This family of viruses, referred to as the human papillomavirus, is transmitted very easily, almost exclusively by simple sexual contact, with or without penetration, as identifies Medicare website. These viruses, of which there are approximately 200 species, are the most common type of sexually transmitted infection (STI). A condom only partially protects it.
About 80% of men and women experience it during their lives, especially at the beginning of their sexual lives. This HPV infection is eliminated by the body most of the time, but in 10% of cases the viruses can persist. This can lead to lesions potentially developing into cancers: cervical cancer in women, but also other anogenital cancers, or even oropharyngeal cancers of the throat.
Each year in France, 6,400 new cases of cancer are linked to the human papilloma virus, affecting approximately 75% of women. Cervical cancer associated with this infection affects approximately 2,900 women and causes 1,100 deaths each year. Precancerous or precancerous lesions of the cervix can have consequences for future pregnancies, such as the risk of preterm birth.
