Epidemiology of genital human papillomavirus infections

Specific types of human papillomaviruses (HPV) are major aetiologic agents of cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis and anus. Although genital HPV infections are extremely common in both male and female populations, only a very small minority is at risk for developing a genital cancer. As with other sexually transmitted infections, the highest rates of genital HPV infection are found in individuals in their early twenties. Detectable HPV DNA is often transient. Cancer-associated HPV types persist a relatively longer time than other types do. The major risk factors for HPV infection involve sexual behaviour, particularly multiple sex partners. Factors including cigarette smoking, oral contraceptive use and pregnancy do not appear to play much of a role in the acquisition of HPV infection.