HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases of the 21st century. Easy to take 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 one group in 1971. The number of detected HPV types was around 600. There could be many more. The only critical difference between these strains is that some are low onco risk, others high onco risk. In modern medical practice, it is not allowed to check for the presence of all 600 types, the main thing is to find out whether a person is carrying 16 strains, 14 of which are causing precancerous 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 to be treated. This virus is very dangerous for women, because it can cause cervical cancer. However, men are also at risk: genital cancer often develops from the destructive action of HPV in cells.
How to ship?
Sexual and domestic routes. However, sexual transmission is the most common. The likelihood of a woman contracting it in the first years of sexual activity is more than 50%. The surest way to avoid HPV is to abstain from unprotected sex and use condoms. However, even condoms do not provide one hundred percent protection, because HPV is transmitted by 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 sexually active you are, the more likely you are to get HPV. Transmission from the household is also possible: when using someone else's towel or razor.
If your partner is infected with a virus, it is very likely that you have also contracted the virus. Men with HPV develop genital warts and flat warts on the penis and groin. If you suddenly notice strange skin growths, tell your boyfriend immediately and get the appropriate test.
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 types of viruses were examined. It is possible to suspect a 6th or 11th strain without testing: if you or your partner has papillomas or genital warts, you are most likely a carrier of the papilloma virus, and tests will confirm this.
As for viruses with a high oncogenic risk, they do not manifest themselves, and it is difficult to visually determine their presence in the body - analysis for cytology, cervical colposcopy and HPV testing are required. Due to the asymptomatic course of the disease, strains with a high oncogenic risk are especially dangerous for women who do not undergo an annual PAP test (cytological analysis) by an obstetrician. The course of the disease is asymptomatic, and at this time HPV is implanted in cells and changes their structure, turning them malignant. Malignant cells help determine cytological analysis, which is carried out at a routine examination by a gynecologist every six months or once a year. By the way, it's better not to miss, especially those with HPV.
If I have HPV, do I have cancer?
Don't drive your horse. As we have said, during their lifetime more than 80% of the women on the planet have time to contract HPV. Obviously, not everyone has cervical cancer. It takes a long time from HPV infection to development of precancerous conditions. Attend the annual scheduled examination with the gynecologist, get the test done in time, then the doctor diagnoses the presence of HPV and the first malignant changes in cells long before the development of cancer.
Although you have found one or even several of the 14 strains of highly oncogenic viruses, cytology analysis does not always reveal the presence of malignant cells. At a young age, with good immunity, cells with signs of malignancy are rarely found on the PAP test, so exhale, calm down and read on.
Is HPV being treated?
"If HPV is very dangerous, it must be treated immediately! " - maybe this thought has crossed your head. Unfortunately, so far the drug has not found a way or drug that can help get rid of HPV for good. However, with immunomodulatory therapy and the right lifestyle, you can achieve long-term remission and stop the destructive effects of the virus.
HPV care must be comprehensive. If there are genital warts and genital warts, they should be removed by one of the following methods: surgery, radio wave knife, laser or cryodestruction.
Can the wart not be removed?
No, you can't: the virus is concentrated and lives in this neoplasm, which means that subsequent treatment is less effective. In addition, you almost do not want to leave them: there is a possibility that unpleasant sensations will appear during sex, not to mention the fact that such a cosmetic defect will negatively affect self-esteem, self-confidence and, accordingly, to the relationship with your partner.
Can they do it by themselves?
But this scenario is quite possible: strengthening immunity, a healthy lifestyle, breaking bad habits and daily use of local antiviral agents (ointments or sprays) - this complex action can get rid of warts.
However, there is good news: HPV may not be treated, but in many cases HPV goes away on its own, losing the unequal battle for strong immunity. This occurs within two years of infection, and in young, vigorous organisms the process naturally accelerates.
Is it possible to be reinfected from a sexual partner?
How! And the condyloma that you removed earlier can also come back. If your man is infected and he has an external manifestation of the virus - genital warts - he is likely to get reinfected. All sexually transmitted infections, without exception, should be treated by both partners: use barrier protection methods, remove neoplasms caused by HPV, maintain strong immunity and undertake appropriate therapy.
If you have found HPV, do not hide it from your partner. It may not require complicated treatment, but immunodulation therapy will only be of benefit.
If you suspect HPV, we advise you not to panic and contact a specialist - obstetrician-gynecologist.