancer every year, of which around 1,500 die.

But it's not just women who are affected. About 25% of cancers caused by HPV affect men. HPV vaccination offers, such as those offered by Providence, are important for both genders. The HPV vaccination in particular has proven to be an effective way to prevent up to 90% of infections. From the 2023 school year, the vaccination will be offered free of charge to students from the 4th grade in order to increase the rate.

Vaccination recommendations and prevention

Vaccinations play a central role in prevention. One principle is: the sooner, the better. Adolescents should ideally receive the vaccinations before the age of 15. Only small amounts of aluminum are used as adjuvants in vaccination and are considered safe. The Gardasil® 9 vaccine protects against multiple types of HPV and offers protection to both boys and girls.

The vaccination rate has increased in recent years. For example, among 15-year-old girls in 2024 it was 58.4%, while among boys it increased to 36.9%. Nevertheless, the general vaccination rate is still below the desired target of 80% by 2030. This circumstance must be addressed as much as possible in order to protect everyone's health.

In conclusion, HPV can have serious consequences, but with the right education, vaccination and regular check-ups, the risk can be significantly reduced. It is up to all of us to be vigilant and take health seriously.

For further information and medical education about HPV, we recommend taking a look at the information from elle.be, cancer.fr and bvf.de.