Introduction Infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV) is rated as a public health issue, and is considered to be the most common sexually transmitted disease (STD). It is estimated that approximately 600 million people in the world carry HPV, and that 75 to 80% will become infected with HPV some time in their lifetime. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyse the sociodemographic and clinical aspects of women with genital infections by HPV.

Methodology This descriptive, quantitative study was performed at the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic for Infectious Diseases (Serviço de Moléstias Infecciosas em Ginecologia e Obstetrícia - SEMIGO) of the University Hospital of the Ribeirão Preto Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo (HCFMRP-USP), located in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. The study included a total of 1027 women diagnosed with genital infection by HPV, which could be present in the form of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) or warts (vulvar, vaginal, cervical and perianal).

Results The predominant age group was between twenty and twenty-nine years of age, 387 (37.7%); 662 (64.4%) were of white ethnicity; 597 (58.1%) were married or lived with a partner; 438 (42.6%) had five to eight years of education; and 529 (51.5%) were unemployed. Regarding the type of lesion, 506 (49.3%) women had warts, 398 (38.8%) LSIL and 390 (38.0%) HSIL. Most did not consume alcohol (880 or 85.7%), tobacco (711 or 69.2%) or any other illicit drug (880 or 85.7%). Of all subjects, 702 (68.3%) tested negative for HIV, 823 (80.1%) negative for HBsAg, 777 (75.7%) negative for HCV, and 832 (81.0%) negative for VDRL.

Conclusion Women must be provided with access to high quality preventive tests through efficient mass screening programmes, and it must be ensured they receive clinical follow-up.