HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the 21st century. It is easy to collect and impossible to cure. Sounds scary? We answer the most common 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 a single group in 1971. The number of HPV types detected is approximately 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 customary to check for all 600 types, the main thing is to find out if a person is a carrier of 16 strains, 14 of which cause precancerous conditions: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68. The remaining ones - 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 often develops from the destructive action of HPV within cells.
How is it transmitted?
Sexual and domestic paths. Still, sexual transmission is the most common. The likelihood of a woman getting infected in the first few years of sexual activity is over 50%. The surest way to avoid contracting HPV is to refrain from unprotected casual sex and use a condom. However, even a condom does not provide one hundred percent protection, as HPV is transmitted through contact with mucous membranes: through kissing, contact during foreplay, and oral sex.
The likelihood of positively contracting increases with the number of sexual partners - the more sexually active you are, the more likely you are to get infected with HPV. Home transmission is also possible: when using someone else's towel or razor.
If your partner has been infected with a virus, then there is a high chance that you have it too. Men with HPV develop genital warts and flat warts on both the penis and groin. If you suddenly notice any strange skin growths, notify your boyfriend immediately 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 already noted, only 16 strains of the virus are checked. It is possible to suspect the presence of the 6th or 11th strain without testing: if you or your partner have genital papillomas or warts, you are most likely a carrier of the papillomavirus and tests will confirm this.
As for viruses with high oncogenic risk, they do not manifest themselves and it is difficult to visually determine their presence in the body: an analysis for cytology, colposcopy of the cervix and HPV tests are required. Due to the asymptomatic course of the disease, high oncogenic risk strains are especially dangerous for women who do not undergo annual PAP testing (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, turning it into a malignant one. Malignant cells help determine a cytological analysis, which is performed during a routine examination by a gynecologist once every six months to a year. By the way, it's best not to lose them, especially those with HPV.
If I have HPV, do I have cancer?
Don't drive your horses. As we have already mentioned, more than 80% of women on the planet have time to contract HPV during their lifetime. Of course, not everyone has developed cervical cancer. It takes a long time from HPV infection to develop a precancerous condition. Attend scheduled annual exams with a gynecologist, get tested in time, then the doctor will diagnose the presence of HPV and early malignant changes in the cells long before cancer develops.
Even if you have found one or even more of the 14 highly oncogenic virus types, cytology 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 breathe out, calm down and read on.
Is HPV being treated?
"If HPV is so dangerous, it needs to be treated urgently! " - perhaps this thought has occurred to you. Unfortunately, so far, medicine has not found any way or medicine that will help get rid of HPV once and for all. However, with immunomodulatory therapy and an adequate lifestyle, it is possible to achieve long-term remission and stop the destructive effect of the virus.
Treatment for HPV must be complete. In the presence of genital warts and genital warts, they will need to be removed by one of the methods: surgery, radio wave knife, laser or cryodestruction.
The warts cannot be removed?
No, you can't: the virus concentrates and lives in these neoplasms, which means that subsequent treatment becomes less effective. In addition, you are unlikely to want to leave them - it is possible that unpleasant sensations will arise during sex, not to mention that such a cosmetic defect will negatively affect your self-esteem, self-confidence and, consequently, your relationship with yours. partner.
Will they be able to do it on their own?
But this scenario is quite possible: strengthening the immune system, a healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits and the daily use of local antiviral agents (ointments or sprays) - a complex of these measures can make thewarts.
However, there is good news: HPV may not be cured, but in most cases it clears itself, losing an unequal battle due to strong immunity. This occurs within two years of infection and in a young and strong organism the process is naturally faster.
Is it possible to get infected again from a sexual partner?
How! And the warts you removed earlier can also appear again. If your man is infected and has the external manifestations of the virus - genital warts - there is a high chance that he will be reinfected. All sexual infections, without exception, must be treated by both partners: use barrier methods of protection, remove neoplasms caused by HPV, maintain strong immunity and conduct appropriate therapy.
If you have found HPV, don't hide it from your partner. It may not need complex treatment, but immunomodulatory therapy will benefit.
If you suspect HPV, we advise you not to panic and contact a specialist - obstetrician-gynecologist.