One of the most common and dangerous sexually transmitted infections is the human papilloma virus or HPV: it can cause warts, various diseases and genital cancers.This infection is spread in many ways, has many types, 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 will try to figure it out.
What is human papilloma virus
Human papillomavirus is a large group of viruses comprising 27 species and approximately 500 strains (types).Most of them do not cause 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 existed for a very long time.The problem of in-depth treatment of the disease was not considered until it was proven that long-term HPV in women provokes the development of cervical cancer.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.The human papilloma virus is not only dangerous 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 a child only if there are papillomas in the vagina;intrauterine contact does not pose a threat.In this case, the child will receive either an infection of the genitals or of the respiratory system.If a woman is infected with one of the dangerous viruses type 16 or 18, which cause cervical cancer, then it is recommended to undergo a cesarean section;It is impossible to eliminate papillomas during pregnancy.
HPV symptoms
In many cases, viral papilloma is asymptomatic, does not appear externally and disappears on its own after a while.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, a decrease in immunity, a decrease in the protective functions of the body and a greater susceptibility to colds and infectious diseases can be observed.
In women
HPV in women manifests itself in the form of condylomas – small pointed or flat body formations 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 more psychological and aesthetic discomfort.
In men
In men, papillomas appear on the soles of the feet, hands, face and head.In case of infection 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: formations resembling red plaques, growths on the head of the penis.
Causes of papillomas
The cause of papillomas can be considered the pathogenesis of infection: when entering the body, the virus is localized in the lower layers of the epithelium;it is easier for it to penetrate soft and vulnerable tissues, such as a woman's 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 arise 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 infections differ in the degree of oncogenic risk and the lists are regularly reviewed, supplemented and modified.Currently, the most dangerous strains for women are 16th and 18th;they are found in 90% of cases of cervical cancer.
HPV with high oncogenic risk
HPV with a high oncogenic risk can be detected in tests after examining the warts.These viruses are almost always accompanied by condyloma on the genitals.This category includes such strains of infection 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 in the lead, and penetration is not necessary;direct contact with the genitals is sufficient.This has made this virus the second most common sexually transmitted infection after herpes, and is particularly common in poor countries where quality of life is low.All sexually active people, regardless of gender and age, can be infected with papilloma.It can be present from birth and only appear at certain times.What other ways is HPV transmitted?
- Direct body contact.The virus can survive for some time in public places after visiting sick people;it is particularly active in a suitable humid environment: public baths, swimming pool, gym, toilets.In such cases, the virus can be transmitted through abrasions, cuts or direct contact with the mucous membrane.
- Infection of a baby during childbirth.In this case, pulmonary papulosis and anogenital warts may occur.
Incubation period
Many people live with the disease for a long time and are unaware of its presence, even though they are potentially carriers if they are sexually active.The incubation period for 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.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is carried out when warts are detected on the body and in order to determine the type of virus, various examination methods are used.Their choice depends on the location of the papillomas: anogenital formations require a mandatory examination of the cervix, plantar and other papillomas require histological examination and blood tests.What diagnostic methods can doctors use:
- Cytological examination - analysis of scrapings from the cervix and birth canal.
- Colposcopy is a test for women using acetic acid: the surface of the mucosa is observed after its application.
- Biopsy is the taking of a skin sample to identify cancer cells.It is used in 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.
Analysis
Before the procedure, you must stop taking antiviral and antibacterial medications.HPV tests, for which smears are taken from the vagina and urethra, are carried out in specialized clinics and laboratories.Tests are contraindicated for women during menstruation and the first days after its end;men should not urinate for two hours before the procedure.Doctors, urologists or oncologists decipher the results and an antibody detection test can be carried out.
Treatment of papillomavirus
The main question that worries patients is whether it is possible to completely and forever cure HPV (papilloma)?Unfortunately no.In 90% of cases, the immune system copes on its own, but there is no effective method to eliminate it from the body.Treatment comes down to the removal of warts, condyloma 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.It is therefore necessary to consult a gynecologist regularly and carry out preventive checks if necessary.If condylomas are detected on the body, there is no need to try to remove them yourself, this can lead to even more serious consequences.When we talk about the treatment of papillomavirus in women, we mean the elimination of affected tissues, monitoring the growth and development of warts;General treatment can be used in cases of infection with highly oncogenic HPV.Ways to remove papillomas:
- surgery;
- chemical cauterization;
- laser removal (carbon dioxide, neodymium beam);
- destruction of the concentration of cells affected by liquid nitrogen;
- electrocoagulation.
Removing condyloma and warts does not mean a cure: it is only a temporary measure that helps prevent the formation of malignant cells, and women need it because of the high risk of cervical cancer due to HPV.After surgery, relapses or complications are possible in the form of damage to areas adjacent to those that were removed.With timely intervention, not only can cancer be avoided, but uterine surgery can also be performed without harming women's reproduction and health.
Treating HPV in Women with Medications
Treatment of papillomavirus with medications occurs only after the medications have been prescribed by a doctor, since all medications perform only an auxiliary function and are not the main means of treatment.To treat HPV in women, antiviral tablets and immunomodulatory drugs are used.How do they help fight disease:
- Antiviral: act directly on the “foreign” cells of the body, increase the production of antibodies;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, it should be used in a dosed manner.
- Rectal and vaginal suppositories: helps get rid of condyloma 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 medications
If you have an oncogenic type virus, you will need surgery on the cervix if warts have formed there, as well as cleaning of the entire vagina, since no medication eliminates the virus.They can only help slow or stop its spread.Antiviral drugs with an immunostimulating effect are used to quickly adapt the body to a state of health after surgery and prevent relapses.When treating strains 16.18 in women, medications are prescribed to reduce existing condyloma before surgery:
- interferons;
- interferonogens.
Injections
To eliminate external signs, when papillomas are not oncogenic, injections are prescribed.There is a medicine available in the form of injectable ampoules.It can be used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes;there are no side effects or contraindications.It helps to get rid of warts without surgery and significantly increases the remission period.
Building immunity with HPV
What is HPV, besides papillomas, oncology and uterine dysplasia?This means significantly reduced immunity, susceptibility to all seasonal infections and a difficult recovery period.Artificial and natural strengthening 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 folk methods.How to Boost Your Immunity:
- A complex of useful vitamins and microelements.
- Medications: immunomodulators and antivirals.
- Gentle medicines: ginseng, echinacea.
- Ginger, lemon, echinacea, radish, rose hips, nuts, honey, citrus fruits are irreplaceable products for the vitality of the body.
- Eat more green vegetables, fresh fruits, drink green tea.
- Visit the swimming pool, bathhouse and carry out water treatments at home (contrast showers, herbal baths).
- Adjust your sleeping and eating habits.Eat according to the clock, sleep the required time.
Prevention
Most types of viruses are harmless, but caution should be exercised, as a carrier of one infection can more easily become infected by a second than a healthy person.HPV prevention includes a number of mandatory actions and procedures that every adult must perform, regardless of whether they are sexually active or not.What preventive methods can be used:
- Vaccination.Prevents dangerous trends in the development of the virus, but not its infection.After vaccination, any infection should go 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 reduce the risk of infection transmission to a minimum.
- Control of sex life.Constantly changing partners poses the greatest risk of infection.
- Compliance with personal hygiene rules.Don't let anyone, even people you know, use your towel or underwear.
- Regular visits to a gynecologist, urologist and taking smears for tests.