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 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 infection, 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 huge group of viruses, which includes 27 species and about 500 strains (types).Most of them do not entail pathologies in the human body, they exist imperceptibly, without complications, but some types are potentially dangerous.They can cause a variety of diseases, including oncology, reproductive dysfunction and HIV.
Why is it dangerous?
Papilloma viruses have been around for a long time.The problem of in-depth 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, and malignant tumors include cancer of the vulva, penis, and anus.The human papilloma virus is dangerous not only for the reproductive system: it can cause cancer of the head, lungs, neck and mucous membranes.
Papilloma virus and pregnancy
The interaction between the papilloma virus and pregnancy must be constantly monitored by the doctor: the disease can be transmitted to the child only if there are papillomas in the vagina;intrauterine contact is not dangerous.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, then a caesarean section is recommended;Removal of 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 the 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 drop in immunity, a decrease in the protective functions of the body and a greater sensitivity to colds and infectious diseases.
In women
HPV in women manifests itself in the form of condyloma - small pointed or flat body formations on the inside of the vagina and outer lips.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, 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 papilloma can be considered the pathogenesis of infection: when it enters the body, the virus is localized in the lower layers of the epithelium;it is easiest for it to penetrate vulnerable, soft 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.Warts are caused directly by the action of the virus at the intracellular level, its impact on the skin from the inside.
HPV types
Precancerous conditions can be caused by viruses of medium and high risk, low-oncogenic papilloma viruses are harmless, their manifestations - warts - show 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.Currently, the most dangerous strains for women are 16 and 18;they are found in 90% of cervical cancer cases.
HPV of high oncogenic risk
High oncogenic risk HPV can be detected during testing after examining the warts.Such 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 able to cause degeneration in the tissues they enter, thus causing cancer and other dangerous pathologies.
How is HPV transmitted?
Among the methods of transmission of HPV, sexual transmission is clearly the leader, and penetration is not necessary;direct genital contact is sufficient.This 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 persons of any gender and age can become infected with papilloma.It can be present from birth and appear only at certain times.What other ways is HPV transmitted?
- Direct physical contact.The virus can live for some time in public places after sick people have visited it;it is especially active in a suitable wet environment: bathroom, swimming pool, gym, toilet.In such cases, the virus can be transmitted through abrasion, cuts or direct contact with the mucous membrane.
- Infection of the baby during childbirth.In this case, pulmonary papulosis and anogenital warts may also appear.
Incubation period
Many people live with the disease for a long time and are not aware of its presence, and 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, runs latently, viruses are activated due to various factors: reduced immunity, illness, severe stress, after which they multiply and manifest externally.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis is carried out when warts are found on the body, and different test methods are used to determine the type of virus.Their choice depends on the location of the papilloma: anogenital formations require a mandatory examination of the cervix, plantar and other papillomas require a histological examination and blood tests.What diagnostic methods can doctors use:
- Cytological examination - analysis of scrapings from the cervix and uterus.
- Colposcopy is a test for women who use 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 by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) - DNA and nucleic acids are tested.
- Histological examination.
- The vaginal screening test is a precise way of detecting precancerous and cancerous conditions in women without visible symptoms.
Analysis
Before the procedure, you must stop taking all antiviral and antibacterial drugs.HPV tests, for which swabs are taken from the vagina and urethra, are performed in specialized clinics and laboratories.Testing is contraindicated for women during menstruation and the first days after expiration;men should not urinate two hours before the procedure.Doctors, urologists or oncologists decipher the results, and a test to detect antibodies can be done.
Treatment of papilloma virus
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 takes care of itself, but there are no effective methods for eliminating it from the body.The treatment is reduced to the removal of warts, condylomas and possible consequences of the disease - benign or malignant tumors, damaged epithelium.Some drugs are used to help the body fight infection and speed up the tissue recovery process.
Treatment in women
Infection with the human papilloma virus in women can be a precursor to dangerous diseases, so it is necessary to visit a gynecologist regularly and, if necessary, do preventive examinations.If condylomas are found on the body, there is no need to try to remove them yourself, this can cause even more serious consequences.When the treatment of papillomavirus in women is mentioned, it means removing the affected tissue, monitoring the growth and development of warts;General therapy can be used in case of infection with highly oncogenic HPV.Ways to remove papillomas:
- surgery;
- chemical cauterization;
- laser removal (carbon dioxide, neodymium beam);
- destruction of the concentration of affected cells with liquid nitrogen;
- electrocoagulation.
Removal of condylomas and warts does not mean a cure: this 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, relapses or complications are possible in the form of damage to the areas that are close to those that have been removed.With timely intervention, not only cancer can be avoided, but also uterine surgery can be performed without harming reproduction and women's health.
Treatment of HPV in women with drugs
Treatment of papillomavirus with drugs occurs only after the drugs are prescribed by the doctor, because all drugs have only an auxiliary function and are not the main means of therapy.Antiviral tablets and immunomodulatory drugs are used to treat HPV in women.How they help fight disease:
- Antivirus: act directly on "foreign" cells in the body, increase the production of antibodies;it can interfere with reproduction or have a stimulating effect on natural immune resources.
- Immunomodulatory: Immunomodulatory drugs have the ability to cause non-specific resistance - resistance and increased protection of the organism, regeneration of damaged tissues.There are a number of side effects, it must be used in dosage.
- Rectal and vaginal suppositories: helps to remove condylomas and warts in the anogenital area.Before use, it is necessary to treat the area with a special disinfectant.
Drug treatment of strains 16, 18 in women
If you have an oncogenic type of virus, you will need cervical surgery if condylomas have formed there and cleaning of the entire vagina, because no drugs eliminate the virus.They can only help to 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 recurrence.When treating strains 16.18 in women, drugs are prescribed to reduce existing condylomas before surgery:
- interferons;
- interferonogens.
Injections
To remove external signs, when papillomas are not oncogenic, injections are prescribed.There is a drug that is available in the form of injectable ampoules.It can be used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes;no side effects or contraindications.It helps to get rid of warts without surgery and significantly prolongs the period of remission.
Strengthening immunity with HPV
What is HPV, apart from papilloma, oncology and uterine dysplasia?This means critically 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 strength and ability to fight infections on its own.There are special medicines, medicinal preparations and traditional methods for this.How you can strengthen your immunity:
- A complex of useful vitamins and microelements.
- Medicines: immunomodulators and antiviral drugs.
- Soft medicines: ginseng, echinacea.
- Ginger, lemon, echinacea, radish, pomegranate, walnuts, honey, citrus fruits are indispensable products for the vitality of the organism.
- Eat more green vegetables, fresh fruits, drink green tea.
- Visit the pool, the bathroom, and do 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 you should be careful, because the carrier of one infection can be infected with another more easily than a healthy person.HPV prevention includes a series 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.It prevents dangerous trends in the development of the virus, but not its infection.After vaccination, a possible infection should pass quickly and imperceptibly.
- Condoms.They do not guarantee complete protection, because its particles are very small and can penetrate the material, but in most cases they reduce the risk of transmitting the infection to a minimum.
- Control of sex life.Constantly changing partners is the highest probability of infection.
- Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.Do not let anyone, even people you know, use your towel or underwear.
- Regular visits to the gynecologist, urologist and taking swabs for tests.