Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)

HPV is the acronym for Human Papilloma Virus, a family of viruses consisting of over 200 viral genotypes that can infect the skin and mucous membranes (mouth, throat, genitals and anus). HPV infection is particularly common. Most genital HPV infections regress spontaneously. The virus may not cause any obvious symptoms and remain inactive for many years. However, a small proportion, if not identified, can gradually develop into cancer. 

 

The most common form of HPV-related cancer is cervical cancer, followed by cancers of the vulva, vagina, penis, anus and throat. 

 

How to spread

HPV primarily spreads through direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes, essentially through sexual intercourse, including oral and anal sex. It is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. 

 

Full sexual intercourse is not necessary to become infected and contact with infected skin cells is sufficient for transmission. The use of contraceptives reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of transmission. 

How to prevent HPV 

Puglia Region offers a multi-stage approach: promoting healthy lifestyles, HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening. 

To enjoy a safe relationship you need to be aware of the risk factors involved and know how to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The Region promotes projects aimed at raising awareness of the risks associated with STDs and encouraging healthy lifestyles from a young age, thanks in part to its Catalogue of Health Promotion Projects, which includes emotional and sexual education projects. 

 

Genital warts, benign growths on the external genital organs, in the anal area or in the oral cavity, can also be caused by infection with low-risk Human Papilloma Virus. Vaccination is the only certain and effective form of prevention, both in terms of cancer prevention and the prevention of warts and sexually transmitted diseases. 

 

The main effective prevention measures are: 

01
the proper and consistent use of condoms during all kinds of sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal and oral). Condoms significantly reduce the risk of infection, although they do not eliminate it completely because some areas of skin or mucous membranes may not be covered
02

undergoing regular medical monitoring: gynaecological examinations, Pap smears and HPV tests for sexually active women allow for early detection of infection and reduce transmission to partners 

04

avoiding sexual intercourse if there are visible genital warts, or at least using a condom, since the lesions are highly contagious. 

05

limiting the number of sexual partners and reducing casual or promiscuous sex, in order to reduce exposure to the virus

06
maintaining good personal hygiene and adopting safe sexual practices, such as avoiding sharing sex toys or washing/covering them with condoms if shared  

In short, the combination of vaccination, condom use, responsible sexual behaviour and regular medical check-ups is the most effective way to reduce the transmission of genital warts. In any case, the only measure that guarantees total protection against infection is vaccination.  

 

The HPV vaccine has been available for more than 25 years. It is a safe and effective preventive measure that protects against the most aggressive cancer inducing strains of HPV and infection with the most contagious low-risk strains. 

 

HPV vaccination for adolescents of both sexes has been included in the recommended vaccination schedule in all Western countries for years, as well as in the Italian and regional immunisation schedules. 

 

Its effectiveness depends on administration before the body has come into contact with HPV, so it is usually given before the onset of sexual activity, but it can also be given afterwards. 

 

The vaccine currently administered is the nonavalent vaccine, which immunises against nine HPV serotypes responsible for most precancerous ano-genital and oral lesions.

Vaccination is voluntary and free of charge for: 
  • boys and girls aged 11 and over 
  • men born in 1996 or after 
  • women born since 1989 
  • people with certain medical conditions or at risk behaviour  

Vaccination is the first step in protecting yourself against HPV, but it is accompanied by another valuable preventive measure, in this case reserved for women only: cervical cancer screening, which is useful in preventing cervical cancer. 

Cancer Screening
Cervix

Women between the ages of 25 and 64 can participate in the screening programme periodically, depending on their age. 

For more information on how to join in the screening programme, visit the dedicated page.  

For more information, consult your general practitioner, your chosen pediatrician, or your gynecologist.


For vaccination, contact the vaccination clinic of your local health authority (ASL).

Prevention programs

Discover HPV campaign or browse all programs and filter them on different criteria



Prevention programs

Discover HPV campaign or browse all programs and filter them on different criteria