Below, you will find a description of the different STDs.
Here, you will also find all information if you wish to be tested.
The Human Papilloma Virus
The Human Papilloma Virus
- What is HPV?
The Human Papilloma Virus or HPV is a virus that may cause genital warts and cervical cancer, but it can also play a role in the development of throat cancer and anal cancer.
The cervix is the part that links the womb with the vagina.
There are many different strains of the virus, but HPV 16 and HPV 18 carry the highest risk of cervical cancer.
- How is it transmitted?
HPV is transmitted by sexual contact. The virus is transmitted via the skin or the mucous membrane. So, by touching, rubbing or intercourse.
The use of a condom cannot completely prevent this.
- Complaints
Most of the time, an HPV infection in the cervix goes unnoticed. Very occasionally, blood loss may occur after sexual contact.
Most of the time, the body clears the virus within a year and the cervix heals on its own.
If this is not the case, abnormal cells may develop in the womb over the next ten to fifteen years. These might or might not lead to cervical cancer. Every three years, you can have a smear test to check for abnormal cells. The Violett doctors also offer this service.
- Preventing infection?
- Vaccines exist to protect against an HPV infection, especially if given before the first sexual contact or before the age of 26. You can find more information about HPV vaccination via How can I protect myself against HPV? If you have questions about the vaccine or you want to know whether it would be worthwhile for you to be vaccinated, do not hesitate to discuss this with the Violett doctors. Together with you, they will check whether you would benefit from vaccination!
- Use a condom. Even if a condom cannot prevent infection completely, the chance of infection when using a condom is significantly lower!