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HPV prevalence in young people
Genital warts are caused by the HPV virus (human papillomavirus). There are more than 120 subtypes of the HPV virus, with subtypes 6 and 11 being the ones that commonly cause the appearance of genital lesions (warts).
It is estimated that every year 1.2 people out of every 1,000 will develop genital warts. In Brazil, this is a high figure, with an estimated 252,000 new cases every year.
A study carried out in Brazil in 2017 showed that 54.6% of young people up to the age of 25 were infected with the HPV virus, which can reach approximately 80% at older ages.
The virus is transmitted preferably sexually, through direct contact with contaminated areas (mucous membranes or skin); however, there is the possibility of transmission by hand or object contact (rare).
The major concern with HPV infection is that it increases the risk of cancer of the cervix (in women), penis (in men), rectum or oral cavity.
Genital warts are treated by direct ablation of the lesion using various energy sources.
Today we also have vaccines against the main viral subtypes of HPV.
Dr. Alexandre Miranda has dedicated himself to the study of genital diseases, with all the necessary equipment for their treatment in his office.
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Questions and answers
How did I get the genital wart?
Genital warts are caused by the HPV virus. You usually become infected with it through sexual intercourse and rarely indirectly.
What is the risk of transmitting the HPV virus?
The risk is high, it only takes an average of 1.6 sexual relations for you to transmit it. Infection with the virus is very common and most people will carry it for the rest of their lives.
Is there treatment?
There are various forms of treatment, which you should discuss with your doctor, but there is no way of completely eliminating the virus.
Does smoking increase my risk of genital warts?
Smoking increases the chance of developing genital warts, which is why we encourage you to quit.
How long will I have the genital wart?
Until you seek medical treatment. We can eliminate the wart completely, but it can reappear because the virus is still present in the tissue.
Is this the end of my sex life?
Of course not, we managed to completely eliminate the lesions, as well as vaccinating against the virus.
Should I tell my partner about now and the past?
It's important that you tell your current partner so that she can seek medical attention and get vaccinated.
Should I always use a condom?
The use of condoms reduces the rate of HPV transmission and is recommended, as well as preventing contamination by other sexually transmitted diseases.
Will I develop cancer?
Genital warts do not correlate with cancer, they are caused by subtypes of the HPV virus (usually 6 and 11), which are not known to cause malignant lesions.
Other types of HPV virus do correlate with some types of cancer.
Can genital warts spread to other parts of the body?
This possibility is very rare.
