HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the 21st century. It is 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. He is the cause of warts, papillomas, genital warts and other skin formations.
The virus was merged into one group in 1971. The number of HPV types detected was around 600. There may be many more. The only critical difference between these strains is that some of them have low onco risk, others high onco risk. In modern medical practice, it is not uncommon to check the presence of all 600 types, the key being to find out if a person carries 16 strains, 14 of which cause 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, as it can cause cervical cancer. However, men are also at risk: genital cancer often develops as a result of HPV-damaging action in cells.
How is it sent?
Sexual and household routes. However, sexual transmission is the most common. The probability of a woman getting infected in the first years of sexual activity is more than 50%. The safest way to avoid getting HPV is to stay away from unprotected sex and use condoms. However, even condoms do not provide one hundred percent protection, because HPV is transmitted through contact with the mucous membranes: through kissing, contact during foreplay and oral sex.
The likelihood of a positive contract increases with the number of sexual partners: the more sexually active you are, the more likely you are to get HPV. Household spreading is also possible: when using someone else’s towel or razor.
If your partner is infected with the virus, it is very likely that you have the same virus. Men with HPV have genital warts and flat warts on the penis and groin. If you suddenly notice strange skin growth, immediately tell your boyfriend and get the appropriate test.
How do I know if I have HPV?
The easiest way is to take a gynecological smine for HPV and cytology. As we all know, only 16 types of viruses are tested. It is possible to suspect that you have the 6th or 11th strain without a test: if you or your partner have a papilloma or genital warts, you are most likely a carrier of the papillomavirus virus, and the test will confirm it.
Regarding high-risk oncogenic viruses, they do not manifest themselves, and it is difficult to visually determine their presence in the body - cytological analysis, cervical colposcopy and HPV testing are required. Because the disease is asymptomatic, high-risk oncogenic strains are particularly dangerous for women who do not undergo the annual PAP test (cytological analysis) by a gynecologist. The course of the disease is not symptomatic, and at this time HPV is embedded in the cell and changes its structure, turning it into malignant. Malignant cells help determine cytological analysis, which is performed on routine examinations by a gynecologist once every six months or a year. By the way, it is better not to miss, especially those with HPV.
If I get HPV, do I get cancer?
Do not drive your horse. As we have said, during their lifetime more than 80% of women on the planet have time to get HPV. Obviously, not everyone has cervical cancer. It takes a long time from HPV infection to the development of precancerous conditions. Attend an annual scheduled examination with a gynecologist, be tested on time, and then the doctor will diagnose the presence of HPV and the first malignant changes in the cell before the development of cancer.
Although you have discovered one or even some of the 14 highly oncogenic viruses, cytological analysis does not necessarily indicate the presence of malignant cells. At a young age, with good immunity, cells with signs of malignancy are rarely found in PAP tests, so exhale, calm down and continue reading.
Is HPV treated?
"If HPV is very dangerous, then it needs to be treated immediately! " - maybe this thought crossed your mind. Unfortunately, so far the medicine has not found a way or medicine that will help get rid of HPV once in a while. However, with the right immunomodulatory therapy and lifestyle, you can achieve long-term remission and stop the damaging effects of the virus.
HPV treatment must be comprehensive. If there are genital warts and genital warts, they should be removed by one of the methods: surgery, radio wave knife, laser or cryodestruction.
Can warts not be removed?
No, you can not: this virus concentrates and lives in this neoplasm, which means that further treatment becomes less effective. In addition, you may not want to leave it: there is a possibility of unpleasant sensations appearing during sex, not to mention that such cosmetic defects will have a negative impact on self-esteem, self-confidence and, therefore, on your relationship with your partner.
Can they solve it themselves?
But this scenario is very likely: strengthening immunity, a healthy lifestyle, letting go of bad habits and daily use of local antiviral agents (ointments or sprays) - a complex of these steps can make warts disappear.
However, there is good news: HPV may not be curable, but in most cases, it will go away on its own, losing a fight that is not equivalent to strong immunity. This occurs within two years from the moment of infection, and in strong young organisms, the process naturally runs faster.
Is it possible to be infected again from a sexual partner?
How! And the condyloma you previously removed may also reappear. If your man is infected and he has an external manifestation of the virus - genital warts - there is a good chance he will be re-infected. All sexual infections, without exception, must be treated by both partners: use barrier protection methods, get rid of HPV-induced neoplasms, strong immunity, and do appropriate therapy.
If you find HPV, do not hide it from your partner. He may not need complicated treatment, but immune modulation therapy will only be beneficial.
If you suspect HPV, we advise you not to panic and contact an obstetrician-gynecologist.