Gynaecological Implications of HPV Infection & Strategies to Prevent HPV Infection

HPV infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted disease. Prevalence of HPV infection in general population globally is high around 13.3 %, in India it is estimated to be 7.9 %. While majority of HPV infections are self-limiting and regress spontaneously, they still account for about 70 % of anogenital cancers globally. Types 16 and 18 are most common oncogenic subtypes. Mode of infection, clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of malignancy are discussed. Management of non-malignant, pre malignant lesions is also discussed. While HPV infection and its prevention cannot be completely eliminated it can be reduced by using preventive measures like counseling, safe sex practices, barrier contraception and most importantly using HPV vaccinations. Cervical cancer screening will help in diagnosing premalignant lesions and early malignancies Bi-valent, quadri-valent and more recently the nine valent vaccines are available which are safe and effective in preventing HPV infection.