HPV
What causes HPV?
HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Sweden. The virus is highly contagious and most people become infected with one of the different types of the virus at some point in their lives. The infection is asymptomatic and usually clears up on its own, but can cause other conditions such as condyloma (genital warts) and precancerous lesions, as well as causing cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, penis and throat, among others.
How is HPV transmitted?
HPV is transmitted through contact with the mucous membranes and skin, mainly through unprotected sexual intercourse, but it is also possible to become infected through sex with a condom. HPV can probably also be transmitted through deep kissing.
How can you protect yourself against HPV?
Prevention in the form of vaccination is the most effective protection against HPV. In Sweden, all 5th graders are offered vaccination against HPV as part of the national childhood vaccination program. Currently, catch-up vaccination is free for women, through a national initiative to eradicate cervical cancer. It is also possible to be vaccinated privately and pay for it yourself.
The Public Health Agency of Sweden completed a study in June 2024 in which they concluded that the need for catch-up vaccination needs to be expanded to include everyone up to 26 years of age, regardless of gender, and that vaccination for people in the risk group can be considered up to the age of 45. In a press release they wrote: “The Public Health Agency of Sweden sees a need for vaccination against human papillomavirus, HPV, in groups that so far have not been offered this vaccination in an organized way. The groups include boys and men, including men who have sex with men (MSM), as well as transgender people and people living with HIV”.
Condoms are not a safe protection against HPV.
What symptoms can you get?
The virus itself does not cause any symptoms and many people have HPV without knowing it, but if the infection persists it can lead to condyloma (genital warts) or various types of cancer.
How is the examination and testing done?
HPV testing is part of the gynecological smear test performed on women to detect cell changes and precancerous lesions in the cervix. There is currently no HPV test for men.
Where to turn if the infection leads to more severe symptoms?
You can contact a health center, family doctor’s office, youth clinic, skin and vein clinic or sexual and reproductive health clinic for examination. You can find telephone numbers and links to many of the country’s clinics here.
How is HPV treated?
There is no cure for the virus itself for those who have already contracted HPV, but it is possible to avoid infection by getting vaccinated. When HPV leads to condyloma (genital warts), it may sometimes be necessary to treat the warts by brushing them with a corrosive solution or by burning, freezing or surgically removing them. The HPV infection often heals on its own within a few years.
What can happen if you get HPV?
There are more than 200 different types of HPV, 13 of which are classified as high-risk viruses. These can cause condyloma (genital warts) and lead to precancerous lesions as well as cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, penis and throat, for example.
How common is HPV?
The majority of sexually active people are affected by HPV.
What does the Infection Control Act state?
HPV infection is not covered by the Infection Control Act.
