What is HPV? Guide for Dubai

If you've heard about HPV and are worried about what it means for you or someone you love, you're not alone. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is common, yet many people have questions about how it's spread, what symptoms look like - especially in women - and whether it can be cured. This guide explains the essentials for residents of Dubai in clear, evidence-based language and explains when to seek professional care at Zaincura.

What is HPV caused by?

HPV is caused by infection with human papillomaviruses, a large group of related viruses. There are more than 100 types of HPV; around 40 types infect the genital area. These viruses are transmitted primarily through direct skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Transmission can occur even when an infected person has no visible signs or symptoms.

HPV types are often grouped into "low-risk" types, which can cause warts (including genital warts), and "high-risk" types, which can cause cellular changes that may lead to cancer over many years. Persistent infection with high-risk HPV types (especially types 16 and 18) is the main cause of cervical cancer and is associated with other anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers.

Prevention options include vaccination, condom use (which reduces but does not eliminate risk), and cervical screening (Pap smears and HPV testing) for early detection of precancerous changes.

Vaccine recommendations, HPV prevention, and Pap smear importance

Vaccine recommendations

• HPV vaccines (for example, Gardasil 9) protect against the most common high-risk and some low-risk HPV types that cause cervical cancer and genital warts.
• Routine vaccination is recommended ideally before any exposure to HPV, typically given to adolescents. Many national programs target girls and boys starting around ages 9–14.
• Dosing schedules commonly use two doses for those who begin vaccination before age 15, and three doses for those who start at age 15 or older or for people who are immunocompromised.
• Catch-up vaccination is recommended up to age 26 in many countries; some programs and clinicians offer vaccination to adults up to age 45 after individual risk assessment and shared decision-making.
• Vaccination does not treat existing HPV infections but is highly effective at preventing infections with the vaccine-covered types and the diseases they cause. Discuss eligibility and scheduling with your provider at Zaincura.

HPV prevention

• Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against the HPV types included in the vaccine.
• Condom use reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of HPV transmission because HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom.
• Reducing the number of sexual partners and mutual monogamy with an uninfected partner lower exposure risk.
• Avoiding tobacco and maintaining good general health supports immune response and may decrease persistence of infection.
• Regular screening and prompt follow-up of abnormal results help prevent progression to cancer.

Pap smear importance related to HPV

• The Pap smear (cervical cytology) and HPV testing detect abnormal cervical cells or the presence of high-risk HPV before symptoms develop.
• Early detection through screening allows treatment of precancerous changes and prevents cervical cancer.
• Screening recommendations vary by country and individual risk factors; many programs start screening between ages 21 and 25 and continue with intervals of approximately 3 years for cytology or up to 5 years for primary HPV testing, depending on results and local guidelines.
• If screening shows abnormal results, follow-up can include repeat testing, colposcopy, biopsy, and treatment of precancerous lesions as needed.
• Discuss the right screening schedule for you with the team at Zaincura.

What are symptoms of HPV in females?

Many women with HPV have no symptoms and the infection clears on its own. When symptoms occur, they vary by the HPV type:

• Genital warts: Caused by low-risk types (commonly HPV 6 and 11). Warts may appear as small bumps or clusters on the vulva, vagina, cervix, or around the anus. They can be painless or cause itching and discomfort.
• Cervical cell changes: High-risk HPV types can cause abnormal changes in cervical cells. These changes usually have no symptoms and are detected through cervical screening (Pap smear and/or HPV testing). If left untreated, some persistent high-risk HPV infections may progress to cervical precancer or cancer over years.
• Other HPV-related conditions: High-risk HPV is also linked to cancers of the vulva, vagina, anus, and oropharynx (throat), but these are less common and often develop many years after initial infection.

Because early HPV infection and precancerous changes usually produce no symptoms, routine screening is essential for women. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis.

Does HPV can be cured?

The phrasing is often asked as "Can HPV be cured?" The short answer: there is no treatment that eliminates HPV itself, but many HPV infections clear spontaneously thanks to the immune system. Clinical approaches focus on treating the health problems caused by the virus:

• Genital warts can be treated and removed using topical medicines, cryotherapy (freezing), or minor procedures.
• Precancerous cervical changes can be monitored or treated (for example, with excisional procedures like LEEP or cone biopsy) to prevent progression to cancer.
• For cancers caused by HPV, standard cancer treatments (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) are used.

Vaccination does not cure established infections but is highly effective at preventing infection with the HPV types included in the vaccine and thereby preventing related diseases when given before exposure. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Our doctors at Zaincura can provide a personalized assessment.

What happens if you have HPV?

What happens next depends on the HPV type, your immune response, and follow-up care:

• Many infections are transient: In most people, the immune system clears HPV within 1–2 years without causing serious problems.
• Persistent infection: A minority of infections - especially with high-risk types - can persist and, over many years, cause changes in cells that may progress to precancer or cancer if not identified and treated.
• Health outcomes: Low-risk types may cause warts which are treatable. High-risk types can lead to cervical precancer and cancer, which is why regular cervical screening and follow-up are crucial.
• Emotional and relationship impact: Receiving an HPV diagnosis can be stressful. Counseling, clear information, and open communication with partners and healthcare professionals can help.

In Dubai, you have access to vaccination and screening programmes. Early detection through screening and vaccination are the most effective tools to reduce the health risks associated with HPV.

When to Visit a Doctor at Zaincura

Seek medical advice at Zaincura if you notice any of the following:

• New lumps, bumps, or growths on the genital area or around the anus (possible warts).
• Unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or pain during intercourse.
• You have a positive HPV test or an abnormal Pap smear and need follow-up work-up or treatment.
• You are sexually active and want information about HPV vaccination, prevention, or testing options.
• You are feeling anxious after an HPV diagnosis and want counseling and a personalised care plan.

It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Our doctors at Zaincura can provide a personalized assessment, discuss HPV vaccination for eligible patients, arrange screening tests, and advise on treatment or follow-up. If symptoms are persistent or if screening has shown abnormalities, please book an appointment so we can create a management plan tailored to you.

To book at Zaincura, visit our clinic website or call our reception in Dubai. Early discussion and appropriate follow-up can protect your long-term reproductive and overall health.

Conclusion

HPV is common and usually clears on its own, but certain high-risk types can cause serious problems over time. Prevention through vaccination, regular cervical screening, safe sexual practices, and prompt medical follow-up are the best strategies. It's always best to consult a healthcare professional for a diagnosis. Our doctors at Zaincura can provide a personalized assessment and guide you through prevention, testing, and treatment options available in Dubai.

References

• World Health Organization (WHO) - Human papillomavirus (HPV): https://www.who.int/health-topics/human-papillomavirus-(hpv)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - HPV: https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/index.html
• Mayo Clinic - HPV (human papillomavirus): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hpv/symptoms-causes/syc-20351596
• NHS - Human papillomavirus (HPV): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/human-papillomavirus-hpv/
• PubMed - Human papillomavirus (search results and review articles): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=human+papillomavirus