Dr. Nguyen Phuong Tu, a lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Hanoi Medical University, states that HPV has been a topic of interest for many families recently. Parents of adolescents and teenagers, specifically those aged 9 to 17, are eager to proactively prevent HPV but may lack understanding or access to information about the virus and its prevention methods.

Below are common questions parents have regarding HPV in adolescents:

Is HPV dangerous?

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus. Most sexually active adults will contract HPV at some point. The majority of HPV infections are asymptomatic and clear naturally, but persistent infection can lead to conditions such as genital warts, precancerous lesions, and related cancers. Most infected individuals are often unaware of their exposure due to the absence of symptoms.

HPV strains are categorized into high-risk and low-risk groups. Low-risk types, such as HPV 6 and 11, can cause genital warts and rarely lead to cancer. High-risk HPV strains, including HPV 16, 18, 31, and 42, can cause cancer.

Additionally, the International Agency for Research on Cancer has identified 13 HPV strains capable of causing cervical cancer, and at least one of these can cause vulvar, vaginal, and anal cancers.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated in 2018 that approximately 690,000 HPV-related cancer cases occurred globally in both men and women.

Consult a doctor if you notice unusual health signs. Illustration: Vecteezy

Consult a doctor if you notice unusual health signs. Illustration: Vecteezy

How is HPV transmitted?

HPV is primarily transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The virus enters the genital mucosa through micro-abrasions in the epithelium and resides in the basal cell layer. Despite its short survival time outside the body, HPV can spread via objects and medical instruments. Mother-to-child transmission during labor is rare, but when it occurs, it can cause recurrent respiratory papillomatosis in infants and young children.

Can one get HPV from a single sexual encounter?

HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. The risk of HPV infection exists even during a person's first sexual encounter.

Condoms do not offer complete protection against infection. HPV can infect areas of the skin not covered by a condom.

Can HPV be cured?

Currently, there is no cure for HPV. Most HPV infections are asymptomatic and clear naturally, but persistent infection can lead to conditions such as genital warts, precancerous lesions, and related cancers. Doctors treat health issues caused by HPV, such as removing genital warts or treating precancerous conditions and cervical cancer.

How can one detect HPV infection without symptoms?

Women aged 21 to 65 who have been sexually active, particularly those aged 30 to 49, are encouraged to undergo screening. This includes primary standalone HPV DNA tests, HPV mRNA tests, cervical cytology, visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), or co-testing (high-risk HPV testing combined with cytology) to detect early abnormal changes in the cervix caused by HPV.

For men, there is currently no widely recommended routine screening test for HPV-related cancers.

For adolescents, the ideal time for prevention is before they are exposed to the virus through sexual activity. Families should encourage their children to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as increasing physical activity, maintaining proper nutrition, learning about sex education, and understanding the impact of early sexual activity on the risk of HPV-related diseases. Parents should also ensure their daughters undergo cervical cancer screening when they reach adulthood and receive recommended vaccines from the Ministry of Health. Circumcision in males may also help reduce the risk of HPV infection.

Yen Chi

Individual action is essential to raise awareness for prevention within the community, "For a Vietnam not burdened by HPV." Consult a healthcare professional and learn more about HPV at hpv.vn.