Papilloma virus can stay in the human body for a long time and not manifest itself in any way. It is activated only when the immune system is weakened. In most cases, the infection does not pose a special danger, but some of its strains, under certain factors, can develop into oncological diseases. And this already poses a threat to human life. It is impossible to completely get rid of the pathogenic microorganism. Therefore, it is very important to know how the human papilloma virus is transmitted in order to reduce the risk of HPV infection.
Characteristics of the virus and its transmission
The human papilloma virus causes the formation of benign neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes. They look like a papilla protruding a few millimeters above the surface. As a rule, such growth occurs when the body's defenses are weakened. Usually a person currently lives peacefully and doesn't even think "they can be a carrier or not", for now. Why do papillomas form:
- frequent hypothermia or overheating;
- presence of concomitant diseases;
- poor diet;
- presence of bad habits;
- frequent stress, depression, overwork;
- lack of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
90% of the world's population are carriers of the papilloma virus. The question immediately arises as to whether the human papilloma virus is contagious or not. The answer is yes. No one is 100% safe from infection. Therefore, it is very important to know how you can become infected with HPV (human papilloma virus).
How human papilloma virus is transmitted
Since the likelihood of HPV infection is very high, the question is often asked how the infection (human papilloma virus) is transmitted. Knowing the answers to this question can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Pathogenic microorganisms are transmitted from person to person. These are the most common routes of infection. Contact methods of infection:
- Sexually transmitted HPV pathogen (sexual intercourse). Very often the spread of an oncogenic microorganism occurs in this way. For example, such as HPV 16 and 18. Strains of types 16 and 18 are life-threatening because they can develop into oncological diseases.
- Contact methods of infection. You can infect a person by touching, hugging, kissing. The virus enters the body through damage, microcracks on the skin. Therefore, you should not come into close contact with people if you notice a wart on their body (if you suspect it is contagious).
Transmission paths can also be native. How can you get an infection (papilloma) this way:
- through personal hygiene products (towel, cloth, toothbrush, etc. );
- human papilloma virus can be transmitted by clothing (infection occurs on skin lesions);
- infection can occur in public bathrooms, saunas (pathogen can be on the floor, benches, etc. ).
The disease is not inherited. However, a newborn baby can also be infected. How a baby can get a papilloma:
- during intrauterine development from an infected mother;
- through the birth canal at the time of birth.
Pregnant women must be very careful to avoid infection or pathogen activation.Finally, it depends not only on their health, but also the life of the baby.
Human papilloma (HPV), as transmitted: the infection can occur in medical centers, hair salons, beauty salons due to insufficient sterilization of instruments. This happens extremely rarely, because such institutions generally meet all sanitary standards, but there is still a place where it should be.
The infected person may not even be aware of it. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo routine diagnostic examinations annually. It has now become clear how the infection develops. Thanks to this, preventive measures can be taken and infections can be avoided.
Sexual method
We figured out earlier how you can get a benign neoplasm (papilloma virus). It has become clear that HPV is most often transmitted through intimacy (sexually). Moreover, you can get infected with all types of sex (vaginal, oral, anal).Papillomas are transmitted by intimate contact (sexually) by touching the mucous membranes, if they are damaged. Moreover, the risk of infection is higher with anal sex because it is more traumatic.
Given that the risk of infection increases during intimate contact, the question arises whether sexual intercourse with HPV is possible if one partner has it? Moreover, infection with oncogenic strains of the virus often occurs during sexual intercourse.
Sex with HPV is acceptable. But during it you should always use barrier contraception (condoms). According to statistics, protection helps to avoid infection in men and women in 2 out of 3 cases. Without contraception, the risk of infection increases to 90%. If one of the persons entering intimacy is infected, it is necessary to regularly undergo a diagnostic examination for the oncogenicity of the pathogen (a healthy partner due to the presence of HPV).
However, during sexual intercourse, even with contraception, side effects can occur. During sex, the growth can be injured. As a result, another infection may enter the wound or blood poisoning may occur. Also, damage to the tumor can cause it to develop into malignant. Therefore, it turns out thatsexual intercourse during HPV treatment is undesirable.If you do, be extremely careful. But still it is better to establish a connection only after treatment. Sex life after papilloma removal is less risky.
It is thought that the papilloma virus can be activated by masturbation. Allegedly, this is inadequate intercourse, which leads to hormonal disorders and weakening of the immune system. This opinion is wrong. Masturbation in no way affects the protective functions of the body.
For oral sex
HPV can spread from woman to man and vice versa through oral sex. This occurs due to micro damage to the skin and mucous membranes. Oral sex most commonly transmits strains of HPV that can develop into cancer.
A condom for oral sex reduces the risk of infection only if smoking is performed. In cunnilingus, in 90% of cases, the infection cannot be avoided.
Is human papilloma virus transmitted from mother to child?
As adults, we are most often infected with the papilloma virus, we realized. It is now necessary to understand whether the human papilloma virus is transmitted from mother to child, how it occurs and what the risk is for babies.
In a newborn, the infection can occur by touching and kissing the mother if she is a carrier of a pathogenic microorganism. The infection enters the child's body by damaging the skin or mucous membranes.
Infection can also occur during fetal development. From an infected woman to her fetus. Also, infection can occur during childbirth. Although rare, it has dire consequences.
Through kiss and blood
How human papillomavirus infection is transmitted:
- through saliva;
- through a kiss;
- through the blood.
The question immediately arises, if HPV is transmitted by a kiss, can you kiss an infected person? This decision is up to you. If you are 100% sure that there is no damage (even microscopic) in your oral cavity, then kissing is quite acceptable. However, this is a rather risky decision. There may be lesions in the mouth that are not felt and that you are not even aware of.
The possibility of human papillomavirus infection through the blood has not been scientifically proven. There have been cases where the infection occurred during the transfusion.However, this is not evidence that the pathogen can be transmitted in this way.Perhaps the infection in these cases was caused by poorly sterilized instruments.
Household Trail
In 85-90% of cases, it is possible to become infected through the household when one of the family members is infected.
Pathogenic microorganisms are very often transmitted from parents to children at home. The baby’s immunity is still fragile and therefore the baby is more susceptible to infections. Domestic infection can occur as follows:
- if there is skin damage, infection can occur using shared bedding, towels, towels, soap, cosmetics and hugs;
- you can get infected through saliva when you use one dish, a toothbrush, kiss with a virus carrier;
- when wearing the clothes of an infected person (especially underwear);
- In the home environment, self-infection can occur during shaving and epilation.
Also, infection in public places is a common way of transmitting pathogens. For example, in the pool, steam bath, sauna. And also with frequent handshakes and friendly hugs.
How not to get papilloma virus
How not to get HPV (human papilloma virus):
- Avoid frequent changes of sexual partners;
- protect themselves during intimacy;
- not use other people's things;
- do not wear other people's clothes;
- avoid visiting public baths, saunas, swimming pools (or at least wearing a personal towel, changeable shoes);
- do not drink or eat the food of infected people;
- carefully approach the choice of cosmetology, clinic, hairdresser (you must be sure that all the rules of sterilization are followed in the institution);
- Do not come into close contact with virus carriers.
If papillomas do occur, talk to your doctor. He will perform the necessary diagnostics, determine the strain of the pathogen and, if necessary, prescribe effective treatment.
Does the condom protect
If one of the partners has HPV, a condom should be used during sexual intercourse. However, contraception is not a 100% guarantee that the infection will not be transmitted. Of course, the pathogenwill not be able to break through the condom, but the infection can happen differently.
Infection can occur through foreplay. Through microcracks on the skin or in the mouth. In this case, protective contraception will not save.
Treatment Methods
If you are a carrier of HPV, the infection may be dormant in your body and not cause any problems.To prevent growth on the body, you need to monitor the state of the immune system.The stronger, the lower the risk of neoplasm formation.
If growths appear, your doctor may advise you not to take any action (provided the papillomas do not cause discomfort and do not have an oncogenic strain). If a decision has been made to remove the neoplasm, this is, as a rule, done by conservative methods. If drug treatment does not give a therapeutic result or there is a risk of degeneration of papillomas into oncological disease, surgery is prescribed (if there are no contraindications).