HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the 21st century. It is easy to get and incurable. Sounds scary? In our article we will answer the most popular questions about this infection!
What kind of virus is this? New?
HPV is really as old as the world. The person who forms warts, papillomas, genitals and other skin structures.
These viruses were grouped together in 1971. The number of HPV strains detected is about 600. In fact, many more things could happen. The only significant difference between these strains is that some of them have a low risk of cancer, while others have a high risk of cancer. In modern medical practice, testing of all 600 species is not common, most importantly, to determine that a person is a carrier of 16 strains, 14 of which lead to preventive 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. The virus is especially dangerous for women because it can cause cervical cancer. However, men are also at risk: genital cancer is often caused by the destructive effects of HPV inside the cells.
How is it held?
Sexual and domestic routes. However, sexually transmitted infections are the most common. In the first years of a woman's sexual activity, the risk of infection is 50%. The best way to prevent HPV infection is to avoid unprotected sex and use a condom. However, even condoms do not provide one hundred percent protection because HPV is transmitted through contact with mucous membranes: through kissing, before sex and during oral sex.
As the number of sexual partners increases, the likelihood of contracting increases: the more sexually active you are, the more likely you are to be infected with HIV. It can infect a household: using someone else's towel or razor.
If your partner is infected, you may also have the virus. Men with HPV form the genitals and genitals. If you notice a sudden increase in your skin, tell your boyfriend right away and get tested.
How do I know I have HPV?
The simplest way is to get a gynecological curse on HPV and cytology. As mentioned above, only 16 strains of the virus are tested. Your 6th or 11th strain can be detected without a test: if you or your partner has papilloma or genital warts, you are a carrier of the papillomavirus, and tests confirm this.
As for viral oncogenic risks, they are invisible, so it is difficult to determine whether they are present in the body - cytology, cervical colposcopy and HPV tests are required. Due to the asymptomatic course of the disease, strains of high oncogenic risk are especially dangerous for women who do not undergo an annual RAP test (cytological analysis) by a gynecologist. The course of the disease is symptomatic, and at this point HPV enters the cell, changing its structure and turning it into a pest. Malignant cells help to identify the cytological analysis, which is regularly checked by a gynecologist every six months or once a year. By the way, do not miss them, especially people with HPV.
If I have HPV, do I have cancer?
Don't drive your horses. As mentioned above, more than 80% of women on the planet are infected with HPV in their lifetime. Not everyone has cervical cancer. It takes a long time, from HPV infection to the development of a preventive condition. Participate in scheduled annual check-ups with a gynecologist, who will diagnose the presence of HPV and the first dangerous changes in cancer cells.
Even if you find one or more of the 14 oncogenic strains of the virus, cytological analysis does not necessarily indicate the presence of harmful cells. At a young age, with good immunity, cells with poor symptoms in the RAP test are rare, so breathe, calm down and continue reading.
Is HPV being treated?
"If HPV is so dangerous, you need to get rid of it quickly! " - Maybe that thought flashed through your head. Unfortunately, there is no prescriptive drug that will stop the flow of HPV. However, with immunomodulatory therapy and a healthy lifestyle, you can achieve long-term remission and stop the destructive effects of the virus.
HPV treatment should be comprehensive. If there are genital warts and genital warts, they should be removed by one of the following methods: surgery, radiofrequency knife, laser or cryodestruction.
Warts can't be removed?
No, you can't: the virus accumulates and lives in these tumors, so subsequent treatment will be less effective. In addition, you do not want to leave them: sexual intercourse can cause unpleasant feelings, such a cosmetic defect can negatively affect your self-esteem, self-confidence and, consequently, your relationship with your partner.
Can they be independent?
However, this scenario is possible: strengthening the immune system, leading a healthy lifestyle, getting rid of bad habits and daily use of local antiviral agents (oils or sprays) - this set of measures can eliminate warts.
However, there is good news: HPV cannot be cured, but in most cases, it loses its unequal battle against strong immunity and is eliminated on its own. This occurs within two years of infection, and in a young, strong organism, the process naturally accelerates.
Is it possible to get more from a sexual partner?
How! Condyloma, previously removed, may also appear. If your person is infected with the virus, it can be restored if it infects the appearance of the virus - genital warts. All sexually transmitted infections should be treated by both partners: using barrier methods to remove HPV-causing tumors, maintain a strong immune system, and provide appropriate therapy.
If you find HPV, don't hide it from your partner. It may not require comprehensive treatment, but only immuno-modulating therapy is beneficial.
If you suspect HPV, don't panic and go to an obstetrician-gynecologist.