HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the 21st century. It is easy to get and not curable. Sounds scary? We answer the most popular questions about this infection in our material!
What virus is this? New?
HPV is actually as old as the world. This causes warts, papillomas, genitals and other skin conditions.
These viruses were combined into a single group in 1971. The number of detected HPV types is about 600. In fact, it is possible to have more. The only critical difference between these strains is that some of them have a low onco risk and others have a high onco risk. In modern medical practice, it is not customary to check for all 600 species, the main thing is that a person is a carrier of 16 strains, 14 of which cause diseases in advance: 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 herpes, which must be treated. The virus is especially dangerous for women because it can cause cervical cancer. However, men are also at risk: genital cancer often develops from the destructive effects of intracellular HPV.
How is it transmitted?
Sexual and domestic routes. Again, sexual transmission is the most common. A woman is more than 50% more likely to be infected during the first years of sexual activity. The best way to avoid getting HPV is to avoid casual unprotected sex and use a condom. However, even a condom does not provide one hundred percent protection, because HPV is transmitted through contact with mucous membranes: by kissing, foreplay and oral sex.
The number of sexual partners increases the likelihood of contracting positively: the more sexually active you are, the more likely you are to become infected with HPV. Household transmission is also possible: when using someone else's towel or razor.
If your partner is infected with a virus, then you are more likely to be infected. Men with HPV develop genital warts and straight warts on both the penis and groin. If you see a strange skin growth, immediately inform your lover and take 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 noted, only 16 waters of the virus are tested. It is possible to suspect the presence of strain 6 or 11 without testing: if you or your partner has papillomas or genital warts, you are most likely a carrier of the papillomavirus, and tests will confirm this.
When it comes to high-risk oncogenic viruses, they do not show up and are difficult to visually detect - cytology, cervical colposcopy, and an analysis for HPV tests are required. Due to 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, in which HPV enters the cell and changes its structure, becoming a harmful one. Malignant cells help to determine the cytological analysis performed by a gynecologist on a regular basis every six months or once 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 mentioned earlier, more than 80% of the women on the planet have the time to get HPV during their lifetime. Obviously, not everyone develops cervical cancer. It lasts a long time from HPV infection to the development of a precancerous condition. Attend an annual scheduled check-up with a gynecologist, get tested on time, and then the doctor diagnoses the presence of HPV and the first malignant changes in the cells long before the cancer develops.
Although you can find one or more of the 14 highly oncogenic types of the virus, cytological analysis does not necessarily indicate the presence of malignant cells. At a young age, cells with good immunity and malignant symptoms on the PAP test are rare, so breathe, calm down, and read.
Is HPV being treated?
"If HPV is so dangerous, it needs to be treated urgently! " - Maybe that thought struck you. Unfortunately, to date, the drug has not found a way or medication to help get rid of HPV once and for all. However, with immunomodulatory therapy and a healthy 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 genitals, they should be removed by one of the methods: surgery, radio wave knife, laser or cryostrest.
Can't warts be removed?
No, you can't: the virus accumulates and lives in these neoplasms, which means that subsequent treatment will be less effective. In addition, you do not want to leave them: it is possible to have unpleasant feelings during sex, not to mention that such a cosmetic defect will negatively affect your self-esteem, self-confidence and, accordingly, your relationship with your partner.
Can they come themselves?
However, this scenario is quite possible: to strengthen the immune system, a healthy lifestyle, to give up bad habits and daily use of local antiviral drugs (ointments or sprays) - this set of measures can lead to the disappearance of warts.
However, there is good news: HPV may not be curable, but in most cases it is self-defeating by losing an unequal fight against strong immunity. This occurs within two years of the infection, and in a young, strong organism, this process naturally accelerates.
Is it possible to be re-infected by a sexual partner?
How! Condylomata that you removed earlier may reappear. If your man is infected and has external manifestations of the virus - genital herpes - he is more likely to be re-infected. All sexually transmitted infections, without exception, should be treated by both partners: use barrier methods of protection, rule out new diseases caused by HPV, maintain strong immunity, and receive appropriate therapy.
If you find HPV, don't hide it from your partner. He may not need complex treatment, but immuno-modulating therapy will only benefit.
If you suspect HPV, we recommend that you do not panic and consult a midwife-gynecologist.