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 cure. 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 he who causes the appearance of warts, papillomas, genital warts and other skin formations.
These viruses were combined into a single group in 1971. The number of detected HPV types is around 600. It is possible that there are actually many more. The only critical difference between these strains is that some of them have a low onco risk, others are of high onco risk. In modern medical practice it is not usual to check for the presence of all 600 types, the most important thing is to find out if a person is a carrier of 16 strains, of which 14 cause precancerous lesions: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68. The remaining - 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 effect of HPV inside the cells.
How is it transmitted?
Sexual and domestic routes. And yet, sexual transmission is the most common. The probability that a woman will be infected in the first years of sexual activity is more than 50%. The safest way to avoid getting HPV is to refrain 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, contact during foreplay and oral sex.
The likelihood of entering into a positive contract increases with the number of sexual partners: the more active you are sexually active, the more likely you are to become infected with HPV. Household transfer is also possible: when using someone else's towel or razor.
If your partner is infected with a virus, chances are you have it too. Men with HPV develop genital warts and flat warts on both the penis and groin. If you suddenly notice strange skin growth, inform your girlfriend immediately and get the appropriate tests.
How do I know if I have HPV?
The easiest way is to take a gynecological smear for HPV and cytology. As we have already noted, only 16 strains of the virus are controlled. It is possible to suspect the presence of the 6th or 11th strain without testing: If you or your partner have papillomas or genital warts, you are probably a carrier of papillomavirus and the tests will confirm this.
As for high oncogenic viruses, they do not manifest themselves and it is difficult to visually determine their presence in the body - an analysis for cytology, cervical colposcopy and HPV tests are required. Due to the asymptomatic course of the disease, strains with high oncogenic risk are particularly 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 point, HPV is embedded in the cell and changes its structure, making it malignant. Malignant cells help determine a cytological analysis that is taken by 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?
Do not ride your horses. As we have already said, over 80% of women on the planet during their time have time to get HPV. It is clear that not everyone has developed cervical cancer. It takes a long time from HPV infection to the development of a precancerous condition. Participate in the annual scheduled examination by a gynecologist, test it on time, and then the doctor will diagnose the presence of HPV and the first malignant changes in cells long before the development of cancer.
Even if you have found one or even more of the 14 highly oncogenic virus types, cytological analysis does not necessarily indicate the presence of malignant cells. At a young age, with good immunity, cells are rarely found with signs of malignancy in the PAP test, so respiratory protection, calm down and read on.
Is HPV Treated?
"If HPV is so dangerous, it needs to be treated quickly! " - perhaps this thought flashed through your head. Unfortunately, medications so far have not found any way or medication that helps 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 effect of the virus.
HPV treatment must be comprehensive. In the presence of genital warts and genital warts, they must be removed by one of the methods: surgery, radio wave knife, laser or cryodestruction.
Can warts not be removed?
No, you can not: the virus concentrates and lives in these neoplasms, which means that subsequent treatment becomes less effective. In addition, you hardly want to leave them: it is possible that unpleasant sensations arise during sex, not to mention the fact that such a cosmetic defect will have a negative impact on your self-confidence, self-confidence and, consequently, on the relationship with your partner.
Can they get through on their own?
But this scenario is very possible: strengthening the immune system, a healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits and the daily use of local antiviral drugs (ointments or sprays) - a complex of these measures can make warts go away.
However, there is good news: HPV may not be treated, but in most cases it eliminates on its own and loses an unequal battle against strong immunity. This happens within two years from the moment of infection, and in a young, strong organism, the process naturally goes faster.
Is it possible to get infected again from a sexual partner?
How! And condyloma that you removed earlier may also reappear. If your husband is infected and he has the external manifestations of the virus - genital warts - there is a high probability that he will be re-infected. All sexual infections must be treated without exception by both parties: use barriers for protection, remove neoplasms caused by HPV, maintain strong immunity and perform appropriate treatment.
If you have found HPV, do not hide it from your partner. He may not need complex treatment, but immunomodulatory therapy will only benefit.
If you suspect HPV, we recommend that you do not panic and contact a specialist - obstetrician-gynecologist.