What is HPV disease? Modern treatment of HPV in women and men

HPV is a human papillomavirus, which, according to various sources, infects from 70 to 90% of the world's population. Manifestations of HPV in women and men are diverse: from a harmless single wart on the finger to cancer various organs. It is important to know how to recognize infection in time, what to counteract the invasion of the virus into the body, and how to be treated correctly if the disease is diagnosed. Find out everything about this insidious disease to prevent dangerous manifestations and irreversible consequences.

Types of HPV and principles of its classification

HPV, or in Latin human papilloma virus (abbreviated as HPV), has many faces. Under this general name, about a hundred different viruses are now known that can infect humans and cause various diseases. Many people are well acquainted with HPV, without knowing it - it is it (more precisely, some of its types) that causes the appearance of various warts and papillomas on the skin. It happens that papillomas form on the mucous membranes internal organs.

Healthy skin - healthy body

Other types of HPV cause genital warts (condylomas) on the skin of the genitals. The third, the most dangerous, can provoke skin cancer of the penis and cervical cancer. The relationship between cervical carcinoma and papillomavirus has been completely proven by medical research. There are also known cases of malignant tumors of the larynx and rectum, the culprit of which was the human papilloma virus.

Depending on their ability to cause cancer (oncogenicity), HPV is classified into groups:

• non-oncogenic;
• with low oncogenicity;
• moderate degree of oncogenicity;
• with high oncogenicity.

Examination of skin papillomas

Classification of HPV by oncogenicity

As virological research progresses, the classification of types may change. For example, HPV type 58, which was once considered highly oncogenic, is now classified as moderately oncogenic. Other, opposite results may also appear. In any case, some modern foreign scientists are inclined to consider papillomavirus to be the culprit of cancer of any location. So far, the most harmful and frequently encountered in oncology tests are types 16 and 18:

• HPV 18 - in 10% of cases;
• HPV 16 - in 50% of cases.

Only an electron microscope can examine the virus

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Causes and development of human papillomavirus infection

Papillomavirus is genetic material (DNA) located inside a protein shell. It is so small (50-100 nm) that it is indistinguishable even under a conventional light microscope; it can only be observed under an electron microscope. HPV can penetrate human skin through the slightest scratch, abrasion or microcrack and cause a chronic disease - human papillomavirus infection (papillomatosis).

Structure of HPV

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Routes of entry of papillomavirus into the body

• Household infection. Occurs through contact with the skin, use of things and personal hygiene items of an infected person. In public places such as baths, swimming pools, toilets, where there is a humid, warm environment, HPV persists for quite a long time - the probability of infection in these places is quite high.
• Self-infection during shaving, hair removal, if there are viral foci of another location and personal hygiene measures are not observed.
• Infection of children from a mother suffering from human papillomavirus infection during childbirth.
• Infection of healthcare workers during surgical procedures on infected patients.
• Infection during sex. This is the main, most common route of infection with the papilloma virus in men and women.

Development of papillomatosis over the years

Having penetrated the cells of the skin epidermis, viruses enter the field of view of cells of the immune system and are most often destroyed. With weak immunity, pests manage to penetrate deep into the skin (mucous membrane), namely, into the basal layer. There they invade the chromosomes of cells, modify them, adapting the host cells for their own comfortable life and reproduction.

Under the influence of HPV, cells begin to rapidly divide, leading to the appearance of tumors on the skin or mucous membranes. Whether these neoplasms turn out to be benign or malignant depends on the type of virus that has invaded. Either these will be warts, papillomas, condylomas, or cell degeneration will begin to occur, leading to cancer.

The latent (hidden) period of infection with human papillomavirus is quite long: from several weeks, months to several years. All this time, the infected person may not be bothered by anything at all. However, even in the absence of external manifestations of papillomavirus infection, a person who carries the virus can unwittingly become the culprit of infecting other people.

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Risk group - who is susceptible to the disease

To say that HPV poses a serious threat to a healthy individual with good immunity would be an exaggeration. Most often, the body copes with the carriers of the infection on its own. However, one should not be complacent either: there is a risk group for whom the danger of the virus increases many times over. Having been exposed to certain factors, healthy person may also be in this group.

• early onset of intimate relationships;
• several sexual partners, changing them frequently;
• the presence of diseases other than sexually transmitted HPV;
• neoplasms in the genital area;
• chronic gynecological diseases, abortions;
• pregnancy;
• uncontrolled use of oral contraception;
• practice of anal sex;
• transferred infectious diseases;
• excessive medication use;
• alcohol abuse, smoking;
• weakened immunity (due to HIV infection, diabetes, serious illness, taking medications that suppress the immune system);
• some gene diseases (for example, epidermodysplasia verruciformis).

Verruciform epidermodysplasia: gene failure, plus HPV

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Visible symptoms and manifestations of human papillomavirus infection

When infected with the human papillomavirus, there are initially no symptoms and the infection remains dormant. People with strong immunity can live their entire lives carrying HPV and not knowing it. With weakened immunity, after some time (sometimes after months, and sometimes after years), the human virus makes itself felt by the appearance of various neoplasms on the skin and mucous membranes.

Strictly speaking, these are no longer symptoms, but the first clinical manifestations of infection of the body. Therefore, you should be wary and go for examination to a dermatologist if you notice the appearance of:

• common warts;
• plantar warts;
• acrochords (filamentous warts);
• papillomas;
• flat papillomas;
• genital warts.

Common warts

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Types and localization of warts

Common warts occur most often on the hands and are caused by HPV type 2. They are sometimes called vulgar (simple) warts. These are round tubercles with a diameter of 3-10 mm. A distinctive feature is the multiple nature of the rashes: next to one wart that appears, another soon forms, a third appears, and so on. If left untreated, they remain on the skin for up to 6-8 months, after which they disappear on their own. More precisely, the immune system deals with them.

A frequent characteristic feature of common warts is the appearance of “kissing” formations located exactly opposite each other on adjacent fingers or on both sides of the skin fold formed when the fingers of the limbs are bent. Plantar warts can appear on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. They are a variety of ordinary ones, but larger in size their appearance is provoked by types 1, 2.

Important! If vulgar warts have not gone away within a year, on the contrary, their number has even increased, this indicates a significant decrease in immunity, and this is a good reason to consult a doctor.

Plantar wart

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Papillomas - what they look like and where they are located

The appearance of papillomas in the form of rounded papillae and filamentous warts (acrochords) in men and women is caused by several non-oncogenic types of human papillomavirus. These formations can be very small and quite large: from 0.2 mm to 20 mm. Distinctive feature- a leg between the body of the formation and human skin. When externally manifested, papillomas are localized in areas with thin skin, in skin folds, and in areas with high skin moisture:

• in the groin;
• in the armpits;
• in women - under the breasts;
• on the neck;
• around the nose;
• around the eyes.

A distinctive feature of papilloma is a thin stalk

Such papillomas occur in people over 35 years of age. Moreover, in older age groups, skin lesions with filamentous warts are more common. Thus, they are found in half of fifty-year-old people and older, and among eighty-year-olds and older, almost no one can boast of the absence of papillomas. Unlike simple warts, papillomas do not disappear spontaneously.

Papillomas under the armpit

In addition to external localization, there is also an internal location of papillomas: they are found on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, nose, pharynx, esophagus, bronchi, trachea, and genitourinary system. And if external formations often bring only cosmetic discomfort, then internal ones cause much more discomfort and can cause significant damage to health.

Filiform wart

Internal HPV infection often causes simultaneous growth large number formations, that is, leads to papillomatosis, as a result of which serious problems arise in the functioning of the body. For example, papillomatosis of the throat and vocal cords can cause loss of voice and even breathing problems, which requires urgent medical intervention as it is life-threatening.

The favorite location of the formations is the genitals. Manifestations of the human papillomavirus localized in intimate places have their own name - condylomas, and deserve separate consideration.

Papillomas in the throat

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Condylomas are a serious manifestation of HPV

Several types of human papillomavirus (some of them are highly oncogenic) can lead to the appearance of condylomas - neoplasms in the genital area, anus, rectum, and sometimes in the mouth. These are bodily outgrowths that can occur in various forms:

• Typical. These are genital warts that occur on the genitals, as well as in the anal area in representatives of either sex. As they grow, they visually resemble a cockscomb; sometimes their appearance is compared to cauliflower. These condylomas are difficult to miss. Occasionally, typical condylomas are detected on the lips, in the mouth, in the pharynx, and on the tongue.
• Flat. It is difficult to detect these condylomas: they practically do not protrude above the surface of the skin, they look like spots, but they can grow inside. They are detected only with the help of special techniques during examination. In women, flat condylomas can be located on the cervix, and in men - on the head of the penis.
• Papular. These are smooth condylomas.
• Hyperkeratotic. Condylomas of this form look like scales because they are formed by layering on top of each other. They are located on the skin, in intimate places.

Typical condylomas

All forms of condylomas are caused by some type of human papillomavirus. The infection is transmitted primarily through sexual contact. Because of this, condylomas are also called venereal warts. The latent period reaches 2-3 months; depending on specific conditions, it may be slightly less or more. When the virus is activated, typical condylomas grow extremely quickly, sometimes reaching their maximum size in a few hours.

Multiple condylomas can cause pain, while single ones are painless. But in any case, they are a source of physical and psychological discomfort. And most importantly, condylomatosis can lead to serious oncological diseases genital area.

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Features and consequences of the disease in men and women

The impact of HPV on men and their weaker halves is different. It's time to clarify the specific manifestations of the virus in people of both sexes and the possible consequences of human papillomavirus infection. It should be noted right away: the human papillomavirus is still less dangerous for men than for women; the consequences of infection for the stronger sex are not so numerous and dire. However, the harmful virus can cause significant damage to men’s health.

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What diseases does infection cause in men?

The routes of HPV infection, general manifestations, and risk factors are clear. Now it’s worth considering what the consequences of infection are, specific to men. They are represented by the following diseases:

• condylomatosis;
• bowenoid papulosis;
• Bowen's disease.

Condylomas acuminata

Condylomatosis is expressed in the appearance of small seals and their further rapid growth to typical condylomas located on the penis, urethra, anus, scrotum, and rectum. Sometimes the onset of rashes is accompanied by discharge and itching. As new condylomas form and grow, the genital warts merge, forming something similar to a cockscomb.

Wart growths are soft and do not cause pain. However, they can overshadow intimacy with unpleasant sensations. Considering that oncogenic types of human papillomavirus may be involved in the formation, a visit to the doctor should not be postponed. The chance of condylomas degenerating into a cancerous tumor is quite real. Particularly dangerous in this regard are flat formations, which can also appear on the head of the penis.

Bowenoid papulosis

Bowenoid papulosis. A precancerous disease that primarily affects people of reproductive age. It appears in the form of various rashes, most often these are pigmented papules of a brown, purple, sometimes pinkish hue. There are skin-colored papules with a preserved skin pattern. The typical location of papules is on the body of the penis. The possibility of papules degenerating into Bowen's disease, squamous cell carcinoma, cannot be ruled out.

Bowen's disease. It appears as a single scaly lesion (plaque) with uneven edges. Under the scales there is a wet surface. The shape of the neoplasm can be either irregular, oval or round. The plaque grows along the periphery, eventually the lesion can reach up to 10 cm in diameter. Some experts consider this disease to be precancerous with the possibility of its degeneration into squamous cell carcinoma. Most people tend to consider Bowen's disease to be skin cancer of the penis.

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How dangerous is infection for women?

Women have a different mentality than men. A single papilloma in a visible place (in the décolleté, for example) can throw them off balance, and a chain of papillomas on the neck can be a real shock. Of course, a wart is not a decoration for a pretty face - it is clear that when it is discovered, a woman rushes to the dermatologist. And this is correct: one should not put up with defects in appearance.

Noticing a papilloma in a visible place, a woman hurries to the doctor

This step is also reasonable, since under the influence of ultraviolet radiation or accidental injury, a benign neoplasm can degenerate into a malignant one. Another thing is unclear: why the same woman, having discovered much more dangerous growths in intimate places, endlessly postpones a visit to the doctor. Perhaps this is due to ordinary ignorance, then it’s time to eliminate it by learning about the peculiarities of the manifestation of HPV in women.

Penetrating into the body, the human papillomavirus in women, as well as in men, can cause skin lesions described above, including genital warts. However, the specificity of the female body is such that the papillomavirus is even more dangerous for the fairer sex than for men.

Accumulation of papillomas on the neck

1. Firstly, it is not easy to detect tumors in the vagina or cervix unless you undergo preventive examinations (and many women neglect them).
2. Secondly, it became known that estrogen (the female sex hormone) promotes the malignant degeneration of papillomatous formations.

Genital warts

Genital warts themselves are not malignant, although they can look quite scary if they grow large. However, many doctors believe that they are more prone to malignant transformation than ordinary papillomas. Inconspicuous flat condylomas are even more prone to this.

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What are the dangers of HPV manifestation on the cervix?

Of course, typical condylomas are an unpleasant thing. They cause physical discomfort that interferes with intimate life: they can be damaged during friction, bleed, cause painful sensations. Damaged genital warts easily become infected, and then an unpleasant odor can be added to the previous misfortunes. In addition, a woman suffering from condylomatosis experiences a feeling of inferiority, the fear of causing rejection from her partner is a blow to her psyche.

But there are also more terrible consequences from the presence of the human papillomavirus in the body. About 30 types of HPV can attack the female genital organs. Among them are highly oncogenic HPV 16, HPV 18, whose participation in the formation of cervical cancer has been fully proven by scientists. This disease is especially dangerous due to its hidden and asymptomatic course. Often, a woman does not feel any disturbance in her health and does not notice the external manifestations of the disease until its later stages.

Only a gynecologist can detect characteristic manifestations of HPV on the cervix during an examination, and the woman is considered to be at risk. An intermediate step between infection with an oncogenic virus, its activation and the development of cancer are atypical changes in the epithelium, called cervical dysplasia. In the initial period, dysplasia is a reversible disease. If it is detected and eliminated in time, it protects against the development of cancer.

Penetration of the virus into the body, development of cervical cancer

The first signs of a malignant process may appear in women who have reached the age of thirty. According to WHO, the risk increases with active intimate relationships and frequent changes of partners. Therefore, after 30 years, and even more so, in the presence of risk factors, annual testing is highly desirable. Preventive examinations also cannot be neglected. According to Professor I. Apolikhina (Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology), the majority of women with advanced cervical cancer have not visited a gynecologist for more than 10 years.

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The influence of papillomavirus on pregnancy

The human papillomavirus, as a rule, does not affect the course of pregnancy itself. However, expectant mothers during this period may experience a sharp increase in the number of genital warts or, on the contrary, their unexpected spontaneous disappearance. This is due to decreased immunity and changes in hormonal levels. Certain risks may be associated with the rapid growth of condylomas and an increase in their number:

1. The accumulation of large genital warts in the birth canal is fraught with bleeding and difficulty in childbirth.
2. A massive accumulation of condylomas in the genitals can call into question the possibility of natural delivery and lead to the need for a cesarean section.
3. The possibility of infection of a newborn when passing through the birth canal of a mother suffering from condylomatosis cannot be ruled out. As a result of infection, the baby develops papillomatosis respiratory tract.
4. Genital warts open the way for the addition of other infections.

It is advisable to get tested for HPV before pregnancy

Considering the possibility of adverse consequences of human papillomavirus infection, when planning pregnancy, it is advisable to undergo testing for the presence of HPV in the body and determine its type. If a virus is detected, you must undergo adequate treatment. Since treatment is carried out using drugs contraindicated during pregnancy, doctors recommend postponing its onset until the second menstrual cycle after completion of therapy.

If a woman is diagnosed with human papillomavirus during pregnancy, doctors usually postpone treatment until 28 weeks and select gentle, conservative methods of getting rid of the disease in order to minimize the adverse effects of drugs on the fetus. This period to the expectant mother you need to be under the special supervision of a gynecologist, follow the regime, and work hard to strengthen the immune system.

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All possible diagnostic and treatment methods

Having understood the characteristics of HPV and the harmfulness of its individual types, you have to think about whether the virus is in the body and how to get rid of it. As usual, medicine offers its own methods of combating the disease, and the people have also accumulated many ways to combat the disease. Both of them deserve attention.

Examination and diagnosis precede the start of treatment

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Modern methods of professional diagnostics

The first step to healing from any disease is examination and diagnosis. To diagnose diseases associated with the human papillomavirus, the following are used:

• Clinical-visual method. Makes it possible to detect external manifestations of human papillomavirus infection.
• Colposcopy. Examination using a special device with the ability to magnify the image and backlight. Allows you to assess the condition of the vagina, cervix, detect lesions, take smears and biopsies for further research.
• Cytological examination of smears. The main goal is to detect the early stage of degeneration, precancer.
• Histological examination of material taken during biopsy. Allows you to evaluate the degree of change in unhealthy tissue compared to a sample of unchanged tissue, and has a high diagnostic value.
• Molecular biological research: polymerase chain reaction, Digene test. These are exact modern methods make it possible to identify more than 70 types of HPV, determine their level of oncogenicity and concentration in tissues. Combining these techniques with cytological examination makes it possible to predict the development of the disease.
• Computed tomography, ultrasound. They are carried out to clarify the nature of the tumors that have arisen on internal organs.

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Principles and possibilities of traditional therapy

Modern medicine, unfortunately, cannot boast of the presence of any drug that completely destroys HPV. To treat human papillomavirus, patients are usually offered a complex of conservative therapy and surgical methods to remove formations on the skin and mucous membranes. The goals of such therapy:

• eliminating external manifestations of the virus to prevent its spread;
• strengthening the immune system;
• reducing the concentration of the virus in tissues so that the immune system can “deal” with HPV on its own.

Laser removal of papilloma

Removal of papillomas is practiced when they seriously spoil appearance, become inflamed, injured due to contact with clothing, or are prone to malignant degeneration.

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Surgical methods for removing tumors

There are many ways to remove papillomas and condylomas using surgery.

• Traditional scalpel. It is used for large papilloma size (more than 10 mm) or suspected presence of cancer cells. During the operation, performed under local anesthesia, part of the healthy tissue is excised to prevent relapse. The method is quite traumatic, requiring a suture; healing takes a long time, and scars may remain after it.
• Removal of benign tumors with laser. The treated skin is subjected to local anesthesia, after which the papilloma is exposed to a laser beam within a minute. In this case, the wart shrinks, turning into a crust, which disappears within 7 days. Complete healing occurs after another week - during this period the skin must be protected from sunlight, otherwise a dark spot will form.
• Electrocoagulation. The method is based on the removal of tumors electric shock. Using an electrocoagulator, the stalk of the papilloma is dried, after which the growth is easily separated. The advantage of the method is the possibility of examining a removed wart for cancer.
• Cryodestruction. This is the freezing of benign formations with liquid nitrogen - the temperature of this substance is about -200 °C. The procedure is painless, the exposure time is calculated in seconds. After removing the papilloma, it is recommended to treat the area where it was located twice a day with a solution of potassium permanganate or boric alcohol. Cycloferon ointment, which enhances local immunity, will also have a good effect.

Cryodestruction of warts

Cryodestruction is used to remove growths on the genitals, papillomas on the eyelids, and small joints. The disadvantage of this method: weak freezing is fraught with the reappearance of formations, and if it is too strong, scars may form.

To avoid the formation of a scar, decorative cosmetics should not be applied to the site of papilloma removal until the wound is completely healed. It is necessary to treat this area with potassium permanganate or a healing ointment containing an antibiotic. Using a laser, papillomas are removed on the face, arms, legs, and genitals.

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Radio waves in the effective fight against papillomas

Many modern doctors agree that the best method surgical treatment of human papillomavirus is a radio wave method using the Surgitron apparatus. The principle of its operation is the impact on tissue of high-frequency radio waves with the evaporation of diseased cells. At the same time, minimal damage is caused to surrounding tissues to which the radio wave is not directed, even less than with laser removal.

Thanks to such a soft effect, radio wave surgery well suited for use in areas with thin, delicate skin and mucous membranes: face, genitals, cervix. To care for the area, treat it with an alcohol-free antiseptic for several days.

Radio wave apparatus "Surgitron"

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Conservative treatment of human papillomavirus infection

After surgical removal of skin pathologies, HPV still remains in the body and can cause relapses. The question of how to recover from the human papillomavirus worries many. It has already been mentioned that there is no universal remedy that can destroy HPV. This can only be a person’s own immunity. The main efforts should be directed at strengthening it. A combination of immunostimulation with antiviral drugs is effective.

Interferon-based drugs are often prescribed: Viferon, Cycloferon and others. They combine both antiviral and immunostimulating effects. Isoprinosine, groprinosine, panavir, and allokin-alpha also have a dual effect. The regimen and dosage of medications can be prescribed by a doctor, and only a doctor - amateur activity is inappropriate here, it can lead to dire consequences.

To get rid of condylomas, podophyllotoxin and similar drugs that cause necrosis of genital warts are used topically. For local impact on formations resulting from the human papillomavirus, various gels and ointments are used that have antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects:

• salicylic ointment;
• Panavir;
• malavit;
• oxolinic ointment and others.

Dosage forms of Panavir

It is worth repeating: any medications should be used only after examination by medical specialists and as prescribed. The same applies to immunomodulatory and immunostimulating drugs. To determine whether medications are required to boost immunity, you should be examined by an immunologist. Having done an immunogram, he will prescribe medicine or advise how to get rid of the manifestations of the human papillomavirus using folk remedies (this happens).

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How to fight HPV at home

• destruction of warts using external agents
• ingestion of compounds that strengthen the immune system.

Celandine

Juices of various plants, ointments, decoctions, tinctures from them, as well as some products are used as external remedies. Among the products, egg white, which remains on the shell after pouring the egg, has proven itself well. Systematic lubrication of formations leads to their disappearance. And a few more recipes folk remedies for removing papillomas at home:

• Fresh celandine juice. Apply to the formations repeatedly throughout the day, wet after 15 minutes. Systematic use of celandine will lead to the disappearance of growths. You can use an alcohol tincture or ointment based on this plant.
• Euphorbia juice. Apply similarly to celandine, but rinse off after half an hour.
• Pickle from soaked apples. Apply a tampon soaked in brine to the wart overnight.
• Garlic ointment. Pour crushed garlic (50 g) into a glass of vegetable oil, leave for a week, strain, lubricate the formations.

Amazing remedy for papillomas

The described means are not suitable for the destruction of condylomas localized in delicate places. In this case, aloe juice, castor and sea buckthorn oils are good. Women are advised to insert tampons soaked in one of these products at night. For men, simply lubricate the affected areas or apply compresses to them at night.

Now you should pay attention to at least a couple of recipes to strengthen your immune system:

1. Brew a few raspberry leaves with a glass of boiling water. Take this tea daily, and no infections will be able to occupy the body.
2. Mix 10 g of celandine herb, 25 g each of buckthorn bark and hawthorn flowers, 50 g of echinacea. Every evening, pour a tablespoon of this mixture into a glass of boiling water, leave for half an hour and drink.

You learned what HPV is and how it manifests itself, how to be treated with the help of specialists, and how to get rid of the human papillomavirus at home. It is not easy to expel a virus from the body; it is easier to repel its attack with the help of your own immune system. To strengthen it, preventive medications, vitamin complexes and healthy image life.

HPV (human papillomavirus, papillomavirus, HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. The main danger of HPV is that when it stays in the body for a long time, some types of this virus can cause cancer.

HPV is not the same as the herpes virus or HIV. Although all of these infections are viral and are transmitted during unprotected sex, they cause different symptoms and different consequences.

How does HPV infection occur?

In total there are more than 120 various types HPV, and about 40 of them are sexually transmitted. The types of HPV that most often cause and are transmitted mainly during unprotected sex.

HPV infection is possible during vaginal and. Less commonly, the virus is transmitted during oral sex, or through contact of the genitals with the secretions of an infected person (for example, if the infected partner touches his genitals with his hand first, and then your genitals).

HPV infection is also possible through kissing. In this case, symptoms of oral papillomavirus infection (rash in the mouth and throat) may appear.

The human papillomavirus is almost never transmitted through household contact, unless you come into close contact (kissing, sex) with a carrier of the virus.

In rare cases, HPV can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.

Who can get HPV?

This virus is very common. The vast majority of sexually active women will sooner or later become infected with HPV. But good news is that in most of these women, HPV will be destroyed by the immune system and will not cause any disease.

Only in rare cases does the papilloma virus remain in the body for a long time and cause health problems.

What types of HPV are there and why does it matter?

In total, there are more than 120 types of HPV and about 70 of them have been properly studied. Depending on how often a particular type of virus causes cancer, there are 2 groups of HPV: papillomaviruses of high oncogenic risk and low oncogenic risk.

High oncogenic risk HPV includes the following types: HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31, HPV 33, HPV 35, HPV 39, HPV 45, HPV 51, HPV 52, HPV 56, HPV 58, HPV 59, HPV 68

HPV of low oncogenic risk is: HPV 6, HPV 11, HPV 42, HPV 43, HPV 44

Non-oncogenic HPVs (non-cancer causing): HPV 1, HPV 2, HPV 3, HPV 4, HPV 5, HPV 10, HPV 27, HPV 53, HPV 54, HPV 55, HPV 62, HPV 67

Among the papillomaviruses of high oncogenic risk, types 3 are the most dangerous, since they cause cervical cancer in 94% of cases: these are HPV 16, HPV 18 and, to a lesser extent, HPV 45. Among these three types of HPV, type 16 is the most dangerous, since it poses the greatest carcinogenic risk (more often than others it causes the formation of cancer cells in the body).

What diseases can HPV cause?

Different types of HPV can cause different diseases.

	What diseases can they cause?
HPV 1, HPV 2, HPV 4	Heel warts, common warts
HPV 3, HPV 10, HPV 28, HPV 49	Flat warts
HPV 6, HPV 11, HPV 30	Genital warts (condylomas), laryngeal warts (laryngeal papillomas, laryngeal papillomatosis)
HPV 16, HPV 18, HPV 31, HPV 33, HPV 35, HPV 39, HPV 52, HPV 56, HPV 58	Cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer
HPV 26, HPV 29, HPV 57	Common warts
	Common warts, flat warts
HPV 34, HPV 55	Rarely precancerous changes
	Common warts, flat warts, genital warts
	Genital warts (condylomas), rarely precancerous changes
HPV 40, HPV 43, HPV 44, HPV 54	Genital warts
	Genital warts, cervical dysplasia, cervical cancer

How dangerous is HPV for women?

As a rule, infection with the human papillomavirus occurs unnoticed by a woman, and just as imperceptibly, this virus disappears from the body thanks to the work of the immune system. In 90% of cases, after infection, the virus disappears from the body on its own within several months or years, leaving no consequences.

According to statistics, only 5% of women infected with HPV will have pronounced changes in the cervix (grade 2 or 3 dysplasia) after 3 years.

Only 20% of women with grade 3 dysplasia will develop cervical cancer over the next 5 years.

What symptoms does HPV cause in women?

The length of the incubation period (time from infection to the appearance of the first symptoms) for HPV infection depends on the type of HPV and some other factors. For example, from the moment of infection with HPV type 6 or 11 until the appearance of genital warts, an average of 3 weeks to 8 months passes. From the moment of infection with HPV type 16 or 18 to the development of cervical cancer, it can take 10-20 years or more.

In most cases, HPV infection is asymptomatic. However, human papillomavirus may present with the following symptoms:

• Appearance of (genital warts).
• Appearing after sex or for no apparent reason.

During a gynecological examination, your doctor may notice signs of cervical dysplasia or cancer. On early stages The gynecologist may not notice any changes in the cervix, so it is very important for all women to take regular tests.

Diagnosis of HPV in women

HPV testing is one component of cervical cancer screening. Every woman over 30 years of age is recommended to get tested for HPV and repeat it periodically every 3-5 years.

There are two main methods for detecting HPV in the body:

PCR for human papillomavirus

This qualitative analysis, which allows you to determine only the presence or absence of HPV in the body, but does not determine the number of viral particles (viral load). Using PCR, you can determine the type of papilloma virus (HPV genotyping) and identify the most dangerous (oncogenic) types of HPV.

The test can be performed using blood (HPV blood test), or smears from the cervix and cervical canal. A gynecologist or oncologist interprets the results.

Hybrid capture method, also called Digene HPV test, HPV DNA test

This is newer and effective method diagnosis of HPV infection, which has a number of advantages compared to PCR. The HPV DNA test requires a scraping from the cervix or cervical canal.

This HPV test is considered quantitative because it allows you to determine the concentration of the virus in the test material (HPV viral load). This test, like PCR, allows you to type HPV (determine the types of identified viruses).

Only a gynecologist or oncologist can decipher the results of this test, but in this article we will present the main meanings of the possible results:

Parameter under study	Result (quantification)	What does this mean
A9 (HPV 16, HPV 31, HPV 33, HPV 35, HPV 52, HPV 58) A7 (HPV 18, HPV 39, HPV 45, HPV 59, HPV 68) A5/A6 (HPV 51, HPV 56)	No DNA found	There are no HPV types of these types in the body
	less than 3 Lg (HPV/10^5 cells) – clinically insignificant amount of HPV	There are HPV types of the indicated types in the body, but their number is very small and therefore they cannot cause any diseases
	3 - 5 Lg (HPV/10^5 cells) – clinically significant amount of HPV	There are HPV types of the indicated types in the body and their quantity is sufficient to cause the disease
	more than 5 Lg (HPV/10^5 cells) – increased viral load	There are HPV types of the indicated types in the body and their number is so high that there is a high risk of serious consequences

In addition to HPV testing, cervical cancer screening also includes. If you have been diagnosed with high-risk HPV and/or cytology reveals suspicious changes, your doctor may recommend further testing:

Colposcopy

Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix using a special device that works like a magnifying glass. There is a separate article on our website dedicated to.

Cervical biopsy

How often should you get tested for HPV?

In order not to miss a dangerous HPV infection, all women are recommended to regularly undergo HPV tests and cytology smears.

Women under 30:

If tests for high-risk HPV are negative, then the next test should be done in 3-5 years.

If tests for high-risk HPV are positive and the cytology smear is normal, then a repeat examination is carried out after 9-12 months.

If tests for high-risk HPV are positive and the cytology smear is abnormal, then further diagnostics (colposcopy, cervical biopsy) are required. Depending on the results of these examinations, the doctor gives appropriate recommendations.

Women over 30 years old:

If tests for high-risk HPV are negative, the cytology smear is normal, then the next examination should be done in 5 years.

If tests for high-risk HPV are positive, a colposcopy and, if necessary, a cervical biopsy are required. Depending on the results of these examinations, the doctor gives appropriate recommendations.

Women over 65 years of age:

If the last 2 high-risk HPV tests and the last 2 cytology smears were normal, then no further examinations can be carried out, since the risk of developing cervical cancer in the future is extremely small.

What should I do if I have been diagnosed with HPV?

Not all types of HPV can cause dangerous diseases, so first of all, check with your doctor how great the threat is in your situation.

HPV prevention

The main route of infection with the human papillomavirus is unprotected sex. Use helps to significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection, although condoms do not provide a 100% guarantee of protection.

The more sexual partners a woman has had in her life, the higher the risk of becoming infected with HPV. Permanent monogamous relationships significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection.

Currently, there are vaccinations against human papillomavirus: Gardasil and Cervarix. The vaccine is effective against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 (protects against cervical cancer and genital warts), and the Cervarix vaccine is effective against HPV types 16 and 18 (protects against cervical cancer, but not against genital warts).

Condylomas, papillomas, warts - all these growths are the result of the activity of human papillomavirus infection. The virus penetrates through any microtrauma on the skin or mucous membranes, takes root in the upper epithelial layers and begins to infect healthy cells, resulting in their uncontrolled division and growth - this is how skin neoplasms appear. Some serotypes of the virus (there are more than 100 types in total) are initially oncogenic, while others do not pose a potential threat to human health. You can avoid malignancy and cure HPV only by contacting a doctor who, after conducting tests, will prescribe adequate therapy.

Both women and men are equally susceptible to infection, but in relation to the female half of humanity, the risk of papillomas transforming into a cancerous tumor increases.

The following serotypes of the virus have a high degree of oncogenicity - 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52. They pose a particular danger to women because they provoke the development of dysplasia (destruction of the mucous membrane, this is a precancerous condition) and can lead to cervical cancer.

In order to get rid of the manifestations of papillomavirus, you need to, firstly, contact a doctor, and secondly, undergo the prescribed course of therapy. Typically the treatment regimen is as follows:

• Tumors are removed by electrocoagulation, laser or radio wave destruction, cryotherapy;
• Prescribe medications - these are antiviral, immunostimulating drugs (tablets, ointments, suppositories or injections);
• The use of vitamin complexes to maintain immunity.

However, are these measures enough to cure the human papillomavirus forever, or is a complete cure still impossible?

Is it possible to be completely cured of HPV?

You can become infected with HPV through household contact or sexual contact, but this does not mean that immediately after infection you will develop characteristic growths - it all depends on the functioning of the person’s immune system.

Thus, it is possible to recover from papillomavirus forever only at a young age (up to 25 years) - complete recovery is recorded in 80% of diagnosed cases. Immunocorrect therapy, mechanical removal of growths and strong immunity - together this is enough to cope with a viral attack - elimination occurs, that is, the body is completely cleared of HPV.

At an older age, it is impossible to completely cure the disease, because the immune system is no longer so strong. Having penetrated the epithelial layer, the virus takes root and remains there, in “sleeping” mode. This latent course of the disease lasts as long as the immune system is able to suppress the virus, but as soon as it fails, HPV becomes activated and growths appear (on the skin or mucous membranes).

HPV is an immune-dependent virus and, unfortunately, there is no medicine yet that can eradicate it; it all depends on the individual characteristics of the human body - the stronger the immune system, the greater the chances of overcoming the infection.

Despite the fact that after 30 years it is no longer possible to cure papillomavirus completely, therapy is still necessary. A set of measures is aimed at inhibiting the activity of HPV, eliminating symptomatic manifestations and stimulating the immune system.

Destruction of neoplasms

After the type of pathogen has been established, the doctor begins treatment and begins by removing (destruction) of pathological neoplasms. There are several ways to get rid of growths:

• Electrocoagulation– papilloma is burned out by high-frequency current. The procedure is painful and requires anesthesia. In one session, several dozen tumors can be removed;
• Laser surgery– today this method is preferred. The growths are removed painlessly, the laser beam does not injure surrounding tissues, removal is possible on any part of the body;

• Radio wave method– the procedure is non-contact, performed under anesthesia. The effect of radio waves is selective - they cut off only pathological tissues, without affecting healthy skin. No blood loss, infection, scarring;
• Cryotherapy– freezing of the growth. Liquid nitrogen is used to treat the new growth, after which it dies. The downside is that it is difficult for the doctor to control the depth of exposure, so damage to healthy tissue is possible.

Classic removal (using a scalpel) is used in emergency cases - when the tumor is malignant or the lesion is large.

In addition to hardware methods, you can use chemicals for cauterization of papillomas. Such drugs are sold in pharmacies without a prescription, so people often resort to removing tumors on their own.

How to deal with growths yourself

Not all papillomas can be removed at home. If the neoplasm has changed, grown, bleeds or hurts, do not cauterize it yourself under any circumstances - these may be symptoms of malignancy - consult a doctor immediately.

If there are no contraindications, papilloma can be removed at home using necrotizing or freezing medications:

• Verrukacid is a modern analogue of Fezerol. Apply only on top of the growth; if the product gets on healthy skin, it will cause a burn. Treatment of small papillomas is carried out once, but if the growth is large and hard, the procedure must be repeated 2-4 times (the intervals between applications are several minutes). A crust appears at the site of the pathological growth, which disappears after 2 weeks;
• Solcoderm - only the surface of the neoplasm is treated; for ease of application, the drug is equipped with a special applicator. After the procedure, the papilloma should change color; if this does not happen, the treatment is repeated (until characteristic modifications appear). Then, for several days, it is recommended to lubricate the affected area with ethyl alcohol. Complete healing occurs in 10-14 days;
• Cryopharma – used for freezing tumors. The applicator is applied to the growth, pressed and held for no more than 40 seconds. Then, over the course of 2 weeks, the scab dies off.

There are a lot of drugs with a similar effect; decide which one to use together with your doctor.

Removing the growth is just symptomatic therapy; along with it, it is necessary to use antiviral drugs and immunostimulants that will help suppress the activity of the virus, thereby preventing the re-growth of papillomas.

Antiviral, immunostimulating therapy

Medicines to suppress HPV can be used in different forms(depending on the location and severity of the disease). The most effective are systemic drugs– tablets, injections:

• Isoprinosine is a medicinal tablet that suppresses the activity of the virus and stimulates the production of its own interferon. The usual regimen is 2 tablets per day, course 2 weeks;

• Cycloferon is usually used for injection, but the drug is also available in tablets. Activates the production of interferon (that is, increases the body's immune forces), and also has an antiviral effect. Course of 10 injections every other day;
• Allokin-alpha is an injection medicine. Inhibits the virus and improves immunity. The drug is administered subcutaneously (1 injection every 2 days), a course of 6 injections.

Groprinosin, Famvir, Valtrex, Likopid, Alpizorin, and many other medications are used in the complex therapy of HPV.

You can be treated not only with systemic but also local medications - these are ointments, suppositories, creams, which are used primarily to treat the mucous membranes of the vagina.

• Candles (suppositories) – Laferobion, Kipferon, Galavit, Betadine, Genferon, others.
• Gels, creams – Viferon, Panavir, 3% Oxolinic ointment, Aldara, Malavit, Bonafton, others.

Despite the fact that HPV is not completely curable, after complex therapy you will be able to get rid of its negative manifestations for a long time (maybe even forever). In order for the effect of treatment to last as long as possible, it is necessary to monitor the state of the immune system - a balanced diet and a course of vitamin complexes (Aevit, Alphavit, Complivit, etc.) will help avoid relapse.

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Content

One of the most common and dangerous sexually transmitted infections is the human papillomavirus or HPV: it can cause warts, various diseases and genital cancer. This infection is transmitted in many ways, has many types and threatens all sexually active people. How to protect yourself and your loved ones from infection, what to do if a virus is detected and how to treat papillomas - we’ll try to figure it out.

What is human papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus is a huge group of viruses, which includes 27 species and about 500 strains (types). Most of them do not entail pathologies in the human body, they exist unnoticed, without complications, but some types are potentially dangerous. They can cause various diseases, including oncology, reproductive dysfunction, and HIV.

Why is it dangerous?

Papillomaviruses have been around for a very long time. The problem of deep treatment of the disease was not paid attention until it was proven that long-term HPV in women provokes the development of cervical cancer. Now this is the most common complication; in other cases, warts, weakened immunity are observed, and malignant tumors include cancer of the vulva, penis, and anus. Human papillomavirus is dangerous not only for the reproductive system: it can cause cancer of the head, lungs, neck, and damage to the mucous membranes.

Papillomavirus and pregnancy

The interaction between papillomavirus and pregnancy must be constantly monitored by a doctor: the disease can be transmitted to a child only if there are papillomas in the vagina; intrauterine contact does not pose a threat. In this case, the child will receive either infection of the genitals or respiratory system. If a woman is infected with one of the dangerous viruses of type 16 or 18, which cause cervical cancer, then it is recommended to have a cesarean section; Removing papillomas during pregnancy is impossible.

HPV symptoms

In many cases, viral papilloma is asymptomatic, does not appear externally and goes away on its own after some time. The degree of severity depends on the type of virus and its characteristics. People discover a problem when papillomas appear on the body - small cone-shaped warts, which are considered symptoms of HPV. Almost always, when the body is infected, one can observe a decrease in immunity, a decline in the body’s protective functions, and a greater susceptibility to colds and infectious diseases.

In women

HPV in women manifests itself in the form of condylomas - small pointed or flat bodily formations on the inside of the vagina and outer labia. Single or multiple warts can appear on different parts of the body: limbs, head, neck. They are mostly painless, small, and cause more psychological and aesthetic discomfort.

In men

In men, papillomas appear on the soles of the feet, hands, face and head. When infected with a dangerous virus, papulosis of the penis and testicles is possible: it is yellow or pink papillomas that stand out slightly above the skin. Another unpleasant symptom of HPV in men is Bowen's disease: red plaque-like formations, growths on the head of the penis.

Causes of papillomas

The cause of papillomas can be considered the pathogenesis of infection: when it enters the body, the virus is localized in the lower layers of the epithelium; it is easiest for it to penetrate into vulnerable, soft tissues, such as the female uterus and vagina. It coexists with cells or interferes with DNA and causes changes in the body, in these cases the development of malignant tumors occurs. Warts are obtained directly from the activity of the virus at the intracellular level, its influence on the skin from the inside.

HPV types

Precancerous conditions can be provoked by viruses of the medium and high risk group, low-oncogenic papillomaviruses are harmless, their manifestations - warts - show negative biopsy results and do not harm health. Types of viral infection differ in the degree of oncogenic risk, and the lists are regularly reviewed, supplemented and changed. At the moment, the most dangerous strains for women include the 16th and 18th; they are found in 90% of cases of cervical cancer.

High oncogenic risk HPV

HPV of high oncogenic risk can be detected during testing after examining warts. Such viruses are almost always accompanied by condylomas on the genitals. This category includes such strains of infection as 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 45, 50, 59, 61, 62, 64, 68, 70, 73. They are capable of causing degeneration in the tissues into which they enter, causing most cancer and other dangerous pathologies.

How is HPV transmitted?

Among the methods of transmission of HPV, sexual transmission is clearly the leader, and penetration is not necessary; direct contact of the genitals is sufficient. This has made the virus the second most common sexually transmitted infection after herpes, and is especially common in poor countries with a low quality of life. All sexually active people of any gender and age can become infected with papilloma. It may be present from birth and only appear at certain times. In what other ways is HPV transmitted?

• Direct bodily contact. The virus can live for some time in public places after sick people have visited them; it is especially active in a suitable humid environment: bathhouse, swimming pool, gym, toilet. In such cases, the virus can be transmitted through abrasions, cuts, or direct contact with the mucous membrane.
• Infection of a baby during childbirth. In this case, both pulmonary papulosis and anogenital warts can occur.

Incubation period

Many people live with the disease for a long time and are unaware of its presence, while they are potential carriers of it if they are sexually active. The incubation period of HPV is very long, which is why the disease often goes unnoticed. It lasts from 5 months to several years, proceeds latently, viruses are activated due to various factors: decreased immunity, illness, severe stress, after which they multiply and manifest themselves externally.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis is carried out when warts are detected on the body, and in order to determine the type of virus, various examination methods are used. Their choice depends on the location of papillomas: anogenital formations require mandatory examination of the cervix, plantar and other papillomas require histological examination and blood tests. What diagnostic methods can doctors use:

1. Cytological examination - analysis of scrapings from the cervix and uterine canal.
2. Colposcopy is a test for women using acetic acid: the surface of the mucous membrane is observed after its application.
3. Biopsy is the removal of a skin sample to identify cancerous cells. It is used for men and women with highly oncogenic HPV.
4. Type determination using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) - DNA and nucleic acids are examined.
5. Histological examination.
6. A vaginal screening test is an accurate way to detect precancerous and cancerous conditions in women without visible symptoms.

Analysis

Before the procedure, you must stop taking any antiviral and antibacterial drugs. HPV tests, for which smears are taken from the vagina and urethra, are carried out in specialized clinics and laboratories. Testing is contraindicated for women during menstruation and the first days after it ends; men should not urinate for two hours before the procedure. Doctors, urologists or oncologists decipher the results, and a test to detect antibodies can be performed.

Treatment of papillomavirus

The main question that concerns patients is whether it is possible to cure HPV (papilloma) completely and forever? Unfortunately no. In 90% of cases, the immune system copes on its own, but there are no effective methods for eliminating it from the body. Treatment boils down to the removal of warts, condylomas and possible consequences of the disease - benign or malignant tumors, damaged epithelium. Some medications are used to help the body fight infection and speed up the process of tissue repair.

Treatment in women

Human papillomavirus infection in women can be a harbinger of dangerous diseases, so it is necessary to regularly visit a gynecologist and do preventive checks if necessary. If condylomas are found on the body, there is no need to try to remove them yourself, this can cause even more serious consequences. When mentioning the treatment of papillomavirus in women, they mean removing the affected tissue, monitoring the growth and development of warts; General therapy can be used in case of infection with highly oncogenic HPV. Ways to eliminate papillomas:

• surgery;
• chemical cauterization;
• laser removal (carbon dioxide, neodymium beam);
• destruction of the concentration of affected cells with liquid nitrogen;
• electrocoagulation.

Removal of condylomas and warts does not mean a cure: this is only a temporary measure that helps prevent the formation of malignant cells, and women need it because of the high likelihood of cervical cancer with HPV. After surgery, relapses or complications are possible in the form of damage to areas adjacent to those that were removed. With timely intervention, not only cancer can be avoided, but also uterine surgery can be performed without harm to reproduction and women’s health.

Treatment of HPV in women with drugs

Treatment of papillomavirus with drugs occurs only after the medications are prescribed by a doctor, since all medications perform only an auxiliary function and are not the main means of therapy. To treat HPV in women, antiviral tablets and immunomodulatory drugs are used. How do they help fight the disease:

• Antiviral: act directly on “foreign” cells in the body, increase the production of antibodies; may interfere with reproduction or have a stimulating effect on natural immune resources.
• Immunomodulatory: have the ability to cause nonspecific resistance - resistance and increased protection of the body, regeneration of damaged tissues. There are a number of side effects, it must be used in dosage.
• Rectal and vaginal suppositories: help get rid of condylomas and warts in the anogenital area. Before use, you need to treat the area with a special disinfectant.

Treatment of strains 16, 18 in women with drugs

If you have an oncogenic type of virus, you will need surgery on the cervix if condylomas have formed there, and cleansing of the entire vagina, since no medications eliminate the virus. They can only help to slow down or stop its spread. Use antiviral drugs with an immunostimulating effect - for rapid adaptation of the body to a healthy state after surgery, preventing relapses. When treating strains 16.18 in women, drugs are prescribed to reduce existing condylomas before surgery:

• interferons;
• interferonogens (Cycloferon, Prodigiozan, Poludan).

Injections

To eliminate external signs, when papillomas are not oncogenic, injections are prescribed. A well-known drug, Allokin-Alpha, is available in the form of injection ampoules. It can be used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, side effects and there are no contraindications. It helps get rid of warts without surgery and significantly increase the period of remission.

Boosting immunity with HPV

What is HPV, besides papillomas, oncology and uterine dysplasia? This is a critically reduced immunity, susceptibility to all seasonal infections and difficult period recovery. Artificial and natural enhancement of immunity is also important in order to give the body strength and the ability to fight infection on its own. For this purpose there are special medications, medicinal preparations and traditional methods. How you can boost your immunity:

• A complex of useful vitamins and microelements.
• Drugs: immunomodulators and antivirals.
• Soft medicines: ginseng, echinacea, Immunal.
• Ginger, lemon, echinacea, radish, rose hips, walnuts, honey, citrus fruits are irreplaceable products for the vitality of the body.
• Eat more green vegetables, fresh fruits, drink green tea.
• Visit the pool, sauna, spend time at home water treatments(contrast shower, herbal baths).
• Adjust your sleep and eating patterns. Eat according to the clock, sleep the required amount of time.

Prevention

Most types of the virus are harmless, but caution should be exercised, because a carrier of one infection can more easily become infected with a second than a healthy person. Prevention of HPV includes a number of mandatory actions and procedures that every adult must perform, regardless of whether he is sexually active or not. What preventive methods can be used:

1. Vaccination. Prevents dangerous trends in the development of the virus, but not infection with it. After vaccination, possible infection should pass quickly and unnoticed.
2. Condoms. They do not guarantee complete protection, since its particles are very small and can penetrate the material, but in most cases they reduce the risk of transmission of infection to a minimum.
3. Control of sexual life. Constantly changing partners is the greatest likelihood of infection.
4. Compliance with personal hygiene rules. Do not allow anyone, even people you know, to use your body towel or underwear.
5. Regular appointments with a gynecologist, urologist, and smear tests.

Video: how to treat papillomavirus

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials in the article do not encourage self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give treatment recommendations based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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(or HPV - Human Papillomavirus) is transmitted only from person to person. According to statistics in our country, 60% of the population is infected with this virus. And the reason for such a widespread prevalence of this viral infection is the variety of ways it is transmitted.

According to many people, HPV is transmitted only through sexual contact through vaginal, anal and oral-genital sexual intercourse. However, there is also a possibility of contact transmission of this infection - through contact in everyday life and public places.

Infection with this virus causes the appearance of characteristic growths on the skin and mucous membranes. About 130 strains of HPV are now known, and most of them provoke the appearance of tumors in certain places. This means that the appearance of warts on the skin of the hands will not cause infection of the genitals.

Damage to the genital organs can be caused by 30 strains of the virus, and about 20 of them are oncogenic. Most people know that the presence of human papillomavirus in the body can cause cancer of the genital organs, but even this information does not always become a reason to consult a doctor to identify and treat the infection. The culprits of this attitude towards one’s health are numerous myths about HPV. In this article we will introduce you to 12 of them, so you can make the right decision about the need for treatment.

Myth #1: Using a condom eliminates the risk of contracting HPV.

Sex protected by a condom significantly reduces the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, but is not a 100% guarantee of safety. The papilloma virus can be transmitted through any contact of mucous membranes - ordinary kissing, oral-genital sex or the use of shared hygiene items.

Conclusion: Condoms should be used for safe sex, but do not replace regular examinations with a doctor for the timely detection of sexually transmitted diseases (including HPV).

Myth No. 2: Women are more likely to become infected with HPV

Currently, there are no methods in medicine that can determine who gets sick first in a couple.

According to statistics, HPV is indeed more often detected in women, but both men and children are at risk of infection. The results of mass screening studies show that this infection is detected in 40-50% of women and men who are sexually active, and the probability of contracting the virus through unprotected sex is 60-66%.

Conclusion
Both women and men of any age should undergo regular examinations to detect human papillomavirus infection.

Myth No. 3: detection of HPV in a monogamous couple indicates infidelity of one of the partners

It was this myth that gave rise to the emergence of incorrect conclusions about infidelity in couples and led to the breakup of many families. However, the detection of HPV is not in all cases associated with a partner’s infidelity. Genital papillomavirus infection can remain hidden in the body for a long time. This course can be observed for many weeks, years and even decades.

Conclusion
Detection of HPV does not always mean a partner has cheated. The infection may not manifest itself for many years and may be detected by chance during routine examinations or treatment of other diseases. With the help of analysis, it is possible to determine the type of HPV, but not a single examination method allows one to determine the period of stay of the virus in the body or identify which partner was the “culprit” for its appearance. Infection with the virus can occur at any time in life (including before the formation of a couple).

Myth #4: Older women do not need to get tested for HPV

After menopause, many women not only do not get tested for HPV, but also rarely visit a gynecologist. However, statistics indicate a high risk of such fatal errors: 41% of patients with cervical cancer die at the age of 65 years or older, and one out of four cases of this disease is detected at this age.

Conclusion
Oncogenic types of human papillomavirus may begin to manifest themselves again after many years of hidden presence in the body. Women at any age should regularly visit a gynecologist for preventive examinations, and tests to detect HPV should be taken once every 3-5 years at the age of 30-65 years.

Myth #5: All types of HPV can cause genital cancer.

Scientists have been able to identify more than 130 types of HPV, and about 30 of them can infect the genitals. There are two main groups of HPV:

• highly oncogenic viruses - these include strains 16, 18.31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 73 and 82, they are detected in 95-100% of cases;
• low-oncogenic viruses - these include strains 6, 11, 36, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47 and 50; they are more often detected in flat and genital condylomas, the initial stages of dysplasia and very rarely in invasive.

Conclusion
Many strains of papillomavirus do not cause any problems and clear themselves within a few months of symptoms appearing, with 90% cleared within 2 years. And only some strains of HPV are oncogenic and can provoke the degeneration of cells into cancerous ones.

Myth #6: Having genital warts will cause cervical cancer.

Appear due to infection with different strains of the papilloma virus. Not all of them are oncogenic, and therefore not all cases develop cervical cancer.

Conclusion
To make predictions about the likelihood of occurrence cancerous tumor When a human papillomavirus infection is detected, an analysis is necessary to determine the type of virus. Cervical cancer can only be provoked by its oncogenic strains - 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 and 68. In 94% of cases, the development of a cancerous tumor is caused by strain 16 or 18.

Myth No. 7: detection of an oncogenic virus in tests indicates the development of cervical cancer

HPV can remain in the body for a long time and not manifest itself in any way. Its detection in tests is not always a symptom of cancer or a precancerous condition. The appearance of HPV always indicates a decrease in immunity.

Conclusion
The diagnosis of cervical cancer can only be confirmed by the results of a histological examination of biopsy tissue. The detection of oncogenic or other strains of HPV in the absence of such confirmation indicates a decrease in immunity and an increase in the number of viruses. In such cases, a woman should pay attention to the state of the immune system and carry out treatment aimed at supporting it.

Myth No. 8: You can’t get vaccinated against HPV due to lack of data on the vaccine’s effectiveness.

This myth arose because HPV vaccines really cannot protect a person from infection with all strains of the virus. However, the Cervarix and Gardasil vaccines can prevent infection with the most oncogenic types of the virus 16 and 18, and Gardasil can prevent infection with other types that cause the development of genital warts.

Conclusion
must be carried out, because vaccines can protect against the most dangerous types of virus that cause cancer. It is most effective to administer such vaccinations to adolescents before they become sexually active. However, at other ages, the effectiveness of vaccination will remain high. Even if a woman has been infected with one of the HPV strains throughout her life, the vaccine can protect against infection with other types.

Myth #9: Pap smears are more effective than vaccinations

Pap smears and HPV vaccinations are different procedures and their effectiveness cannot be compared. A smear allows you to identify mutations that have already appeared or precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix. And vaccination makes it possible to prevent infection with oncogenic types of HPV and the development of cancer.

Conclusion
HPV vaccination is effective and helps prevent the development of cervical cancer. It is much more expedient to carry out this procedure than to wait until the cells begin to degenerate into cancerous ones.

Myth No. 10: after removal of condylomas, a person cannot infect their sexual partner with them.

Some experts believe that after removal the risk of infecting a sexual partner is reduced. During surgical treatment of formations caused by HPV, only most of the infectious tissue is excised. However, the virus remains in the human body, and people with removed or unremoved condylomas can be a source of infection.

Conclusion
The tissue surrounding the removed condyloma contains the virus, and surgical treatment of these tumors does not reduce the risk of HPV infection to zero. In most cases, getting rid of condylomas is carried out to eliminate physical and moral suffering from the patient’s life, but after the operation the virus remains in the body and the risk of infecting the sexual partner remains.

Myth No. 11: You can get rid of HPV completely

So far, scientists have not been able to create a drug that can completely eliminate the virus from the human body. Modern medicine can offer effective ways treatment of diseases caused by HPV. Using minimally invasive or surgical techniques, you can get rid of warts, genital warts or. For this purpose, chemical coagulation, electrocoagulation, laser treatment, cryodestruction, a radio wave knife or a surgical scalpel are used. But it is completely impossible to “kill” the virus with surgery or prescription of pharmacological drugs.

In some cases, surgical treatment and measures aimed at increasing immunity are sufficient to deactivate the virus. A fortified diet, an active lifestyle, walks in the fresh air and a lack of stress can help normalize the functions of the immune system, and the virus will not be detected in tests. But in some cases, patients are recommended a therapy regimen aimed at increasing immunity. For this purpose, interferon preparations, nonspecific immunomodulators, indinol and some specific antiviral agents can be used.

Conclusion
Even after treatment for diseases caused by HPV, the virus remains in the body. To decontaminate it, it is recommended to carry out treatment and measures aimed at increasing immunity. And patients who have been diagnosed with human papillomavirus infection should undergo regular examinations and follow all doctor’s recommendations.

Myth No. 12: Pregnant women with HPV always give birth to children with respiratory papillomatosis

There is a risk of a baby becoming infected with HPV during childbirth, but it is not high. When passing through the birth canal, infection is possible with only two specific types of virus - 6 and 11. They are detected in women with genital warts. If a child receives these HPVs and the infection takes root, respiratory papillomatosis may develop. This disease interferes with normal breathing, but is treatable.