HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the 21st century. It is easy to pick up and impossible to cure. Does it look scary? We answered the most popular questions about this infection in our material!
What kind of virus is this? New?
HPV is 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 HPV types detected is about 600. It is possible that there are actually many more. The only critical difference between these strains is that some of them are low onco risk, others are high onco risk. In modern medical practice, it is not accepted to check the presence of all 600 types, the main thing is to find out if a person has 16 strains, 14 of which cause precancerous conditions: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68. The others - 6 and 11 - are responsible for the formation of genital warts, which also need to be treated. The virus is especially dangerous for women as it can cause cervical cancer. However, men are also at risk: genital cancer usually develops from the destructive action of HPV inside cells.
How is it broadcast?
Sexual and domestic routes. And yet, sexual transmission is the most common. The chance of a woman becoming infected in the first years of sexual activity is over 50%. The safest way to avoid HPV is to abstain from unprotected casual sex and use a condom. However, even the condom does not offer 100% protection, since HPV is transmitted through contact with mucous membranes: through kissing, contact during foreplay and oral sex.
The likelihood of contracting positively increases with the number of sexual partners: the more active you are sexually active, the more likely you are to be infected with HPV. Domestic transmission is also possible: when using someone else's towel or blade.
If your partner is infected with a virus, chances are you have too. Men with HPV develop genital warts and flat warts on the penis and groin. If you suddenly notice strange skin growths, immediately inform your boyfriend and perform the appropriate tests.
How do I know if I have HPV?
The easiest way is to do a gynecological smear for HPV and cytology. As already noted, only 16 strains of the virus are scanned. It is possible to suspect that you have the 6th or 11th strain without tests: if you or your partner has papillomas or genital warts, then you probably have the papillomavirus, and the tests will confirm this.
High-risk oncogenic viruses do not manifest themselves and it is difficult to visually determine their presence in the body - analysis for cytology, cervical colposcopy and HPV tests is required. Due to the asymptomatic course of the disease, strains of high oncogenic risk are especially 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 time HPV is embedded in the cell and changes its structure, making it malignant. Malignant cells help determine a cytological analysis, which is done in a routine exam by a gynecologist once every six months or a year. In fact, it is better not to lose, especially those with HPV.
If I have HPV, do I have cancer?
Don't drive your horses. As we have already said, during life more than 80% of women on the planet have time to contract HPV. Obviously, not everyone developed cervical cancer. It takes a long time from HPV infection to the development of a precancerous condition. Participate in annual examinations scheduled with a gynecologist, get tested at the right time and 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 more of the 14 highly oncogenic types of the virus, cytological analysis does not necessarily show the presence of malignant cells. At a young age, with good immunity, cells with signs of malignancy are rarely found in the PAP test, so exhale, calm down and continue reading.
Is HPV being treated?
"If HPV is so dangerous, it needs to be treated urgently! " - perhaps this thought has crossed your mind. Unfortunately, so far medicine has found no means or medication to help get rid of HPV once and for all. However, with immunomodulatory therapy and an adequate lifestyle, you can achieve long-term remission and stop the destructive effect of the virus.
HPV treatment should be comprehensive. In the presence of genital warts and genital warts, they must be removed by one of the methods: surgery, radio wave scalpel, laser or freezing.
Can't warts be removed?
No, it cannot: the virus is concentrated and lives in these neoplasms, which makes subsequent treatment less effective. Furthermore, it is unlikely that you want to leave them: it is possible that unpleasant sensations may arise during sex, not to mention that such an aesthetic defect will negatively affect your self-esteem, self-confidence and, consequently, your relationship with your partner.
Can they survive alone?
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 complex of these measures can make warts disappear.
However, there is good news: HPV may not be treated, but in most cases it eliminates alone, losing an uneven battle for strong immunity. This happens within two years from the moment of infection and, in a young and strong organism, the process is naturally faster.
Is it possible to be infected again by a sexual partner?
How! And the condylomas previously removed can also appear again. If your man is infected and has the external manifestations of the virus - genital warts - there is a high probability that he will be infected again. All sexual infections, without exception, must be treated by both partners: use protective barrier methods, remove neoplasms caused by HPV, maintain strong immunity and conduct appropriate therapy.
If you found HPV, don't hide it from your partner. It may not need complex treatment, but immunomodulatory therapy will only benefit.
If you suspect HPV, we recommend not to panic and contact a specialist - obstetrician-gynecologist.