The papillomavirus can remain in the human body for a long time and cannot manifest itself in any way. It is only activated when the immune system is weakened. In most cases, the infection does not pose a particular threat, but some of its strains can degenerate into oncological diseases under certain factors. And that is already a threat to human life. It is impossible to completely get rid of the pathogenic microorganism. Therefore, knowing how the human papillomavirus is transmitted is very important to reduce the risk of HPV infection.
Characteristics of the virus and its transport
The human papillomavirus causes benign neoplasms to form on the skin and mucous membranes. They look like a papilla that protrudes several millimeters above the surface. Such growth usually occurs when the body's defenses are weakened. Usually a person lives quietly and for the time being doesn't even think that I can or cannot be a carrier. Why papillomas are formed:
- frequent hypothermia or overheating;
- Presence of comorbidities;
- inappropriate nutrition;
- Presence of bad habits;
- frequent stress, depression, overwork;
- Deficiency of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
90% of the world's population are carriers of the papillomavirus. The question immediately arises whether the human papillomavirus is contagious or not. The answer is yes. Nobody is 100% insured against infections. So it is very important to know how to get infected with HPV (Human Papillomavirus).
How the human papillomavirus is transmitted
In view of the very high probability of contracting HPV, the question often arises how the infection (human papillomavirus) is transmitted. Knowing the answer to this question can greatly reduce the risk of infection. Pathogenic microorganisms are transmitted from person to person. These are the most common routes of infection. Contact infection methods:
- Sexually transmitted HPV pathogen (through sex). Very often in this way the spread of an oncogenic microorganism occurs. For example, like HPV 16 and 18. Strains of 16 and 18 types are life threatening as they can degenerate into oncological diseases.
- contact infection methods. You can infect a person by touching, hugging, and kissing them. The virus enters the body through damage, microcracks in the skin. Therefore, if you observe a wart on their body (when in doubt whether it is contagious), you do not need to come into close contact with people.
Transmission paths can also be domestic. How can you get an infection (papilloma) in the following ways:
- through personal care products (towel, washcloth, toothbrush, etc. );
- human papillomavirus can be transmitted through clothing (infection occurs by damaging the skin);
- infections can occur in public baths and saunas (the pathogen can be on the floor, on benches, etc. ).
The disease is not inherited. However, a newborn can also be infected. How can a baby get a papilloma:
- during the intrauterine development of an infected mother;
- at the time of birth through the birth canal.
Pregnant women must be very careful to avoid infection or activation of a pathogen.After all, not only their health depends on it, but the baby's life too.
Human papilloma (HPV), how is it transmitted: Infections can appear in medical centers, hairdressing salons, and beauty salons due to insufficient sterilization of instruments. This happens extremely rarely, since, as a rule, such facilities comply with all standards of hygiene, but there is still a place.
An infected person may not even be aware of this. It is therefore recommended that you undergo routine diagnostic examinations annually. How the infection occurs has now become clear. This allows preventive measures to be taken and infections to be avoided.
Sexual method
Previously, we found out how you can get infected with a benign neoplasm (papillomavirus). It became clear that HPV is mostly (sexually) transmitted through intimacy. In addition, you can become infected with all types of sex (vaginal, oral, anal).Papilloma through intimate contact (sexual) is transmitted through contact with the mucous membranes when they are damaged. In addition, the risk of infection is higher with anal sex because it is more traumatic.
Considering that the risk of infection increases during intimate contact, the question arises whether it is possible to have sex with HPV if a partner has it. In addition, infection with oncogenic virus strains often occurs during sexual intercourse.
Sex with HPV is acceptable. But you should always use a method of contraception (condoms) during this time. According to statistics, protection helps prevent infections in men and women in 2 out of 3 cases. Without contraception, the risk of infection increases to 90%. If any of the people entering intimacy is infected, it is necessary to regularly conduct a diagnostic examination for the oncogenicity of the pathogen (a healthy partner for the presence of HPV).
However, undesirable phenomena can occur during intercourse even with a contraceptive. During sex, growth can be injured. As a result, further infection or blood poisoning may occur in the wound. Damage to the neoplasm can also cause it to degenerate into a malignant one. Thus, it turns out thatsexual intercourse is undesirable during the treatment of HPV.When you do this, be very careful. But it's still better to only connect after treatment. Sex life after removal of papillomas is less risky.
It is believed that the papillomavirus can be activated by masturbation. Allegedly, this is insufficient intercourse, as a result of which hormonal disorders and a weakening of the immune system occur. This opinion is wrong. Masturbation in no way affects the protective functions of the body.
For oral sex
HPV can be transmitted from woman to man and vice versa through oral sex. This happens through micro-damage to the skin and mucous membranes. Oral sex is the most common way of transmitting strains of HPV, which can develop into cancer.
An oral sex condom only reduces the risk of infection when a blowjob is performed. Infection cannot be avoided in 90% of cases with cunnilingus.
Is the human papillomavirus transmitted from mother to child?
We have found out how adults are most often infected with the papillomavirus. Now it is necessary to understand whether the human papillomavirus is transmitted from mother to child, how it happens and what is the risk to babies.
Infection in a newborn can occur through touching and kissing the mother if she is the carrier of the pathogenic microorganism. The infection enters the baby's body through damage to the skin or mucous membranes.
Infection can also occur during the development of the fetus. From an infected woman to her fetus. Infection can also occur during childbirth. Although rare, it has dire consequences.
Through kiss and blood
How is the human papillomavirus infection transmitted:
- from saliva;
- by a kiss;
- through blood.
The immediate question that arises is whether it is possible to kiss an infected person when HPV is transmitted through kissing. That decision is yours. If you are 100% sure that your oral cavity is not damaged (even microscopically), a kiss is perfectly acceptable. However, this is a pretty risky decision. There may be lesions in the mouth that aren't felt and that you won't even notice.
The possibility of infection with human papillomavirus through blood has not been scientifically proven. There have been cases where infection has occurred during the transfusion.However, this is not evidence that the pathogen can be transmitted in this way.Possibly the infection in these cases was caused by poorly sterilized instruments.
Household path
In 85-90% of cases, an infection in the household can occur if one of the family members is infected.
Pathogenic microorganisms at home are very often transmitted from parents to children. The child's immunity is still fragile and therefore the baby is more prone to infection. A home infection can occur as follows:
- If the skin is damaged, infection can occur from shared bedclothes, towels, washcloths, soap, cosmetics, and hugs.
- You can become infected through saliva if you use a bowl, a toothbrush, and kiss with a carrier of the virus.
- while wearing the clothes of an infected person (especially underwear);
- In a home environment, self-infection can occur during shaving and epilation.
An infection in public places is also a common way of transmitting the pathogen. For example in the pool, steam bath, sauna. And also with frequent handshakes and friendly hugs.
How to avoid getting infected with papillomavirus
How not to get HPV (human papillomavirus):
- Avoid frequent changes of sexual partners.
- protect themselves during intimacy;
- not to use other people's things;
- don't wear other people's clothes;
- Avoid going to public baths, saunas, swimming pools (or at least wear a personal towel and interchangeable shoes).
- do not drink drinks or eat food from infected people;
- Be careful when choosing cosmetology, clinic and hairdresser (you need to make sure that all rules of sterilization in the facility are followed).
- Do not come into close contact with carriers of the virus.
If you develop papillomas, contact your doctor. He will conduct the necessary diagnoses, determine the strain of the pathogen and, if necessary, prescribe effective treatment.
Protects a condom
If either partner has HPV, a condom must be used during sexual intercourse. However, using contraception is not a 100% guarantee that the infection will not be transmitted. Of course, the pathogencannot break through the condom, but infection can occur in other ways.
Infection can occur through foreplay. Through micro-cracks in the skin or in the mouth. In this case, a barrier contraceptive will not save.
Treatment methods
If you are an HPV carrier, the infection can sit in your body and not cause any problems.To prevent growth in the body, you need to monitor the condition of your immune system.The stronger it is, the lower the risk of developing neoplasms.
If growth occurs, the doctor may advise you not to take any action (provided papillomas are not causing discomfort and do not have an oncogenic strain). As a rule, when a decision has been made to get rid of neoplasia, it is done using conservative methods. If drug treatment does not provide a therapeutic result or there is a risk of papilloma degeneration into an oncological disease, surgical intervention is prescribed (provided there are no contraindications to this).