What is HPV?
HPV – Symptoms, Protection & Treatment
HPV (human papillomavirus) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections worldwide. Most people become infected with HPV at least once in their lifetime, often without noticing it. In many cases, an HPV infection is asymptomatic and heals on its own – but certain types of HPV can cause genital warts (condylomata acuminata) or even cervical cancer and other types of cancer.
The good news is that there is a vaccine against HPV that provides reliable protection against the most dangerous types of the virus. Condoms also help to reduce the risk of infection, even if they do not offer complete protection. Since HPV often causes no symptoms, regular HPV testing (especially for women) is crucial for the early detection of possible cell changes.
For comprehensive information on various sexually transmitted infections and protective measures, take a look at our detailed overview.
HPV transmission routes: How do you get infected?
HPV is mainly transmitted through intimate skin contact and sexual activity. This means that not only from unprotected vaginal and anal intercourse, but also oral sex and direct skin contact in the genital area pose a risk of infection. Since the viruses are located on the skin and mucous membranes, infection is possible even without visible symptoms.
Is HPV only sexually transmitted?
No, HPV can also be transmitted without direct sexual intercourse. Since the viruses are located on the skin and mucous membranes, intimate skin contact is sufficient for infection. Sharing sex toys can also pose a risk of transmission, especially if they are not cleaned properly or covered with a fresh condom.
Another, albeit rarer, risk of transmission is through smear infections—for example, when infected hands touch your own mucous membranes or those of your partner.
Nevertheless, unprotected sexual intercourse remains the most common route of transmission, as HPV is usually passed on through direct mucous membrane contact.
How high is the risk during oral sex?
HPV can also be transmitted through oral sex and cause infections in the mouth and throat. The following applies: the more frequently unprotected oral sex is practiced and the more sexual partners a person has, the higher the risk of HPV infection.
High-risk HPV types are particularly problematic, as they can increase the risk of mouth, throat, or larynx cancer. Studies show that HPV-related cancers in the throat have increased in recent years, especially in men.
Although the risk is lower overall with oral sex than with vaginal or anal intercourse, it still exists. Condoms and dental dams offer some protection, but cannot completely prevent transmission, as HPV is also passed on through skin contact.
If you want to protect yourself as much as possible, you should practice safe sex and consider getting the HPV vaccine, as it also protects against high-risk types.
HPV symptoms & possible consequences
In most cases, HPV infections are asymptomatic, as the immune system often fights off human papillomaviruses on its own. Many people are therefore unaware they are infected. Nevertheless, HPV can have both harmless and serious health consequences, depending on the type of HPV.
HPV symptoms in women and men
The type of symptoms depends on whether the HPV infection is low-risk or high-risk.
Low-risk HPV types cause:
- Genital warts: small, soft growths in the genital or anal area
- Warts in the mouth or throat: caused by transmission through oral sex
- No visible symptoms: an infection can exist without being noticeable
High-risk HPV types can lead to cell changes that in some cases cause cancer.
HPV and cancer risk
Certain high-risk HPV types are responsible for a variety of cancers. These infections usually go unnoticed for years or decades before malignant cell changes develop.
- Cervical cancer: almost all cases are caused by HPV
- Anal cancer, penile cancer, or vaginal cancer: rare, but also associated with HPV
- Oral and throat cancer: often caused by HPV transmission during oral sex
How does cervical cancer develop?
Cervical cancer develops as a result of persistent infection with high-risk HPV types. These viruses can alter the cells in the cervix, which over time can lead to precancerous lesions and eventually cancer.
This is why prevention is so important. Regular HPV tests and Pap smears at the gynecologist are essential for detecting cell changes early and treating them in time. This can significantly reduce the risk of cancer developing.
Do you have HPV for life?
No, HPV does not always remain in the body. In about 90% of cases, the immune system eliminates the viruses within two years. However, in some people, the virus can persist longer, especially if they have a weakened immune system or certain high-risk HPV types.
Since there are no medications to treat the virus itself, only symptoms such as genital warts or cell changes can be treated to minimize health risks. The best prevention is the HPV vaccination, as it protects against the most dangerous types of the virus and significantly reduces the risk of cancer.
HPV prevention: vaccination & condoms
Since HPV is widespread and often goes unnoticed, prevention is the best protective measure. Most infections are harmless, but some types of HPV can cause genital warts or even cancer. That is why it is important to keep the risk of infection as low as possible. Two key measures play a decisive role in this.
HPV vaccination – protection against dangerous virus types
The HPV vaccination offers the most reliable protection against the most dangerous types of HPV, which can cause genital warts and various types of cancer. The vaccination is particularly effective when administered before an individual's first sexual contact, as the risk of infection does not yet exist at that point.
Who should be vaccinated?
- Girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 14: this is when the vaccination is most effective
- Catch-up vaccinations up to the age of 18: costs covered by health insurance
- Adults up to the age of 26: vaccination possible, but the cost is not guaranteed to be covered
Why is vaccination so important?
The vaccination not only protects against genital warts, but has also been proven to reduce the risk of cervical cancer, anal cancer, and other HPV-related cancers. Although it is no substitute for regular checkups, it offers effective protection against the most dangerous types of HPV.
Condoms – additional protection
Condoms, such as Wingman condoms, offer important protection against many sexually transmitted infections, including HPV. However, since HPV can be transmitted not only through bodily fluids but also through skin contact in the genital area, condoms do not offer complete protection.
- They provide effective protection against many STIs, but only reduce the risk of HPV transmission.
- Should also be used during oral sex, as HPV can infect the mouth and throat
- In combination with the HPV vaccine, they offer the best protection against infection
In short: HPV vaccination is the best protection against the most dangerous types of HPV, while condoms further reduce the risk of infection. Combining both provides the best possible protection against infection and possible complications. If you would like to learn more about how to use condoms correctly, you can find helpful tips in our brandstore.
HPV testing, treatment, and cure
Since HPV often goes unnoticed, regular checkups are essential for detecting possible cell changes at an early stage. For women in particular, HPV screening by a gynecologist is an important part of cancer prevention.
How is HPV tested?
Since HPV often has no symptoms, an infection often goes unnoticed. That is why regular testing is important to detect possible cell changes at an early stage.
- Women: An HPV smear test at the gynecologist – usually as part of a preventive examination
- Men: There is no standardized HPV test, but examinations are possible if abnormalities are found
Can HPV be cured?
The virus itself cannot be cured, but the immune system can often eliminate it on its own. In about 90% of cases, the body fights off an HPV infection within two years without the need for treatment.
However, there are also cases in which the virus remains in the body for years or even decades. This occurs more frequently with certain high-risk HPV types that can cause long-term cell changes. When the immune system is weakened, the risk of the virus persisting and possibly developing precancerous lesions increases.
This is why regular preventive examinations are so important. While the virus itself cannot be treated, cell changes or genital warts can be removed in a targeted manner to minimize health risks.
Treatment options
As there are no specific medications for HPV, treatment focuses on minimizing the possible symptoms and consequences of the infection.
- Genital warts can be removed, for example, by freezing, laser therapy, or creams.
- Regular cancer screening is crucial for detecting cell changes at an early stage and treating them in good time.
Protect yourself from HPV
HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections, which often remains harmless but can have serious consequences in some cases. The best prevention is the HPV vaccination, regular testing, and the use of condoms as additional protection.
How to protect yourself:
- Get vaccinated: the best protection against dangerous HPV types!
- Use condoms to reduce the risk of infection.
- Go for regular cancer screenings (especially if you are a woman).
Practice safe sex and try the Wingman sample pack now – see for yourself how easy they are to use and enjoy maximum protection and comfort!