What is a papilloma?
The human papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common virus that is transmitted via sexual contact and affects both men and women. It is prevalent among young people and can reach up to 80%. There are more than 100 strains of the virus, most of which do not cause the disease or any symptoms, but about 30 strains can cause disease in the genital area, mouth and throat.
Most people usually easily overcome the infections that the virus generates and do not suffer from any symptoms or complications. Only a minority of men who are infected may develop lesions in the rectum and throat that are cancerours or pre-cancerous and genital warts.
It is important to remember: the strains responsible for the warts do not cause cancer.
How are men infected by HPV?
Any men participating in any type of sexual activity that includes contact with genitalia are at risk of being infected with the HPV virus, and the majority of those infected will not even see any symptoms. This means that they can transfer the virus to others (infecting them) without even knowing about it.
The chances of becoming infected with the HPV virus exist already with the first sexual contact. Skin to skin contact with a person who is infected with the virus is sufficient. This is also the reason why a condom does not completely prevent the risks of becoming infected with the disease.
Is becoming infected with HPV common?
The virus is most common among the younger population and different studies indicate that it is as widespread as up to 50% among the sexually active group.
Is there an HPV test for men?
Currently, there is no recommended HPV test for men. If genital warts appear, you should get tested by a dermatologist or a urologist.
Is there treatment or medication for HPV?
There is no medication that destroys the virus. In most cases there will be spontaneous recovery within 6 – 12 months for cancerous strains and strains that cause warts, which will be expressed by their disappearance. In addition, there is cosmetic treatment for warts (cryotherapy, surgical removal or solutions to dissolve the warts) but it does not destroy the virus and there can be a future recurrence of the warts .
How does it work?
The injection is intended for boys and men ages 9 – 26 and is administered in 3 doses over a period of six months. It is important to complete the treatment (all 3 injections) in order to receive maximum efficiency. It is possible to receive the injections within the framework of an HMO with a referral from the attending physician and at a subsidized cost.
For any additional questions concerning sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS, you can call the clinic’s hotline number: 03-791-9704. For the hotline’s hours of operation and additional information, please press here. You can also receive a response from our forum at https://www.starmed.co.il/forum-84/.
The Levinsky Clinic staff is happy to be at your service.
