Human papillomavirus is an oncogenic disease. The main manifestations of HPV are the formation of warts, papillomas and condylomas on the skin and mucous membranes. Both women and men are affected by the virus.
Causes of the emergence and activation of HPV
Observation! The main reason for the appearance of the papillomavirus in the body is the infection of an infected person.
Factors that cause infection include:
- weakened immunity;
- bad habits;
- frequent and severe nervous shocks;
- viral infections;
- pathology of the gastrointestinal tract;
- frequent change of sexual partners, unprotected sexual intercourse.
Can the human papillomavirus be cured?
HPV in the active stage of development is treatable.
The main objective of treatment is to eliminate symptoms and strengthen the human body's protective mechanism.
Depending on the type of virus, symptoms and complications, different treatments can be used.
Can HPV be permanently cured?
A characteristic of HPV is that, when it enters the body, it settles in forever. During periods when the body has a strong defense mechanism and is not exposed to the above risk factors, the virus is in a calm state and is not activated.
With a decrease in the immune system, non-compliance with hygiene rules, deterioration of health, the papillomavirus can reactivate.
Papillomavirus infection methods
Infection with the HPV virus occurs through direct contact with an infected person, through the mucous membranes and skin. There are several routes of infection:
- The main form is sexual contact. The probability of transmitting the papillomavirus from an infected partner during unprotected sexual intercourse is 60-70%. The risk increases significantly with frequent partner changes. In the presence of mucosal microtraumas, infection is possible even during a kiss or oral sex;
- HPV infection also occurs domestically: when using the same towels, dishes and hygiene products as an infected person. There is a risk of contracting papillomavirus in public saunas, baths and swimming pools;
- Vertical transmission of the virus is also possible - from mother to fetus during childbirth.
Why is the human papillomavirus dangerous?
All strains of HPV can be conditionally divided into two categories: low and high oncogenic risk viruses. Groups in the second category are capable of progressing to an oncological disease.
Observation! HPV poses the greatest risk for women: highly oncogenic strains of the virus are the most predisposed to them.
In women, the papillomavirus can cause several diseases associated with the reproductive system:
- pathology of the cervix: erosion, leukoplakia, adenocarcinoma, cancerous tumors;
- oncology of the external genitalia, anal region.
In addition, the development of the disease is accompanied by the appearance of warts and papillomas on the genitals, limbs, armpits and neck. Neoplasms cause discomfort, interfere with hygiene and conduct a habitual lifestyle, therefore they should be discarded.
In men, the risk of developing cancer with HPV is lower, but not excluded. In addition, acute-angled papillomas can form on the penis, which causes discomfort and interferes with normal sexual activity. Such neoplasms must be removed immediately.
diagnostic methods
Identification of the disease usually begins with a visual examination by a physician. During the examination, the mucous membranes, the integuments of the skin are studied, especially carefully, it is necessary to examine the areas in which warts and papillomas are most often formed: the genital area, armpits, neck.
The main methods for diagnosing HPV include the following:
- Women definitely need to undergo a colposcopy, examination of the cervix and vagina, and also undergo cytology tests (scraping of the mucous membranes). If oncology is suspected, a biopsy may additionally be prescribed;
- PCR analysis (polymerase chain reaction). It allows to identify the DNA of the virus from any material supplied for analysis;
- The Digene test is a more accurate analysis. According to their results, the papillomavirus can be detected, its type can be recognized by DNA and the degree of malignancy can be determined.
General treatment regimen for HPV
Currently, there are no unified international protocols for the treatment of human papillomavirus. Two-component treatment regimens have been shown to be better: they combine the removal of viral lesions by surgical methods and the simultaneous passage of special antiviral therapy. The effectiveness of this approach for treating HPV is up to 90%.
Features of treatment in children
When HPV is activated in a child, doctors first resort to conservative methods of therapy: the appointment of immunomodulators and vitamins, as well as local treatment of rashes with ointments, compresses.
Surgical intervention is usually performed only in cases when, during observation, the growth of warts and papillomas is observed.
Features of treatment during pregnancy
Observation! HPV during pregnancy does not have a pronounced negative effect on its development and the course of pregnancy in general.
The main recommendations for the treatment of papillomavirus during pregnancy:
- If the virus is detected before pregnancy, you should be treated without delay. This will normalize immunity and prevent thrush and other infections;
- It is desirable to plan the start of pregnancy at the end of the second cycle after completion of treatment;
- The course of treatment for HPV during pregnancy should not begin until the 28th week of pregnancy - the period when all organs are formed in the child. This will help to avoid the negative effects of medications on the child's body.
papillomavirus treatment
The main treatments for HPV are:
- taking specific antiviral medications;
- a course in immunomodulators;
- removal of neoplasms (papillomas, warts) surgically;
- reduce the symptoms of the disease through traditional medicine.
antiviral therapy
Important! The selection of drugs depends on the type of virus and the characteristics of the organism. Only a doctor can prescribe a course of therapy and drug dosage, self-medication can exacerbate the situation.
Immunomodulatory drugs
The appointment of immunomodulators must be carried out by a doctor in accordance with the patient's immunogram - this will achieve a faster and more stable result.
Surgical approach (growth removal)
The main purpose of HPV surgery is to remove cells from the body that have been modified by the virus.
Removal can be carried out in several ways, depending on the characteristics of the disease and the doctor's indications:
- Electrocoagulation. Depending on the HPV group, treatment effectiveness ranges from 80% to 95%;
- Removal of rashes by laser. High efficiency, but there is a high probability of relapse. In addition, wounds after the procedure heal for a long time - up to 4 weeks;
- radio wave surgery. It is used to remove single formations;
- Cryotherapy. Efficiency - up to 65%, relapse occurs in 40-50% of cases;
- Chemodestructive agents. Applicable only for rashes in the genital area. Relatively low efficiency - no more than 40%.
Folk remedies
Observation! Alternative medicine means should not be considered a complete method of treating HPV. However, they are an affordable and harmless way to weaken the active manifestation of the virus.
The most effective for the papillomavirus are such folk remedies: fresh potato juice, fermented string, a mixture of garlic and vinegar, Kalanchoe leaves, tea tree oil.
They should be used in the form of compresses, dressings for external manifestations of HPV - papillomas, warts.
Preventing the recurrence of HPV
The main goals of preventing the recurrence of warts and papillomas are to strengthen immunity and maintain hygiene at home and in public places. Recommended:
- adhere to the correct diet;
- undergoing vitamin therapy;
- observe a normal way of working, get enough sleep and completely relax;
- increase physical activity.
Important! Vaccination is an effective method of preventing HPV reactivation - it can be used to protect against the most dangerous groups of the virus over a long period of time.