HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the 21st century. It is easy to take and impossible to treat. Sounds scary? We answer the most popular questions about this infection in our material!
What kind of virus is this? New?
HPV is actually as old as the world. It is the cause of warts, papillomas, genital warts and other skin formations.
These viruses were grouped together in 1971. The number of HPV types detected is about 600. There may actually be many more. The only critical difference between these strains is that some of them have a low risk of onco, others have a high risk of onco. In modern medical practice it is not common to check for the presence of all 600 species, the main thing is to find out if a person is a carrier of 16 strains, 14 of which cause precancerous conditions: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68. The others - 6 and 11 - are responsible for the formation of genital warts, which must also be treated. The virus is especially dangerous for women as it can cause cervical cancer. However, men are also at risk: genital cancer often develops from the destructive effects of HPV inside cells.
How is it transmitted?
Sexual and domestic routes. And yet, sexual transmission is the most common. The probability of a woman becoming infected during the first years of sexual activity is more than 50%. The safest way to avoid HPV is to abstain from casual unprotected sex and use a condom. However, even a condom does not provide one hundred percent protection, as HPV is transmitted through contact with mucous membranes: through kissing, foreplay contact, and oral sex.
The likelihood of fighting increases positively with the number of sexual partners: the more active you are sexually active, the more likely you are to be infected with HPV. Household transmission is also possible: when using someone else's towel or razor.
If your partner is infected with a virus, chances are you will have it too. Men with HPV develop genital warts and flat warts on both the penis and groin. If you suddenly notice strange growths on the skin, notify your boyfriend immediately and take the appropriate tests.
How do I know if I have HPV?
The easiest way is to get a gynecological ointment for HPV and cytology. As already noted, only 16 strains of the virus are tested. It is possible to suspect that you have a 6th or 11th strain without tests: if you or your partner have papillomas or genital warts, then you are most likely a carrier of the papilloma virus and the tests will confirm this.
As for viruses with high oncogenic risk, they do not appear and it is difficult to visually determine their presence in the body - cytology analysis, colposcopy of the cervix and HPV tests are required. Due to the asymptomatic course of the disease, strains with a high oncogenic risk are especially dangerous for women who do not undergo the annual PAP test (cytological analysis) by a gynecologist. The course of the disease is asymptomatic and at this time HPV is incorporated into the cell and changes its structure, making it malignant. Malignant cells help to determine a cytological analysis, which is taken during a routine examination by a gynecologist once every six months or a year. By the way, it is better not to miss them, especially those with HPV.
If I have HPV, do I have cancer?
Don't ride your horses. As we have already said, more than 80% of women in the world manage to get HPV in their lifetime. Obviously, not everyone has developed cervical cancer. It takes a long time from HPV infection to the development of a precancerous condition. Visit the annual regular check-ups at the gynecologist, get tested on time and then the doctor will diagnose the presence of HPV and the first malignant changes in the cells long before the cancer develops.
Even if you have one or even several of the 14 highly oncogenic viruses, cytological analysis does not necessarily show the presence of malignant cells. At a young age, with good immunity, cells with signs of malignancy are rarely detected in the PAP test, so exhale, calm down and read on.
Is HPV treatable?
"If HPV is so dangerous, then it needs to be treated urgently! " - maybe this thought flashes through your head. Unfortunately, so far medicine has not found a way or cure to help get rid of HPV once and for all. However, with immunomodulatory therapy and a proper lifestyle, you can achieve long-term remission and stop the destructive effects of the virus.
HPV treatment should be comprehensive. In the presence of genital warts and genital warts, they should be removed by one of the methods: surgery, radio wave knife, laser or cryodestruction.
Can warts not be removed?
No, you can't: the virus concentrates and lives in these tumors, which means that subsequent treatment becomes less effective. In addition, you are unlikely to want to leave them: it is possible during sex to experience unpleasant sensations, not to mention the fact that such a cosmetic defect will negatively affect your self-esteem, self-esteem and, accordingly, your relationship with your partner.
Can they cross on their own?
But this scenario is entirely possible: strengthening the immune system, a healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits and daily use of topical antivirals (ointments or sprays) - a set of these measures can make the warts disappear. / p>
However, there is good news: HPV may not be treated, but in most cases it eliminates itself, losing the unequal battle against strong immunity. This occurs within two years of infection and in a young, strong organism the process naturally proceeds faster.
Is it possible to become infected again from a sexual partner?
How! And warts that you removed earlier can also reappear. If your man is infected and has external manifestations of the virus - genital warts - there is a high probability that he will be infected. All sexually transmitted infections, without exception, should be treated by both partners: use barrier methods of protection, remove tumors caused by HPV, maintain strong immunity and conduct appropriate therapy.
If you have found HPV, do not hide it from your partner. It may not need complex treatment, but immunomodulatory therapy will only benefit.
If you suspect HPV, we advise you not to panic and contact an obstetrician-gynecologist.