Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a DNA virus which can establish productive infections only in the skin or mucous membranes. [1] Over 150 types of HPV have been identified so far. According to estimates, two thirds of people are infected with HPV, mostly during intercourse. [2] [3] Most infections will cause no physical symptoms. The body fights the virus successfully insofar as it's not traceable after a few months. Only 5 per cent of infected people show symptoms. [1]

Symptoms
HPV types 6 and 11 are the etiological cause of genital warts which are primarily a cosmetic problem. "High-risk" HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, and 52 may progress to precancerous lesions and invasive cancer in the human mucous membranes. [4] High-risk HPV infection is a cause of nearly all cases of cervical cancer. [2] [3] [UTERINE NECK]

Possible treatment
A gynecologist can test the endometrium for precancerous conditions with the help of the Pap test. The doctor takes superficial cells from the cervix and the portio which are then analyzed for possible changes and divided into six groups (Pap 0 to Pap V). A suspicious smear test shouldn't give reason for concern since either the lab has made a mistake or there is an infection. In such a case another smear test is advised which should be repeated biannually in order to prevent a further cell division. If the result doesn't change within two years, the neoplastic tissue should be surgically removed. [4] [5] [6]

Genital warts can be surgically removed, or by using a special creme (Imiquimod).

Protection
Condoms or femidoms only partly offer protection against HPV. [3] [4]

Currently two vaccines are available to prevent infection by some HPV types: Gardasil und Cervarix. [7] Extensive Australian studies have shown that Gardasil protects against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause 90% of genital warts. However, a protection against cancer has not been proven yet. [8] The high costs of the vaccines are often criticized since drug makers make big profits. In Austria, the entire immunization costs 624 Euros. [9]

In Japan, the health ministry took back its recommendation for the vaccination of young girls due to reported heavy side effects. [10] Similar problems are also known in Europe. However, there is still a lack of scientific proof about a connection between the cases of illness and vaccination. [11]

Thus, everyone has to decide if the risk of side effects and high costs outweigh the protection against genital warts and perhaps HPV-inducted cancer. [11]