In recent years, there has been an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, mainly in young, sexually active people. HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection in the general population. In healthy individuals, the immune system eliminates HPV infections within 6–12 months. The effectiveness of this process significantly decreases after the age of 25. At present, there are no effective methods of treating HPV infection. The risk of infection can be reduced through education, secondary prevention, more widespread diagnostics, and vaccinations.

Key words: human papillomavirus, common sexually transmitted infection, self-testing.