HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases of the 21st century. It is easy to pick up and impossible to heal. Sounds scary? In our material, we answer the most popular questions about infection!
What kind of virus is this? New?
HPV is actually as old as the world. It causes the appearance of warts, papillomas, genital warts and other skin formations.
These viruses were merged into a single group 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 are low onco-risk and others are high onco-risk. It is not customary in modern medical practice to check for the presence of all 600 species, especially to find out if a person is a carrier of 16 strains, 14 of which are carcinogenic: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68. The remaining 6 and 11 are responsible for the development of genital warts, which also need to be treated. The virus is especially dangerous for women because it can cause cervical cancer. However, it also puts men at risk: venereal cancer often develops through the destructive effects of HPV in cells.
How to forward?
Sexual and domestic routes. And yet, sexual transmission is the most common. The probability of a woman becoming infected in the first years of sexual activity is more than 50%. The safest way to avoid HPV is to abstain from unprotected sex and use a condom. However, even a condom does not provide one hundred percent protection because HPV is spread through contact with mucous membranes: kissing, contact during foreplay, and oral sex.
The number of sexual partners increases the likelihood of a positive contract: the more active or sexually active you are, the more likely you are to be infected with HPV. Household transfers are also possible: if you use someone else’s towel or razor.
If your partner is infected with a virus, chances are good that you have it. Men with HPV develop genital warts and flat warts on both the penis and groin. If you suddenly notice a strange skin growth, notify your friend immediately and perform the appropriate tests.
How do I know if I have HPV?
The easiest method is to remove the gynecological smear for HPV and cytology. As already noted, only 16 strains of the virus are scanned. We suspect that you have strain 6 or 11 without a test: if you or your partner have papillomas or genital warts, you probably have the carrier of the papillomavirus, and tests confirm this.
As for high oncogenic risk viruses, they do not manifest and it is difficult to visually determine their presence in the body - cytological analysis, cervical colposcopy and HPV testing are required. Due to the asymptomatic course of the disease, strains with a high oncogenic risk are particularly dangerous for women who do not have an annual PAP test (cytological analysis) by a gynecologist. The course of the disease is asymptomatic, at which point the HPV is embedded in the cells and changes its structure, becoming malignant. Malignant cells help determine the cytological analysis that a gynecologist performs on a regular monthly or semi-annual basis. By the way, it is better not to miss them, especially for those with HPV.
If I have HPV, do I have cancer?
Don't lead your horse. As mentioned, more than 80% of women on the planet have had time for HPV in their lifetime. Obviously, not everyone has developed cervical cancer. It takes a long time from HPV infection to the development of a carcinogenic condition. Attend a one-year scheduled examination with a gynecologist, check in 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 one or more of the 14 highly oncogenic virus types are found in you, cytological analysis does not necessarily indicate the presence of malignant cells. At a young age, with good immunity, cells suggesting malignancies are rare in the PAP test, so breathe, calm down, and read on.
Is HPV being treated?
“If HPV is so dangerous, it needs to be treated urgently! ” - Maybe the thought rushed through his head. Unfortunately, medicine has so far not found a method or drug that can ultimately get rid of HPV. 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. The presence of genital warts and genital warts should be removed by one of the following methods: surgery, radio wave knife, laser or cryodestruction.
Can't remove warts?
No, you don't know: the virus concentrates and lives in these tumors, which means that later treatment is less effective. In addition, you hardly want to leave them: it is possible that unpleasant feelings may occur during sex, not to mention that such a cosmetic defect negatively affects your self-esteem, self-confidence, and, accordingly, your relationship with your partner.
Can they become alone?
But this scenario is entirely possible: boosting the immune system, living a healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits, and using local antiviral drugs (ointments or sprays) on a daily basis - a complex of these measures can make warts go away.
The good news, though, is that HPV cannot be treated, but in most cases it eliminates it on its own and loses an unequal battle against strong immunity. This happens within two years of the moment of infection, and in a young, strong body, the process is naturally faster.
Is it possible to re-infect a sexual partner?
How! And previously removed condylomas may also appear. If a person is infected and has external manifestations of the virus - genital warts - there is a good chance that he will be re-infected. All sexual infections, without exception, should be treated by both partners: protective containment methods, removal of HPV-induced neoplasms, maintenance of strong immunity, and appropriate therapy.
If you find HPV, don't hide it from your partner. You may not need complex treatment, but immunomodulatory therapy is only beneficial.
If you suspect HPV, we recommend that you do not panic and contact a specialist - gynecologist-gynecologist.