HPV prevention: key steps to protect your sexual health

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Regardless of age, HPV prevention should be a concern for everyone, especially women. In the United States alone, there are an estimated 14 million infections each year. Similarly, in the UK. 70% of the unvaccinated will acquire the infection at some point in their lives ^(1,2).

This is why we want to explain what it is and how to prevent it during menopause.

Do you know what Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is?

HPV is an infection caused by a very common group of viruses, of which there are more than 100 types. Each of them manifests itself differently and spreads in specific areas of the body ⁽¹⁾. The diseases that these viruses cause in the genital area are considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs). ⁽³⁾.

The importance of preventing HPV

HPV vaccination as an effective form of prevention during menopause.

HPV prevention is crucial for several reasons, including avoiding the cancers with which it is associated. The most studied of these is cancer of the cervix (part of the female reproductive system). It has also been linked to cancers of the anus, vagina, vulva, and back of the throat ⁽³⁾.

HPV is highly contagious during adolescence but can also reactivate during menopause. This is due to a decrease in the defense system, which increases the risk of developing HPV-related cancers from age 50 onwards ⁽⁴⁾.

HPV prevention: how is it transmitted?

It is important to know that HPV can often be transmitted through sexual contact, even without penetration. The main routes by which it is acquired are ⁽⁵⁾:

Skin-to-skin contact in the genital area.

Vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

Sharing sex toys.

After contact with the virus, neither vaginal douching nor natural barriers such as vaginal pH can prevent infection. It is important to keep in mind that you do not need to have sex with many people to get HPV - one single contact is enough. Therefore, it is crucial to know and follow HPV prevention measures to protect your health ^(2,5).

What are the signs and symptoms of HPV infection?

It is possible to acquire HPV and have no symptoms for many years. It is also possible for the infection to manifest spontaneously sometime after infection, making it difficult to determine when it was acquired and how many others have been infected. For this reason, HPV prevention is essential even if your sexual partner appears to be healthy ⁽⁶⁾.

Most infected people never have any symptoms. Unlike other STIs, it does not cause vaginal odour or discharge. However, it can sometimes cause ^(1,5):

• Skin growths around the vagina, penis, or anus.

• Vulvar pimples.

• Warts on hands and feet.

Genital warts usually appear as a small bump or cluster of genital warts in the genital area. They can be small or large, raised or flat, as well as cauliflower shaped. They are so characteristic that a specialist can usually diagnose them just by looking at them ⁽⁴⁾.

How do I know if I am infected with the virus?

The test for HPV is the same as the test for cervical cancer. It cannot be detected by blood or pelvic ultrasound ⁽⁵⁾.

The test consists of a vaginal examination called a Pap smear or vaginal cytology. In this test, a sample of cells is taken from the cervix with swab-like instruments. The sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis and further detection of abnormal cells or yeast infections. It is recommended that all sexually active women undergo these tests on a regular basis ⁽⁵⁾.

HPV prevention in menopause: Follow these recommendations!

Although it is impossible to completely protect the skin on your body against HPV, there are recommendations to prevent HPV infection in the areas most prone to developing cancer. Even if you are in menopause and are no longer at risk of pregnancy, it is important that you don't forget to use protection. You can prevent infection by ⁽⁵⁾:

Proper condom use. This is every time you have sex, putting it on before the first contact.

HPV vaccine. Although it does not protect against all types of HPV, the most dangerous ones can be prevented.

Practice mutually monogamous relationships.

The vaccine is indicated for children from 9 years old to adults 25 years old. However, it can sometimes be given before the age of 45, so ask your healthcare provider if it is right for you ⁽⁶⁾.

Start HPV prevention today!

Now you have the information you need to prevent HPV. Remember that it is always important to take care of your health and not wait until it is too late. If you have any doubts about having previously acquired the virus, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about getting tested and follow the recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus - start HPV prevention today!

Bibliographical references

Cleveland Clinic. HPV Human Papillomavirus: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment [Internet]. 2017 [cited 2023 Apr 24]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11901-hpv-human-papilloma-virus

UK. Information on HPV vaccination [Internet]. GOV.UK. GOV.UK; 2021 [cited 2023 Apr 24]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hpv-vaccine-vaccination-guide-leaflet/information-on-hpv-vaccination

Mayo Clinic. HPV infection - Symptoms and causes [Internet]. [cited 2023 Apr 23]. 2021. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20351596

The North American Menopause Society. HPV and Menopause [Internet]. Menopause.org. 2023 [cited 2023 Apr 24]. Available from: https://www.menopause.org/for-women/menopauseflashes/sexual-health/hpv-and-menopause-what-women-of-the-sexual-revolution-need-to-know#:~:text=But%20women's%20risk%20for%20HPV,an%20infection%20acquired%20years%20ago

NHS Choices. Human papillomavirus (HPV) [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2023 Apr 23]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/human-papilloma-virus-hpv/

CDC. STD Facts - Human papillomavirus (HPV) [Internet]. 2023 [cited 2023 Apr 24]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpv.htm#:~:text=HPV%20can%20cause%20cervical%20and,after%20a%20person%20gets%20HPV