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 understand.
What is human papillomavirus?
Human papillomavirus is a huge group of viruses that includes 27 species and about 500 strains (types).Most of them do not lead to 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 very long time.The problem of deep treatment of the disease was not paid attention until it was proven that long-term HPV in women provokes the development of cervical cancer.It is now the most common complication;in other cases warts, weakened immunity, 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 damage to mucous membranes.
Papilloma virus 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 is not a threat.In this case, the child will get an infection of the genitals or the respiratory system.If a woman is infected with one of the dangerous viruses type 16 or 18, which cause cervical cancer, then a cesarean section is recommended;Removal of papillomas during pregnancy is impossible.
HPV symptoms
In many cases, viral papilloma is asymptomatic, does not manifest externally and disappears on its own 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 that are considered symptoms of HPV.Almost always, when the body is infected, a decrease in immunity, a decrease in the body's protective functions 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 on the inside of the vagina and external 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.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: formations similar to red plaques, formations on the head of the penis.
Causes of papillomas
The cause of papillomas can be considered the pathogenesis of the infection: when it enters the body, the virus is localized in the lower layers of the epithelium;it is easiest 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 occurs.Warts are caused directly by the activity of the virus at the intracellular level, its influence on the skin from the inside.
HPV types
Precancerous conditions can be provoked by viruses of medium and high risk group, low-oncogenic papillomaviruses are harmless, their manifestations - warts - show negative biopsy results and do not harm health.The types of viral infections differ in degree of oncogenic risk, and the lists are regularly revised, supplemented and changed.Currently, the most dangerous strains for women include the 16th and 18th;they occur in 90% of cervical cancers.
HPV with high oncogenic risk
HPV with a high oncogenic risk can be detected during examination after examination of warts.Such viruses are almost always accompanied by genital warts.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 provoking degeneration in the tissues they enter, thus causing cancer and other dangerous pathologies.
How is HPV transmitted?
Among the methods of HPV transmission, sexual transmission is clearly the leader, and penetration is not necessary;direct genital contact is sufficient.This has made the virus the second most common sexually transmitted infection after herpes and is particularly prevalent in poor countries with low quality of life.All sexually active people 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 body contact.The virus can live for some time in public places after sick people have visited them;it is particularly active in a suitable humid environment: bathroom, swimming pool, gym, toilet.In such cases, the virus can be transmitted through scrapes, cuts or direct contact with the mucous membrane.
- Infection of the baby during childbirth.In this case, both pulmonary papulosis and anogenital warts may appear.
Incubation period
Many people live with the disease for a long time and are not aware of its presence, but are potential carriers if they have sex.The incubation period of HPV is very long, which is why the disease often goes unnoticed.It lasts from 5 months to several years, it is latent, the viruses are activated due to various factors: reduced immunity, illness, severe stress, after which they multiply and manifest themselves externally.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made when warts are found on the body and different research methods are used to determine the type of virus.Their choice depends on the location of the papillomas: 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 uterine canal.
- Colposcopy is an examination for women using acetic acid: after its application, the surface of the mucous membrane is observed.
- A 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.
- The vaginal screening test is an accurate way to detect precancerous and cancerous conditions in women without visible symptoms.
Analysis
Before the procedure, you should stop taking antiviral and antibacterial drugs.In specialized clinics and laboratories, HPV tests are performed, for which smears are taken from the vagina and urethra.The study is contraindicated for women during menstruation and the first days after its end;men should not urinate two hours before the procedure.Doctors, urologists or oncologists decipher the results and a test can be done to detect antibodies.
Treatment of papilloma virus
The main question that concerns patients is whether it is possible to cure HPV (papilloma) completely and forever?unfortunately no.In 90% of cases, the immune system handles 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 the infection and speed up the tissue repair process.
Treatment in women
Human papillomavirus infection in women can be a harbinger of dangerous diseases, so it is necessary to visit a gynecologist regularly and do preventive examinations if necessary.If condylomas are found on the body, you should not try to remove them yourself, this can lead to even more serious consequences.When they mention the treatment of papilloma virus in women, they mean 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 burn;
- 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 the operation, relapses or complications are possible in the form of damage to areas adjacent to those that have been removed.With timely intervention, not only cancer can be avoided, but also the operation of the uterus can be performed without harm to the woman's reproductive health and health.
Treatment of HPV in women with drugs
Treatment of papillomavirus with drugs is carried out only after the drugs have been prescribed by a doctor, since all drugs perform only an auxiliary function and are not the main means of treatment.For the treatment of HPV in women, antiviral tablets and immunomodulatory drugs are used.How they help fight the disease:
- Antivirus: act directly on the "foreign" cells in the body, increase the production of antibodies;may interfere with reproduction or have a stimulating effect on natural immune resources.
- Immunomodulatory: Immunomodulating drugs have the ability to cause non-specific resistance - resistance and increased protection of the body, regeneration of damaged tissues.It has a number of side effects, it must be used in dosage.
- Rectal and vaginal suppositories: help get rid of condylomas and warts in the anogenital area.Before use, you must treat the place with a special disinfectant.
Treatment of strains 16, 18 in women with drugs
If you have an oncogenic type of virus, you will need surgery on the cervix, if warts have formed there, and cleaning of the entire vagina, since no drugs eliminate 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.In the treatment of strains 16.18 in women, drugs are prescribed to reduce existing condylomas before surgery:
- interferons;
- interferonogens.
injections
To eliminate 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 curative and prophylactic purposes;no side effects and contraindications.It helps to get rid of warts without surgery and significantly increase the period of remission.
Boosting immunity with HPV
What is HPV, besides papillomas, oncology and dysplasia of the uterus?This means critically reduced immunity, susceptibility to all seasonal infections and a difficult recovery period.Artificial and natural enhancement of immunity is also important to give the body strength and ability to fight the infection on its own.There are special drugs, medicinal preparations and traditional methods for this.How you can boost your immunity:
- A complex of useful vitamins and trace elements.
- Medicines: immunomodulators and antivirals.
- Soft medicines: ginseng, echinacea.
- Ginger, lemon, echinacea, radishes, rose hips, walnuts, honey, citrus fruits are indispensable products for the vitality of the body.
- Eat more green vegetables, fresh fruits, drink green tea.
- Visit the pool, the bath and conduct water treatments at home (contrast showers, herbal baths).
- Adjust your sleeping and eating patterns.Eat according to the clock, sleep the necessary time.
Prevention
Most types of viruses are harmless, but care must be taken because the carrier of one infection can more easily become infected with a second one than a healthy person.HPV prevention includes a number of mandatory actions and procedures that every adult should 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 infection with it.After vaccination, any infection should pass 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 transmission of infection to a minimum.
- Control of sex life.Constantly changing partners is the greatest likelihood of infection.
- Compliance with the rules of personal hygiene.Don't let anyone, even people you know, use your towel or underwear.
- Regular visits to the gynecologist, urologist and taking pap smears for tests.