One of the most common and dangerous sexually transmitted infections is human papillomavirus or HPV: it can cause warts, various diseases and genital cancer.This infection is transmitted in many ways, has many types and threatens all sexually active people.How to protect yourself and your loved ones from infections, what to do if a virus is detected and how to treat papillomas - we will try to figure it out.
What is human papillomavirus
Human papillomavirus is a large group of viruses, including 27 species and approximately 500 strains (types).Most of them do not lead to pathologies in the human body, they exist unnoticed, without complications, but some types are potentially dangerous.They can cause various diseases, including oncology, reproductive dysfunction and HIV.
Why is it dangerous?
Papillomaviruses have been around for a long time.The problem of deep treatment of the disease was not paid attention until it was proven that long-term HPV in women causes the development of cervical cancer.Now this is the most common complication;in other cases, warts, weakened immunity are observed, and malignant tumors include cancer of the vulva, penis and anus.Human papillomavirus is dangerous not only for the reproductive system: it can cause cancer of the head, lungs, neck and damage to the mucous membranes.
Papillomavirus and pregnancy
The interaction between papillomavirus and pregnancy must be constantly monitored by a doctor: the disease can be transmitted to the baby only if papillomas are present in the vagina;intrauterine contact does not pose a threat.In this case, the child will get an infection of the genitals or respiratory system.If a woman is infected with one of the dangerous viruses type 16 or 18, which cause cervical cancer, it is recommended to undergo a cesarean section;Removing papillomas during pregnancy is impossible.
HPV symptoms
In many cases, viral papilloma is asymptomatic, does not appear externally and disappears on its own after some time.The degree of severity depends on the type of virus and its characteristics.People discover a problem when papillomas appear on the body - small cone-shaped warts, which are considered symptoms of HPV.Almost always, when the body is infected, one can observe a decrease in immunity, a decline in the body's protective functions and an increased susceptibility to colds and infectious diseases.
In women
HPV in women manifests itself in the form of warts: small pointed or flat body growths inside the vagina and outer labia.Single or multiple warts can appear on different parts of the body: limbs, head, neck.They are mostly painless, small and cause major psychological and aesthetic discomfort.
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 stand out slightly above the skin.Another unpleasant symptom of HPV in men is Bowen's disease: red plaque-like formations, growths on the head of the penis.
Causes of papillomas
The cause of papillomas can be considered the pathogenesis of the infection: when entering the body, the virus localizes in the lower layers of the epithelium;it is more likely to penetrate soft, vulnerable 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 the development of malignant tumors occurs.Warts are obtained directly from the activity of the virus at the intracellular level, from its influence on the skin from the inside.
Types of HPV
Precancerous conditions can be provoked by viruses of medium and high risk groups, low oncogenic papillomaviruses are harmless, their manifestations - warts - show negative biopsy results and do not harm health.Types of viral infection differ in the degree of oncogenic risk, and the lists are regularly reviewed, supplemented and modified.Currently, the most dangerous strains for women include the 16th and 18th;they are found in 90% of cervical cancer cases.
HPV with high oncogenic risk
High oncogenic risk HPV can be detected during tests after examining warts.Such viruses are almost always accompanied by warts on the genitals.This category includes infection strains such as 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 50, 59, 61, 62, 64, 68, 70, 73. They are capable of causing degeneration of the tissues they enter, thereby causing cancer and other dangerous pathologies.
How is HPV transmitted?
Among the modes of HPV transmission, sexual transmission is clearly the main one and penetration is not necessary;direct contact with the genitals is sufficient.This has made the virus the second most common sexually transmitted infection after herpes, and is especially common in poor countries with a low quality of life.All sexually active people of any gender and age can be infected with papilloma.It can be present from birth and appear only at certain times.What other ways is HPV transmitted?
- Direct body contact.The virus can survive for some time in public places after sick people have visited them;it is particularly active in a suitable humid environment: bathhouse, swimming pool, gym, toilet.In these cases, the virus can be transmitted through abrasions, cuts or direct contact with the mucosa.
- Infection of a child during childbirth.In this case both pulmonary papulosis and anogenital warts can occur.
Incubation period
Many people live with the disease for a long time and are not aware of its presence, while they are potential carriers if 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 due to various factors: decreased immunity, illness, severe stress, after which they multiply and manifest themselves externally.
Diagnostics
The 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 others require histological examination and blood tests.What diagnostic methods can doctors use:
- Cytological examination: analysis of scrapings from the cervix and uterine canal.
- Colposcopy is a test for women that uses acetic acid: the surface of the mucosa is observed after its application.
- A biopsy is the removal of a sample of skin to identify cancerous cells.It is used for men and women with highly oncogenic HPV.
- Type determination by PCR (polymerase chain reaction): DNA and nucleic acids are examined.
- Histological examination.
- A vaginal screening test is an accurate way to detect precancerous and cancerous conditions in women without visible symptoms.
Analyses
Before the procedure, it is necessary to stop taking antiviral and antibacterial drugs.HPV tests, for which smears are taken from the vagina and urethra, are performed in specialized clinics and laboratories.The test is contraindicated for 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 may be performed to detect antibodies.
Treatment of papillomavirus
The main question that worries patients is whether it is possible to cure HPV (papilloma) completely and forever?Unfortunately not.In 90% of cases the immune system copes on its own, but there are no effective methods to eliminate it from the body.Treatment boils down to the removal of warts, warts 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 tissue repair process.
Treatment in women
Human papillomavirus infection in women can be a harbinger of dangerous diseases, so it is necessary to regularly visit a gynecologist and, if necessary, carry out preventive checks.If warts are found on the body, it is not necessary to try to remove them yourself, this can cause even more serious consequences.When we talk about the treatment of papillomavirus in women, we mean the removal of the affected tissue, monitoring the growth and development of warts;General therapy can be used in case of highly oncogenic HPV infection.Ways to eliminate papillomas:
- surgery;
- chemical cauterization;
- laser removal (carbon dioxide, neodymium beam);
- destruction of the concentration of affected cells with liquid nitrogen;
- electrocoagulation.
Removal of warts and warts does not mean cure - it is just a temporary measure that helps prevent the formation of malignant cells, and women need it due to the high probability of cervical cancer with HPV.After surgery, relapses or complications in the form of damage to the areas adjacent to those removed are possible.With timely intervention, not only can cancer be avoided, but uterine surgery can also be performed without harm to women's reproduction and health.
Treatment of HPV in women with drugs
Treatment of papillomavirus with drugs occurs only after the drugs are prescribed by a doctor, since all drugs perform only an auxiliary function and are not the main therapeutic means.To treat HPV in women, antiviral tablets and immunomodulatory drugs are used.How they help fight the disease:
- Antiviral: they act directly on the "foreign" cells of the organism, increasing the production of antibodies;they may interfere with reproduction or have a stimulating effect on natural immune resources.
- Immunomodulator: 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, must be used in the dosage.
- Rectal and vaginal suppositories: helps eliminate warts and warts in the anogenital area.Before use, it is necessary to treat the area with a special disinfectant.
Treatment of strains 16, 18 in women with drugs
If you have an oncogenic virus, you will need surgery on the cervix if warts have formed and cleaning of the entire vagina, since no drug eliminates the virus.They can only help slow or stop its spread.Antiviral drugs with immunostimulating effect are used to quickly adapt the body to a healthy state after surgery and prevent relapses.When treating 16.18 strains in women, drugs are prescribed to reduce existing warts before surgery:
- interferons;
- interferonogens.
Injections
To eliminate external signs, when papillomas are not oncogenic, injections are prescribed.There is a drug available in the form of ampoules for injection.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 increase the period of remission.
Boost immunity with HPV
What is HPV, besides papillomas, oncology and uterine dysplasia?This means critically 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 the strength and ability to fight infections on its own.For this there are special drugs, medicinal preparations and traditional methods.How you can strengthen your immunity:
- A complex of vitamins and useful microelements.
- Drugs: immunomodulators and antivirals.
- Soft medicines: ginseng, echinacea.
- Ginger, lemon, echinacea, radish, rosehip, walnuts, honey, citrus fruits are irreplaceable products for the vitality of the organism.
- Eat more green vegetables, fresh fruits, drink green tea.
- Visit the swimming pool, bathhouse and perform water treatments at home (contrast showers, herbal baths).
- Change your sleeping and eating habits.Eat according to the clock, sleep the required time.
Prevention
Most types of viruses are harmless, but you need to be careful, because a carrier of one infection can more easily become infected with a second than a healthy person.HPV prevention includes a series of mandatory actions and procedures that every adult must perform, regardless of whether he is sexually active or not.What preventive methods can be used:
- Vaccination.It prevents dangerous tendencies in the development of the virus, but not infection with it.After vaccination, any infection should pass quickly and unnoticed.
- Condoms.They do not guarantee complete protection, since its particles are very small and can penetrate the material, but in most cases they minimize the risk of transmitting infections.
- Control of sexual life.The constant change of partners represents the greatest probability of infection.
- Compliance with personal hygiene rules.Don't let anyone, even people you know, use your towel or underwear.
- Regular visits to the gynecologist, urologist and taking smears for tests.