HPV explained: what you really need to know
Today is 4 March: HPV Awareness Day. A time to reflect on a virus that almost everyone encounters at some point, often without noticing. What exactly is HPV? And what do you really need to know about it? Here we explain it briefly and clearly for you.
What is HPV?
HPV stands for human papillomavirus. It is a common virus transmitted through intimate (sexual) contact. The remarkable - and perhaps surprising - thing is that almost everyone who is sexually active comes into contact with HPV at some point in their lives.
Is HPV dangerous?
Most of the time, it doesn't. In most cases, the body clears the virus on its own within one to two years, without you noticing. Therefore, many people don't even know they have (or have had) HPV.
But: there are different types of HPV. Some types can cause problems; such as genital warts (benign, but annoying) and, in the longer term, certain forms of cancer. The best-known form is cervical cancer, but HPV can also cause other cancers, such as:
- Anus cancer
- Penile cancer
- Mouth and throat cancer
And importantly, HPV affects both women and men.
How do you get HPV?
HPV is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sex. That means you can get it even if you use a condom, because the virus can be on the skin around the genitals. A condom reduces the risk, but does not offer full protection.
Can you prevent HPV?
You can reduce the risk by:
- Vaccination (protects against the riskiest types)
- Participation in population screening for cervical cancer
- Open communication on sexual health
Why is awareness important?
Because HPV is so common but there are still many misunderstandings and taboos about it. It is not a “rare” condition and it says nothing about a person's hygiene or behaviour. It is simply a common virus. By talking about it openly, sharing good information and using preventive vaccinations, we can prevent many health problems. Knowledge is not panic; knowledge is protection.
HPV vaccination in the National Vaccination Programme
The HPV vaccination is included in the national vaccination programme. Children receive the first HPV (Human Papillomavirus) shot in the year they turn 10. After six months, they get a second shot. After that, children are protected for at least 15 years. They can then also not pass on the virus to others.
Didn't get the HPV vaccination but still want it after you turn 18? Then you can get vaccinated at Vaccinatiepunt on your own initiative. You can contact us by phone for this. Please note that you will then pay for the vaccination yourself. The costs are also not covered by the supplementary insurance.
