HPV

Diseases of the external genital organs today are the most common aggressive pathology. For example, HPV infection is asymptomatic for a long time and can have serious consequences. Certain strains of the virus can cause cancers of the rectum, vagina, and cervix. Therefore, it is important to diagnose it in time and start the appropriate treatment.

What is HPV?

The human papillomavirus is a common genital tract infection. This pathogen is found in almost one in every sixth inhabitant of the planet. When infected, the pathogen enters the epithelial cells, disrupting the division process, which triggers the development of various diseases. Mainly, the virus infects the organs of the genitourinary system, the anorectal region. Diseases that occur during HPV infection:

1. The formation of genital warts.
2. Development of papillomatosis of the respiratory tract.
3. Damage to the genitals with the development of a tumor process.

Almost 70% of the population are carriers of the pathogen without clinical manifestations of the disease. Reinfection is also possible during life. Because not everyone who has had papillomavirus infections develops resistance to the virus.

HPV types

More than 100 types of HPV are currently known. Some of them are relatively safe for human health, while others can activate the development of the oncological process. Most often, the clinical signs of the disease do not appear in the early stages. Usually the first symptoms appear after the action of provoking factors.

According to oncological activity, these viruses are classified as:

1. Strains with high oncogenic risk (18, 16, 31, 33, etc. )
2. Strains with low oncogenic risk (6, 11, 32, 40-44, 72)

Low-oncogenic virus strains lead to the appearance of warts and skin papillomas on the surface of the body.

Highly oncogenic strains cause genital warts to form in the anogenital area, on the surface of the cervix in women, and on the penis in men.

Long-term exposure to the body of 16, 18, 31, 33 types of viruses can lead to cervical dysplasia and a more formidable disease - cervical cancer.

However, even in the presence of HPV in the body of high oncogenic risk, oncological pathology does not always develop. Timely appeal to experienced doctors for diagnosis, correctly selected treatment, will allow you never to face dangerous clinical manifestations of the human papillomavirus.

How can you get infected?

Women and men are equally infected with this pathogen.

The main route of transmission is considered sexual. Usually HPV is infected after the first sexual intercourse, but other ways of transmitting the infection are also distinguished:

1. Vertical. That is, during the passage through the birth canal of a woman infected with HPV, the newborn can become infected.
2. Self-inoculation. Self-infection (transfer from one part of the body to another) is possible during waxing or shaving.
3. Contact and home. The human papillomavirus remains viable in the environment for some time. Therefore, they can become infected after visiting public places (bathrooms, gym, swimming pool).
4. Contact. Possible infection through the wound surface on the skin or mucous membranes (abrasions, wounds, bruises).
5. Sexual. The most common route of infection.

Anyone can get a viral infection. To diagnose it in a timely manner, you need to undergo preventive examinations with a doctor to determine the first symptoms of the pathology.

The main manifestations of the infection

The presence of papillomavirus infection may not have clinical manifestations for a long time. The incubation period of the disease can last several years, during which the patient can become infected with various types of viruses. Only after exposure to provoking factors (immunodeficiency, hypothermia, stressful situations), signs of HPV infection can be observed. In most cases, self-healing of this infection occurs in 1-2 years, but in some patients the pathology becomes chronic.

The disease can manifest itself with such formations:

1. Genital warts (genital warts). Outwardly, these are papillary growths that resemble a cauliflower or are comb-shaped. They are flesh-colored or pink, and can be single or multiple. They can form everywhere, but are most often found on the skin and genital mucosa. The formations are characterized by a low oncogenic potential. They rarely develop into malignant neoplasms, usually not causing discomfort to the patient.

2. Flat warts. They have a characteristic structure: they do not protrude from the surface of the mucous membrane of the affected organ. Such formations have a high oncological potential, therefore, they require a more complete diagnosis. It is usually found on the mucous membrane of the walls of the vagina, urethra, and cervix. To diagnose the nature of the condyloma, a biopsy is required.

3. Dysplasia is characterized by a violation of the differentiated structure of tissue. There is often the presence of atypical cells that can provoke the development of oncological pathology.
4. It requires close observation and, if necessary, surgical correction.

Each of the forms of pathology must be carefully monitored by a doctor. To reduce the risk of developing an oncological process, it is recommended to remove such growths on the skin and mucous membranes.

HPV diagnosis

It is necessary to diagnose the presence of HPV in stages, for which a series of physical, laboratory and instrumental studies are used.

1. Medical exam. It can help identify the presence of warts. When genital warts are found, the cervix should be examined. Ureteroscopy is also possible.
2. Colposcopy. Specific tests are carried out with acetic acid and iodine solution. With its help, you can determine the presence of atypical cells, signs of HPV infection, and cervical cancer.
3. Cytological examination. Pap smears are performed on the cervical mucosa. This is a screening test for the presence of cancerous and precancerous cells on the wall of the vagina or cervix.

In addition, a histological examination of tissues can be carried out, detection of sexually transmitted diseases with which HPV infection is often associated. The PCR method has a high diagnostic value. It can be used to identify the HPV strain.

Treatment of HPV (human papillomavirus)

It is impossible to completely eliminate the virus from the patient's body. The doctor can only deal with the consequences of the life of the infectious agent. As general therapy, symptomatic agents, antivirals, and drugs that stimulate immune processes can be used.

To combat various types of genital warts, the following can be used:

1. Cryodestruction, electrocoagulation, laser or chemical cauterization. Such methods are effective in getting rid of genital warts.
2. Electrosurgical treatment methods are used to remove the affected area on the surface of the cervix (dysplasia, condyloma).

HPV prevention

To prevent the development of the disease, various methods are used. The most effective are:

1. Monogamous relationshipsYou only have sex with one person with whom you are the only sexual partner. This method will protect you from all sexually transmitted infections, including HPV.
2. The use of barrier contraception. It's easy, affordable, but not always 100% safe against infection. The patient can become infected with the virus, even if the damaged skin is in contact with the area.
3. Periodic preventive exams. Girls should be regularly examined by a gynecologist. Thus, she can detect the first signs of the disease and start treatment in a timely manner.
4. Vaccination. It is an effective and convenient preventive method. The vaccines can be given to both men and women. The most effective vaccination is before sexual activity (use is allowed from 9 years of age). Or sexually active people in the absence of contraindications.

If you suspect the presence of an infection or the first manifestations of the disease, it is important to consult a doctor for high-quality diagnoses and timely treatment.