Papilloma virus can remain in the human body for a long time and does 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 particular danger, but some of its strains, under certain factors, can degenerate into cancer. And this is already a threat to human life. It is impossible to completely get rid of the pathogen. That is why it is very important to know how the human papillomavirus is transmitted in order to reduce the risk of HPV infection.
Characteristics of the virus and its transmission
Human papillomavirus causes the formation of benign neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes. They look like a papilla that protrudes a few millimeters above the surface. As a rule, such growth occurs when the body's defenses are weakened. Usually a person lives calmly and for now does not even think "Can I be a carrier or not" at the moment. Why do papillomas form:
- frequent hypothermia or overheating;
- presence of concomitant diseases;
- improper nutrition;
- presence of bad habits;
- frequent stress, depression, fatigue;
- 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 papillomavirus is contagious or not. The answer is yes. No one is 100% insured against infection. That is why it is very important to know how you can become infected with HPV (human papillomavirus).
How human papillomavirus is transmitted
Given that the likelihood of HPV infection is very high, the question often arises as to how the infection (human papillomavirus) is transmitted. Knowing the answer 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. Methods of contact with infection:
- Sexual transmission of the HPV pathogen (during sex). Very often the spread of an oncogenic microorganism occurs in this way. For example, such as HPV 16 and 18. Strains of 16 and 18 species are life-threatening because they can degenerate into cancer.
- Methods of contact with infection. You can infect a person by touching, hugging, kissing. The virus enters the body through damage, microcracks in the skin. Therefore, it is not necessary to come into close contact with people if you observe warts on their body (if you doubt it is contagious).
Transmission paths can also be internal. How can you get an infection (papilloma) this way:
- through personal hygiene products (towel, towel, toothbrush, etc. );
- human papillomavirus can be transmitted through clothing (infection occurs through skin lesions);
- infection can occur in public baths, saunas (the 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 birth.
Pregnant women should be very careful to avoid infection or pathogen activation.Ultimately, not only their health but also the baby's life depends on it.
Human papilloma (HPV), how it is transmitted: infection can occur in medical centers, hairdressers, beauty salons due to insufficient sterilization of instruments. This is extremely rare, as such institutions generally meet all sanitary standards, but there is still room for improvement.
An infected person may not even know it. It is therefore recommended that they undergo routine diagnostic examinations annually. It is now clear how the infection occurs. Thanks to this, preventive measures can be taken and infection can be avoided.
Sexual method
We learned earlier how you can get a benign neoplasm (papilloma virus). It has become clear that HPV is most often transmitted during intimacy (sexually). In addition, you can get all kinds of sex (vaginal, oral, anal).Papilloma is transmitted through intimate contact (sexually) through contact with the mucous membranes if they are damaged. In addition, 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, is it possible to have sex with HPV if one partner has it? In addition, 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 any of the people entering intimacy are infected, it is necessary to undergo regular diagnostic examination for oncogenicity of the pathogen (a healthy partner for the presence of HPV).
However, side effects can occur during sexual intercourse, even with contraception. Growth can be injured during sex. As a result, another infection or blood poisoning may occur in the wound. Also, damage to the neoplasm can lead to its degeneration into malignant. Thus, it turns out thathaving intercourse during HPV treatment is undesirable.If you do, be very careful. However, it is better to have a relationship only after treatment. Sex life after papilloma removal is less risky.
It is believed that the papilloma virus can be activated by masturbation. This is said to be inadequate intercourse, resulting in hormonal disturbances and a weakened immune system. This opinion is wrong. Masturbation in no way affects the protective functions of the body.
For oral sex
HPV can be spread from woman to man and vice versa through oral sex. This happens through microdamages to the skin and mucous membranes. Oral sex most commonly transmits strains of HPV that can degenerate into cancer.
A condom for oral sex reduces the risk of infection only if you blow. With cunnilingus in 90% of cases, the infection cannot be avoided.
Is human papillomavirus transmitted from mother to child?
We found out how adults are most often infected with the papilloma virus. It is now necessary to understand whether the human papillomavirus 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 the pathogen. The infection enters the baby'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 serious consequences.
Through kiss and blood
How human papillomavirus infection is transmitted:
- through saliva;
- through a kiss;
- by blood.
The question immediately arises, if HPV is transmitted through a kiss, is it possible to kiss a person who is infected? This decision is up to you. If you are 100% sure that there is no damage (even microscopically) in the oral cavity, then kissing is perfectly 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 blood has not been scientifically proven. There are cases where infection has occurred during transfusion. However, this is not evidence that the pathogen can be transmitted in this way.Perhaps the infection in these cases was made by poorly sterilized instruments.
Household path
In 85-90% of cases, it is possible to become infected through the household when a family member is infected.
Pathogenic microorganisms in the home are very often transmitted from parents to children. The child's immunity is still fragile and therefore the baby is more susceptible to infection. Home infection can occur as follows:
- if there is damage to the skin, the infection can occur through the use of common bedding, towels, towels, soap, cosmetics and hugs;
- you can get infected through saliva when you use a dish, a toothbrush, kisses with a virus carrier;
- when wearing infected person's clothing (especially underwear);
- in the home environment can occur self-infection during shaving, hair removal.
Also, infection in public places is a common way of transmitting the pathogen. For example in the pool, steam bath, sauna. And also with frequent handshakes and friendly hugs.
How not to get papillomavirus
How not to get HPV (human papillomavirus):
- Avoid frequent changes of sexual partners;
- are protected during intimacy;
- not use other people's stuff;
- do not wear other people's clothes;
- avoid visiting public baths, saunas, swimming pools (or at least wear a personal towel, changeable shoes);
- do not drink or eat food from infected people;
- carefully approach the choice of cosmetology, clinic, hairdresser (you must make sure that the institution follows all the rules of sterilization);
- Do not come into close contact with virus carriers.
If you still develop papillomas, see your doctor. He will perform the necessary diagnosis, determine the strain of the pathogen and, if necessary, prescribe effective treatment.
Does it protect the condom
If one of the partners has HPV, it is necessary to use a condom during sexual intercourse. However, a contraceptive 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 occur in different ways.
Infection can occur with foreplay. Through microcracks in the skin or in the mouth. In this case, the barrier contraceptive 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 growths on the body, you need to monitor the state of your immune system.The stronger it is, the lower the risk of tumor formation.
If growths appear, your doctor may advise you not to take any action (provided that the papillomas do not cause discomfort and do not have an oncogenic strain). If it is decided to get rid of tumors, then this is usually done by conservative methods. If medical treatment does not give a therapeutic result or there is a risk of degeneration of papilloma in cancer, surgery is prescribed (if there are no contraindications).