HPV or human papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the 21st century. It is easy to pick up and cannot be cured. Does it sound scary? We will answer the most popular questions about this infection in our profile!
What virus is this? Is it new?
HPV is actually as old as the world. The cause of the formation of warts, papillomas, genital warts and other skins is
These viruses were merged into one group in 1971. The number of HPV types detected is approximately 600. In fact, there may be more. The only key difference between these strains is that some of them have a low risk of cancer, while others have a high risk of cancer. In modern medical practice, it is usually not checked whether there are all 600 types, mainly to find out whether a person carries 16 strains, 14 of which can cause precancerous conditions: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56 are 58, 59, 66, 68 respectively. The remaining -6 and 11- are responsible for the formation of condyloma acuminatum and also need treatment. The virus is particularly dangerous for women because it can cause cervical cancer. However, men are also at risk: Genital cancer is usually caused by the damaging effects of HPV in the cells.
How to transfer?
Sex and family routes. However, sexual transmission is the most common. Women are more than 50% more likely to be infected during the first few years of sexual activity. The most reliable way to avoid HPV infection is to give up unprotected casual sex and use condoms. However, even condoms cannot provide 100% protection because HPV is transmitted through contact with the mucous membrane: contact, foreplay, and contact during sexual intercourse.
As the number of sexual partners increases, the possibility of contracting is also on the rise: the more active your sexual activity, the more likely you are to contract HPV. Family transmission is also possible: when using another person’s towel or razor.
If your partner is infected with a virus, it is very likely that he will also be infected with the virus. Men with HPV will have condyloma acuminata and flat warts on the penis and groin. If you suddenly notice strange skin growths, please notify your boyfriend immediately and take appropriate tests.
How do I know if I have HPV?
The easiest way is to perform gynecological smears for HPV and cytology. As we have already pointed out, only 16 viruses were checked. It may be suspected that you have not tested the 6th or 11th strain: If you or your partner has papilloma or condyloma acuminata, it is likely that you are a carrier of papillomavirus, and the test will confirm this. / p>
For viruses with high carcinogenic risk, they will not show up, and it is difficult to visually determine their presence in the body-cytological analysis, cervical endoscopy and HPV testing are required. Due to the asymptomatic course of the disease, the high carcinogenic risk strain is especially dangerous for women who have not undergone the annual PAP test (cytological analysis) by a gynecologist. The course of the disease is asymptomatic. At this time, HPV is embedded in the cell and changes its structure, turning it into a malignant tumor. Malignant cells help determine the cytological analysis, and the gynecologist performs routine examinations of the tumor every six months or a year. By the way, it is best not to miss them, especially those who suffer from HPV.
If I have HPV, will I get cancer?
Don't drive. As we have already said, more than 80% of women on the planet have time to obtain HPV. Obviously, not everyone suffers from cervical cancer. It takes a long time to progress from HPV infection to precancerous stage. Participate in the annual regular check-up by the obstetrician and gynecologist, and perform the check-up on time. Then the doctor will diagnose the existence of HPV and the first malignant change in the cell long before the cancer occurs.
Even if you have found one or even several of the 14 highly carcinogenic types of viruses, cytological analysis does not necessarily indicate the presence of malignant cells. At a young age, with good immunity, cells with malignant signs are rarely found in the PAP test, so exhale, calm down and continue reading.
Are you treating HPV?
"If HPV is so dangerous, you need urgent treatment! "-Maybe this thought flashed through your mind. Unfortunately, so far, drugs have not found any method or drugs to get rid of HPV once and for all. However, with immunomodulatory therapy and proper lifestyle, you can achieve long-term relief and stop the destructive effects of the virus.
HPV treatment must be comprehensive. In the presence of genital warts and genital warts, they need to be removed by one of the following methods: surgery, radio knife, laser or cryo-elimination.
Can’t remove warts?
No, you can't: the virus accumulates and lives in these tumors, which means that the effect of subsequent treatment is reduced. In addition, you hardly want to leave them: unpleasant feelings may occur during sex, not to mention that such superficial defects can seriously affect your self-esteem, self-confidence, and relationship with your partner.
Can they tide over the difficulties on their own?
But this situation is likely to happen: strengthening the immune system, healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits and daily use of topical antiviral agents (ointments or sprays)-the complexity of these measures will make the warts disappear.
However, there is good news: HPV may not be treated, but in most cases, it will eliminate on its own, thus losing the unequal battle against strong immunity. This happens within two years from the date of infection, and the process will naturally be faster in young, strong organisms.
Is it possible to be infected by a sexual partner again?
How to do it! The con tangle you removed earlier may also reappear. If your man is infected and has the external manifestations of the virus-condyloma acuminatum-it is likely to be re-infected. All sexual infections, without exception, must be treated together by both parties: use a protective barrier method to remove tumors caused by HPV, maintain strong immunity and carry out appropriate treatment.
If you have discovered HPV, please do not hide it from your partner. He may not need complicated treatment, but immunomodulatory therapy will only benefit.
If you suspect HPV, it is recommended that you do not panic and contact a specialist-obstetrician-gynecologist.