One of the most common and dangerous sexually transmitted infections is the human papillomavirus or HPV: it can cause warts, various diseases and genital cancer.This infection is transmitted in many ways, takes many forms and threatens all sexually active people.How to protect yourself and your loved ones from infection, what to do if a virus is detected and how to treat papillomas - we are trying to figure it out.
What is the human papilloma virus?
The human papillomavirus is a huge group of viruses that includes 27 species and about 500 strains (types).Most of them do not lead to pathologies in the human body, they remain unnoticed and without complications, but some types are potentially dangerous.They can cause various diseases, including oncology, reproductive disorders and HIV.
Why is it dangerous?
Papilloma viruses have been around for a very long time.Attention was paid to the problem of in-depth treatment of the disease only when it was proven that long-term HPV infection in women provokes the development of cervical cancer.This is now the most common complication;In other cases, warts and weakened immunity are observed.Malignant tumors include cancer of the vulva, penis and anus.The human papillomavirus is dangerous not only for the reproductive system: it can cause head, lung and neck cancer, as well as damage to the mucous membranes.
Papilloma virus and pregnancy
The interaction between papillomavirus and pregnancy must be constantly monitored by a doctor: the disease can be transmitted to a child only if there are papillomas in the vagina;Intrauterine contact does not pose any danger. In this case, the child suffers either an infection of the genitals or respiratory tract.If a woman is infected with one of the dangerous viruses type 16 or 18, which cause cervical cancer, a cesarean section is recommended;Removal of papillomas during pregnancy is not possible.
HPV symptoms
In many cases, viral papilloma is asymptomatic, does not appear externally and disappears on its own after a while. The severity depends on the type of virus and its characteristics.People discover a problem when papillomas appear on the body - small cone-shaped warts that are considered symptoms of HPV.Almost always, when the body is infected, one can observe a decrease in immunity, a decrease in the body's protective functions and an increased susceptibility to colds and infectious diseases.
In women
HPV manifests itself in women in the form of condylomas - small pointed or flat body formations on the inside of the vagina and the labia minora.Single or multiple warts can appear on different parts of the body: limbs, head, neck.They are usually painless, small and cause more psychological and aesthetic problems.
In men
In men, papillomas appear on the soles of the feet, hands, face and head.When infected with a dangerous virus, papulosis of the penis and testicles is possible: these are yellow or pink papillomas that slightly protrude above the skin.Another unpleasant symptom of HPV in men is Bowen's disease: red, plaque-like formations, growths on the glans.
Causes of papillomas
The pathogenesis of infection can be considered the cause of papillomas: when entering the body, the virus localizes in the lower layers of the epithelium;It penetrates most easily into sensitive soft tissues such as the female uterus and vagina.It coexists with cells or interferes with DNA and causes changes in the body, in these cases leading to the development of malignant tumors.Warts arise directly from the activity of the virus at the intracellular level, its influence on the skin from the inside.
HPV types
Precancerous diseases can be caused by viruses of medium and high risk groups, low oncogenic papilloma viruses are harmless, their manifestations - warts - show negative biopsy results and do not harm health.The types of viral infections differ in the degree of oncogenic risk and the lists are regularly reviewed, supplemented and changed.The most dangerous strains for women currently include the 16th and 18th;They are found in 90% of cervical cancer cases.
HPV with high oncogenic risk
HPV with a high oncogenic risk can be detected during tests after examining warts.Such viruses are almost always accompanied by condyloma on the genitals.This category includes such infectious strains as 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 50, 59, 61, 62, 64, 68, 70, 73. They can cause degeneration in the tissues they invade, thereby causing cancer and other dangerous pathologies.
How is HPV transmitted?
Among HPV transmission methods, sexual transmission is clearly the frontrunner and penetration is not required;Direct contact of the genitals is sufficient.This makes the virus the second most common sexually transmitted infection after herpes and is particularly common in poor countries with a low quality of life.All sexually active people of any gender and age can become infected with papillomas.It can be present from birth and only appear at certain times.What other ways is HPV transmitted?
- Direct physical contact.The virus can survive in public places for some time after sick people have visited them;It is especially active in a suitable humid environment: bathhouse, swimming pool, gym, toilet.In such cases, the virus can be transmitted through abrasions, cuts or direct contact with the mucous membrane.
- Infection of a baby during birth.Both pulmonary papulosis and anogenital warts can occur.
incubation period
Many people live with the disease for a long time and are unaware of its presence, while they are potential carriers of the disease when they are sexually active.The incubation period of HPV is very long, which is why the disease often goes unnoticed.It lasts from 5 months to several years, proceeds latently, viruses are activated by various factors: reduced immunity, illness, severe stress, after which they multiply and manifest themselves externally.
diagnosis
Diagnosis is made when warts are detected on the body and various examination methods are used to determine the type of virus.Their choice depends on the location of the papillomas: anogenital formations require a mandatory examination of the cervix, plantar papillomas and other papillomas require histological examination and blood tests.What diagnostic methods can doctors use:
- Cytological examination – analysis of smears from the cervix and uterine canal.
- Colposcopy is a test for women using acetic acid: After application, the surface of the mucous membrane is observed.
- A biopsy involves taking a sample of skin to identify cancer cells.It is used for men and women with highly oncogenic HPV.
- Type determination using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) – DNA and nucleic acids are examined.
- Histological examination.
- A vaginal screening test is an accurate method for detecting precancerous lesions and cancers in women without visible symptoms.
analysis
Before the procedure, you must stop taking any antiviral and antibacterial medications.HPV tests, which involve taking swabs from the vagina and urethra, are carried out in specialized clinics and laboratories.Tests are contraindicated in women during menstruation and in the first days after their end;Men should not urinate for two hours before the procedure.Doctors, urologists or oncologists decipher the results and a test to detect antibodies can be carried out.
Treatment of papilloma virus
The main question that worries patients is whether it is possible to cure HPV (papilloma) completely and forever.Unfortunately no.In 90% of cases, the immune system copes on its own, but there are no effective methods to remove it from the body.Treatment boils down to the removal of warts, condylomas and possible consequences of the disease – benign or malignant tumors, damaged epithelium.Some medications are used to help the body fight infections and speed up the process of tissue repair.
Treatment in women
Infection with human papillomavirus in women can be a harbinger of dangerous diseases.Therefore, it is necessary to regularly visit a gynecologist and, if necessary, carry out preventive examinations.If condylomas are found on the body, there is no need to remove them yourself, as this can lead to even more serious consequences.When it comes to treating the papilloma virus in women, it means removing the affected tissue and monitoring the growth and development of warts.General therapy can be used for infection with highly oncogenic HPV.Ways to eliminate papillomas:
- Operation;
- chemical cauterization;
- Laser removal (carbon dioxide, neodymium beam);
- Destruction of the concentration of affected cells with liquid nitrogen;
- Electrocoagulation.
Removal of condylomas and warts does not mean a cure: this is only a temporary measure that helps prevent the formation of malignant cells, and women need it due to the high probability of developing cervical cancer with HPV.After the operation, relapses or complications in the form of damage to adjacent areas are possible.With timely intervention, not only can cancer be avoided, but also uterine surgery can be performed without affecting reproduction and the woman's health.
Treating HPV in women with medication
Treatment of the papilloma virus with drugs is carried out only after the medication has been prescribed by a doctor, since all drugs only perform an auxiliary function and are not the main means of therapy.To treat HPV in women, antiviral tablets and immunomodulatory drugs are used.How do they help fight the disease:
- Antiviral: act directly on “foreign” cells in the body and increase the production of antibodies;can affect reproduction or have a stimulating effect on natural immune resources.
- Immunomodulatory: Immunomodulatory drugs have the ability to cause nonspecific resistance - resistance and increased protection of the body, regeneration of damaged tissues.There are a number of side effects, it must be used in doses.
- Rectal and vaginal suppositories: help get rid of condylomas and warts in the anogenital area.Before use, you must treat the area with a special disinfectant.
Treatment of strains 16, 18 in women with medication
If you suffer from an oncogenic type of virus, surgery on the cervix is required if condylomas have formed there, and cleaning of the entire vagina, since no drugs eliminate the virus.They can only help slow or stop the spread.Antiviral drugs with immunostimulating effects are used to quickly return the body to a healthy state after surgery and to prevent relapses.When treating strains 16.18 in women, drugs are prescribed to reduce existing condylomas before surgery:
- interferons;
- Interferonogens.
Injections
To eliminate external signs, injections are prescribed if papillomas are not oncogenic.There is a drug that is available in the form of injection ampoules.It can be used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes;There are no side effects or contraindications.It helps to get rid of warts without surgery and significantly extends the period of remission.
Strengthening immunity with HPV
What is HPV besides papillomas, oncology and uterine dysplasia?This means severely reduced immunity, susceptibility to all seasonal infections and a difficult recovery period.Artificial and natural boosting of immunity is also important to give the body strength and the ability to fight infections on its own.There are special medications, medicinal preparations and traditional methods for this.Here's how you can boost your immunity:
- A complex of useful vitamins and microelements.
- Medications: immunomodulators and antivirals.
- Gentle medicines: Ginseng, Echinacea.
- Ginger, lemon, echinacea, radish, rose hips, walnuts, honey, citrus fruits are irreplaceable products for the vitality of the body.
- Eat more green vegetables, fresh fruits and drink green tea.
- Visit the pool, bathhouse and carry out water treatments at home (contrast showers, herbal baths).
- Adjust your sleeping and eating habits.Eat by the clock and sleep as long as necessary.
Prevention
Most types of the virus are harmless, but caution is advised because a carrier of one infection can become infected with a second one more easily than a healthy person.HPV prevention includes a number of mandatory measures and procedures that every adult must carry out, regardless of whether they are sexually active or not.What preventive methods can be used:
- Vaccination.Prevents dangerous development tendencies of the virus, but not infection with it.After vaccination, any possible infection should pass quickly and unnoticed.
- condoms.They do not guarantee complete protection because the particles are very small and can penetrate the material, but in most cases they reduce the risk of infection transmission to a minimum.
- Control of sex life.Constantly changing partners pose the greatest risk of infection.
- Compliance with personal hygiene regulations.Do not allow anyone, including your acquaintances, to use your body towel or underwear.
- Regular visits to the gynecologist, urologist and smears for examinations.