HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infections are the most common sexually transmitted infections, and their incidence is continuously increasing. They most commonly occur in young, sexually active individuals and are significantly associated with the development of cervical cancer.
Symptoms vary depending on the type of virus. There are around 200 different HPV types, about 30 of which are sexually transmitted.
Based on their effects, HPV types are classified into:
• Genital HPV – causes changes in the anogenital region
• Cutaneous HPV – causes warts on the skin
• Other HPV types – with undefined risk
Genital HPV types are further divided into high-risk and low-risk types:
• High-risk types (16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 68, 69)
These can cause low-grade abnormalities, precancerous lesions, and cancers in the anogenital region (cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus).
• Low-risk types ( 6, 11, 42, 43, 44)
These cause genital warts (condylomas) on the genitals and around the anus.
• Cutaneous types (1, 2, 3, 4, 10, 26–29, 41, 49, 57)
These cause common warts on the hands, feet, neck, and other parts of the body.
Since HPV infection is often asymptomatic, many individuals are unaware they are infected. When symptoms are present, they may include visible wart-like growths on the skin or mucous membranes, increased vaginal discharge, itching, burning, discomfort in the genital area, and pain or bleeding when the affected area is irritated or under pressure.
