Sexual infections: why get the HPV vaccine

THEand generations vaccinated against the human papillomavirus (HPV) are reaping the first fruits of the prevention of sexual infections: cases of anogenital warts are in sharp decline. The data confirm thisSan Gallicano Dermatological Institute of Romeone of the main Italian centers for sexually transmitted infectionswhich saw a drastic reduction in diagnoses between 2013 and 2022.

Sexual infections, a trend that speaks for itself

Researchers analyzed almost ten thousand cases of warts diagnosed over thirty years, from 1991 to 2022. After a slight decline in the early 2000s and a peak in 2013, the curves began to decline steadily. In 2022, diagnoses were about a third compared to ten years earlier, especially among young women and children under 24 years of age.

What are warts

Also called “genital warts”, warts are benign lesions caused by some types of papillomavirus (HPV 6 and 11). The infection it is transmitted sexually and it is very widespread: in most cases it remains silent and resolves spontaneously, but it can become persistent and cause annoying disorders or, depending on the type of virus, even tumors of the genital area and oropharynx.

The merit of the vaccine

Published on Journal of Clinical Medicinethe study suggests a direct link between the reduction of cases and vaccination against HPV. In Italy the free program for 12-year-old girls started in 2007-2008, and the timing coincides perfectly with the observed decline. «The available vaccines are almost 100% effective against HPV 6 and 11 infections – explain the authors -. It is likely that the female immunization campaign has reduced the cases of warts, despite the still uneven regional coverage.” An effect that reflects what has already been observed in other countries where vaccination began earlier.

“Herd” effect also in boys

And the males? Although the vaccine has only been offered free of charge to boys since 2017, the study shows a significant decrease in warts even in young heterosexual men. Indirect proof of the “herd effect”: fewer infected girls means less transmission of the virus to the entire sexually active population.

Sexual infections, a condom is not enough (a vaccine is needed)

A curious detail also emerges from the data: the Most of those affected are heterosexualwith few sexual partners and, in one case out of three, with regular use of condoms. A sign that the condom, while remaining fundamental for the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, It does not offer total protection against HPVbecause the virus can also be transmitted through simple skin contact.