HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the 21st century. It is easy to absorb and impossible to cure. Sounds creepy? We answer the most popular questions about this infection in our material!
What kind of virus is that? 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 types of HPV detected is around 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. It is not common in modern medical practice 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 cancer: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68. The remaining - 6 and 11 - are responsible for the formation of genital warts, which also require treatment. The virus is especially dangerous for women as it can cause cervical cancer. However, men are also at risk: Genital cancer often results from the destructive effects of HPV on the cells.
How is it transmitted?
Sexual and household ways. And yet, sexual transmission is the most common. The chance that a woman will become infected in the first few years of sexual activity is greater than 50%. The safest way to avoid HPV is to avoid the occasional unprotected sex and use a condom. However, even a condom does not offer 100% protection, as HPV is transmitted through contact with mucous membranes: through kissing, contact during foreplay, and oral sex.
The likelihood of a positive contraction increases with the number of sexual partners: the more active you are sexually active, the more likely you are to be infected with HPV. Transmission around the home is also possible: when using someone else's towel or razor.
If your partner is infected with a virus, there is a high chance 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, inform your friend immediately and have the appropriate tests carried out.
How do I know if I have HPV?
The easiest way is to get a gynecological smear for HPV and cytology. As mentioned earlier, only 16 strains of the virus are checked. Suspect that you have the 6th or 11th strain without testing: if you or your partner has papillomas or genital warts, you are most likely a carrier of the papillomavirus and the tests confirm this.
Viruses with high oncogenic risk do not manifest and it is difficult to visually determine their presence in the body. Analysis for cytology, colposcopy of the cervix, and HPV tests are required. Due to the asymptomatic course of the disease, strains with high oncogenic risk are particularly dangerous for women who do not undergo a gynecologist's annual PAP (cytological analysis) test. The course of the disease is asymptomatic, and at this point in 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 done every six months or one year during a routine exam by a gynecologist. By the way, it's better not to miss them, especially those with HPV.
If I have HPV, do I have cancer?
Do not ride your horses. As we said earlier, over 80% of the women on the planet will have time to develop HPV during their lifetime. Obviously, not everyone has developed cervical cancer. It takes a long time from HPV infection to precancer development. Attend annual checkups at a gynecologist's office, get tested on time, and the doctor will diagnose the presence of HPV and the first malignant changes in cells long before cancer develops.
Even if you have found one or even more of the 14 severely oncogenic virus types, the 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 read on.
Is HPV treated?
"If HPV is so dangerous, it needs urgent treatment! " - Perhaps this thought crossed your mind. Unfortunately, so far medicine has not found a way or medicine that would help get rid of HPV once and for all. However, with immunomodulatory therapy and an appropriate lifestyle, you can achieve long-term remission and stop the damaging effects of the virus.
HPV treatment must be comprehensive. If genital warts and genital warts are present, they must be removed using one of the following methods: surgery, radio wave meter, laser, or cryodestruction.
Can't warts be removed?
No, you cannot: the virus concentrates and lives in these neoplasms, which means that subsequent treatment is less effective. In addition, it is unlikely that you will want to leave them: it is possible that unpleasant sensations will arise during sex, not to mention the fact that such a cosmetic defect negatively affects your self-esteem, self-confidence, and, accordingly, your relationship with your partner.
Can you get through on your own?
But this scenario is quite possible: strengthening immunity, a healthy lifestyle, abandoning bad habits and daily use of local antivirals (ointments or sprays) - a complex of these measures can make warts go away.
There is good news, however: HPV may not be treated, but in most cases it eliminates on its own and loses an unequal battle against strong immunity. This happens within two years from the time of infection, and with a young, strong organism the process is of course faster.
Can a sexual partner become infected again?
How! And condylomas that you removed earlier can also come back. If your husband is infected and has the outward manifestations of the virus - genital warts - there is a high chance he will get infected again. All sexually transmitted infections, without exception, must be treated by both partners: use barrier methods for protection, remove neoplasms caused by HPV, maintain strong immunity, and conduct appropriate therapy.
If you've found HPV, don't hide it from your partner. He may not need complex treatment, but immunomodulatory therapy will only be of benefit.
If you suspect HPV, we advise you not to panic and contact a specialist - obstetrician-gynecologist.