HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases of the 21st century. It is easy to remove and impossible to cure. Sounds awful? We answer the most popular questions about this infection in our material!
What type of virus is it? New?
HPV is actually as old as the universe. It is the one that causes warts, papillomas, genital warts and other skin forms.
These viruses were grouped together in 1971. The number of HPV types detected is about 600. There may, in fact, be many more. The only critical difference between these strains is that some of them have low onco risk and some have high onco risk. In modern medical practice it is not common to check why there are 600 species, the main thing to find out is whether a person is a carrier of 16 strains, 14 of which cause pre-existing conditions: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68. The rest - 6 and 11 - are responsible for the formation of genital warts, which also need treatment. The virus is especially dangerous for women because it can cause cervical cancer. However, men are also at risk: Genital cancer often develops as a result of the destructive effects of HPV on cells.
How is it transmitted?
Sexual and household routes. And yet, sexual transmission is the most common. The probability that a woman becomes infected in the first years of sexual activity is more than 50%. The safest way to prevent getting HPV is to abstain from casual sex and use a condom. However, even condoms do not provide one hundred percent protection, because HPV is transmitted through contact with mucous membranes: through kissing, during contact with the premise and oral sex.
The probability of contracting with a number of sexual partners will have a positive effect: the more active you are with sexual activity, the more likely you are to be infected with HPV. Household transfer is also possible: while using someone else’s towel or razor.
If your partner is infected with the virus, chances are you do too. Men with HPV have genital warts and flat warts. If you suddenly notice a strange growth of skin, immediately inform your friend and take the appropriate tests.
How do I know I have HPV?
The easiest way is to get a gynecological smear for HPV and cytology. As already mentioned, only 16 strains of the virus have been tested. You may suspect that you have strain 6 or 11 without tests: if you or your partner have papilloma or genital warts, then you are probably a carrier of the papillomavirus, and tests will confirm this.
As for high-risk oncogenic viruses, they are not detected and it is difficult to visually determine their presence in the body - requires cytology analysis, cervical colposcopy and HPV tests. Because of the asymptomatic course of the disease, high-risk oncogenic strains are especially dangerous for women who do not undergo an annual PAP test (cytological analysis) by a gynecologist. The course of the disease is asymptomatic, at which time HPV is inserted into the cell and changes its structure, transforming it into malignant. Malignant cells help to establish a cytological analysis, which is performed by a routine examination by a gynecologist once every six months or once a year. By the way, it is better not to miss them, especially in patients with HPV.
If I have HPV, do I have cancer?
Do not drive horses. As already mentioned, more than 80% of women on the planet have time to get HPV during their lifetime. Obviously, not everyone has developed cervical cancer. It takes a long time for HPV infection to develop into a precursor. Attend your scheduled annual check-ups with your gynecologist, get tested in a timely manner, and then your doctor will diagnose the presence of HPV and the first malignant changes in the cells long before the cancer develops.
Even if you find one or more of 14 or oncogenic types of the virus, cytological analysis does not necessarily indicate the presence of malignant cells. At a young age, with good immunity, cells with malignant markings are rarely found on the PAP test, so exhaust, relax, and read.
treating HPV?
"If HPV is so dangerous, then it needs to be treated urgently! " - Perhaps this thought has crossed your mind. Unfortunately, so far no medicine or medicine has been found 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, you will need to remove them by one of the following methods: surgery, radio wave knife, laser or cryodestruction.
Warts can not be removed?
No, you can not: The virus concentrates and lives in these neoplasms, which means that further treatment becomes less effective. In addition, you hardly want to leave them: it is possible to experience unpleasant sensations during sex, not to mention the fact that such a cosmetic defect will negatively affect your self-esteem, self-confidence and, consequently, your relationship with your partner.
Can they get to know each other through themselves?
But this scenario is quite possible: strengthening the immune system, healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits and daily use of local antivirals (ointments or sprays) - a combination of these measures can make warts disappear.
However, the good news is: HPV cannot be cured, but in most cases it excludes itself, losing the unequal fight to strong immunity. This occurs within two years of infection, and in a young, strong organism, the process is naturally faster.
Is it possible to be infected again by a sexual partner?
How! And the condyloma you removed earlier may also reappear. If your person is infected and has external manifestations of the virus - genital warts - there is a high probability that he or she will become infected again. Sexually transmitted infections, without exception, should affect both partners: use barrier methods of protection, remove HPV-induced neoplasms, maintain strong immunity, and provide appropriate therapy.
If you find HPV, do not hide it from your partner. It may not require complex treatment, but immunomodulatory therapy will only benefit.
If you suspect HPV, we advise you not to panic and contact a specialist - obstetrician-gynecologist.