HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases of the 21st century. It is easy to collect 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 a single group in 1971. The number of HPV types detected is about 600. There may in fact be 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 usual to check for the presence of 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 treatment. The virus is especially dangerous for women, as it can lead to 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 routes. And yet, sexual transmission is the most common. The probability that a woman will be infected in the first years of sexual activity is more than 50%. The surest way to avoid HPV is to abstain from unprotected casual sex and use a condom. However, even a condom does not provide one hundred percent protection, since HPV is transmitted through contact with mucous membranes: through kissing, contact during foreplay, and oral sex.
The probability of contracting increases positively with the number of sexual partners: the more active you are sexually active, the more likely you are to become infected with HPV. Domestic transmission 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 it too. Men with HPV develop genital warts and flat warts on both the penis and the groin. If you suddenly notice strange growths on your skin, tell your boyfriend immediately and get tested.
How do I know if I have HPV?
The simplest way is to perform a Pap smear and gynecological smear for HPV. As we have already noted, only 16 strains of the virus are controlled. It is possible to suspect that you have the sixth or eleventh strain without testing - if you or your partner have papillomas or genital warts, you are most likely a carrier of the papillomavirus, and the tests will confirm this.
As for high oncogenic risk viruses, they do not appear and it is difficult to visually determine their presence in the body; Analysis for cytology, cervical colposcopy, and HPV testing is required. Due to the asymptomatic course of the disease, high oncogenic risk strains 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. The malignant cells help determine a cytological analysis, which is routinely performed by a gynecologist once every six months or a year. By the way, it's best not to overlook them, especially those with HPV.
If I have HPV, do I have cancer?
Do not lead your horses. As we have already said, more than 80% of women on the planet have time to contract HPV. Obviously, not everyone has developed cervical cancer. It takes a long time from HPV infection to the development of a precancerous condition. Attend scheduled annual exams with a gynecologist, get tested on time, and then the doctor will diagnose the presence of HPV and the first malignant changes in cells long before cancer development.
Even if you have found one or 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, then it must be treated urgently! " - maybe this thought ran through your head. Unfortunately, until now medicine has not found a way or a medicine to help get rid of HPV once and for all. However, with immunomodulatory therapy and a proper lifestyle, you can achieve long-term remission and stop the destructive effect of the virus.
HPV treatment must be comprehensive. In the presence of genital warts and genital warts, they should be removed by one of the methods: surgery, radio wave scalpel, laser or cryodestruction.
Can't remove warts?
No, it cannot: the virus concentrates and lives in these neoplasms, which means that further treatment becomes less effective. In addition, you will hardly want to leave them: unpleasant sensations may arise during sex, not to mention the fact that such a cosmetic defect will negatively affect your self-esteem, self-confidence and, consequently, in the relationship with your partner.
Can you pass on your own?
But this scenario is quite possible: strengthening the immune system, a healthy lifestyle, abandoning bad habits and daily use of local antiviral agents (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 clears up on its own, losing an uneven battle to strong immunity. This occurs within two years from the time of infection, and in a strong young organism the process naturally goes faster.
Is it possible to get re-infected from a sexual partner?
How! And the condylomas you removed earlier can also reappear. If your man is infected and has the external manifestations of the virus (genital warts), there is a high probability that he will be reinfected. All sexual infections, without exception, must be treated by both partners: use barrier protection methods, eliminate neoplasms caused by HPV, maintain strong immunity and perform appropriate therapy.
If you have found HPV, do not hide it from your partner. You may not need complex treatment, but immunomodulatory therapy will only benefit you.
If you suspect HPV, we recommend that you do not panic and contact a specialist: obstetrician-gynecologist.