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 several ways, has several 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
The human papillomavirus is a huge group of viruses that includes 27 species and about 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 been around for a long time.The problem of in-depth treatment of the disease did not receive 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 and malignant tumors include cancer of the vulva, penis and anus are observed.The human papillomavirus is dangerous not only for the reproductive system: it can cause cancer of the head, lungs, neck and damage to mucous membranes.
Papillomavirus and pregnancy
The interaction between the papillomavirus and pregnancy must be constantly monitored by a doctor: the disease can be transmitted to the child only if there are papillomas in the vagina;intrauterine contact does not pose a threat.In this case, the child will receive 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 have a cesarean section;Removal of papillomas during pregnancy is impossible.
HPV symptoms
In many cases, viral papilloma is asymptomatic, does not appear externally and disappears spontaneously 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, a decrease in immunity, a decline in the body's protective functions and an increased 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 on the inner part of the vagina and outer labia.Single or multiple warts can appear on different parts of the body: limbs, head, neck.Most of them are 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.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: entering the body, the virus is localized in the lower layers of the epithelium;it is easier to penetrate vulnerable 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 the development of malignant tumors.Warts are obtained directly from the activity of the virus at the intracellular level, its influence on the skin from the inside.
Types of HPV
Precancerous conditions can be provoked by viruses from medium and high risk groups, low oncogenic papillomaviruses are harmless, their manifestations - warts - have 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 revised, supplemented and changed.Right now, the most dangerous strains for women include the 16th and 18th;they are found in 90% of cervical cancer cases.
High oncogenic risk HPV
High-risk oncogenic HPV can be detected during testing after examining warts.These viruses are almost always accompanied by condylomas on the genitals.This category includes strains of infection such as 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 50, 59, 61, 62, 64, 68, 70, 73. They are capable of provoking degeneration in the tissues they enter, causing cancer and other dangerous pathologies.
How is HPV transmitted?
Among the methods of HPV transmission, sexual transmission is clearly the leader, with penetration not being necessary;direct contact of the genitals is sufficient.This has made the virus the second most common sexually transmitted infection after herpes, and it 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 may be present from birth and only appear at certain times.How else is HPV transmitted?
- Direct body contact.The virus can remain for some time in public places after sick people visit;It is especially active in a suitable humid environment: bathhouse, swimming pool, gym, bathroom.In these cases, the virus can be transmitted through abrasions, cuts or direct contact with the mucosa.
- Infection of a baby during birth.In this case, pulmonary papulosis and anogenital warts may occur.
Incubation period
Many people have lived with the disease for a long time and are not aware of its presence, although they are potential carriers of it 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 in a latent form, viruses are activated due to various factors: decreased immunity, illness, severe stress, after which they multiply and manifest themselves externally.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made when warts are detected on the body, and to determine the type of virus, various examination methods are used.Their choice depends on the location of the papillomas: anogenital formations require 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 scrapings from the cervix and uterine canal.
- Colposcopy is an examination for women that uses acetic acid: the surface of the mucosa is observed after its application.
- A biopsy is the removal of a skin sample to identify cancerous 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 way to detect precancerous and cancerous conditions in women without visible symptoms.
Analysis
Before the procedure, you must stop taking any antiviral and antibacterial medications.HPV tests, for which swabs are taken from the vagina and urethra, are carried out in specialized clinics and laboratories.The test is contraindicated for women during menstruation and in the first few days after it ends;men should not urinate two hours before the procedure.Doctors, urologists or oncologists decipher the results and a test to detect antibodies can be performed.
Papillomavirus treatment
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 comes down to removing 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 tissue repair process.
Treatment in women
Human papillomavirus infection in women can be a harbinger of dangerous diseases, therefore it is necessary to regularly visit a gynecologist and undergo preventive examinations if necessary.If condylomas are found on the body, there is no need to try to remove them yourself, as this can cause even more serious consequences.When mentioning the treatment of papillomavirus in women, it means removing 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.
Removing condylomas 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 probability of cervical cancer with HPV.After surgery, recurrences or complications in the form of damage to areas adjacent to those that were removed are possible.With timely intervention, not only can cancer be prevented, but also uterine surgery can be performed without harming reproduction and the woman's health.
Treatment of HPV in women with medication
Treatment of papillomavirus with medications occurs only after prescribing medications by a doctor, since all medications perform only an auxiliary function and are not the main means of therapy.To treat HPV in women, antiviral tablets and immunomodulatory drugs are used.How they help fight the disease:
- Antiviral: they act directly on “foreign” cells in the body, increasing 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 several side effects, it must be used in the dosage.
- Rectal and vaginal suppositories: helps eliminate condylomas and warts in the anogenital region.Before use, it is necessary to treat the area with a special disinfectant.
Treatment of strains 16, 18 in women with medication
If you have an oncogenic type of virus, you will need surgery on the cervix, if condylomas form, and cleaning of the entire vagina, as 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 healthy state after surgery and prevent relapses.When treating strains 16.18 in women, medications are prescribed to reduce existing condylomas before surgery:
- interferons;
- interferonogens.
Injections
To eliminate external signs, when papillomas are non-oncogenic, injections are prescribed.There is a medicine that is available in the form of injectable ampoules.It can be used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes;There are no side effects or contraindications.It helps to eliminate warts without surgery and significantly increase the period of remission.
Boosting 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 immunity boosting is also important to give the body strength and ability to fight infections on its own.For this there are special medicines, medicinal preparations and traditional methods.How can you boost your immunity:
- A complex of useful vitamins and microelements.
- Medications: immunomodulators and antivirals.
- Mild 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 pool, the bathhouse and perform water treatments at home (contrast showers, herbal baths).
- Adjust your sleeping and eating patterns.Eat according to the clock, sleep as long as necessary.
Prevention
Most types of viruses are harmless, but caution should be exercised because a carrier of one infection can become infected with a second infection more easily than a healthy person.HPV prevention includes a series of mandatory actions and procedures that every adult must carry out, regardless of whether they are sexually active or not.What preventive methods can be used:
- Vaccination.It prevents dangerous tendencies in the development of the virus, but not infection by it.After vaccination, a possible infection should pass quickly and unnoticed.
- Condoms.They do not guarantee complete protection, as their particles are very small and can penetrate the material, but in most cases they reduce the risk of transmitting infection to a minimum.
- Control of sexual life.Constantly changing partners is the greatest likelihood of infection.
- Compliance with personal hygiene rules.Do not allow anyone, even people you know, to use your body towel or underwear.
- Regular visits to a gynecologist, urologist and collection of tests.