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 lead to cancer of the rectum, vagina, and cervix. Therefore, it is important to diagnose it on time and start appropriate treatment.

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus is a common infection of the genital tract. This pathogen is found in almost every sixth inhabitant of the planet. When infected, the pathogen enters the epithelial cells, disrupting the division process, which activates the development of various diseases. Mostly, 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. Re-infection is also possible during life. Because not all those who have had papillomavirus infections develop 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, 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, such viruses are classified into:

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

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

Highly oncogenic strains cause the formation of genital warts in the anogenital zone, on the surface of the cervix in women and the penis in men.

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

However, even in the presence of a high-oncogenic risk in the body of HPV, oncological pathology does not always develop. Timely appeal to experienced doctors for diagnostics, 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 to be sexual. Usually HPV is infected after the first sexual intercourse, but other ways of transmission of 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. Autoinoculation. Self-infection (transfer from one part of the body to another) is possible during epilation or shaving.
3. Contact and household. The human papillomavirus remains viable in the environment for some time. Therefore, they can become infected after visiting public places (bathhouse, gym, swimming pool).
4. Contact. Infection is possible 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. In order to diagnose it in a timely manner, you need to undergo preventive examinations with a doctor to determine the first symptoms of pathology.

The main manifestations of infection

The presence of papillomavirus infection may not have clinical manifestations for a long time. The incubation period of the disease can last for several years, during which the patient can become infected with various types of the virus. Only after exposure to provoking factors (immunodeficiency, hypothermia, stressful situations), signs of HPV infection can be observed. In most cases, self-healing from this infection occurs within 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 cauliflower or a comb in shape. 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. Formations are characterized by low oncogenic potential. They rarely turn into malignant neoplasms, usually do not cause discomfort to the patient.

2. Flat warts. They have a characteristic structure - they do not protrude above the surface of the mucous membrane of the affected organ. Such formations have a high oncological potential, therefore, they require a more thorough diagnosis. Usually located on the mucous membrane of the walls of the vagina, urethra, cervix. To diagnose the nature of condyloma, a biopsy is required.

3. Dysplasia. It is characterized by a violation of the differentiated structure of the tissue. Often there is the presence of atypical cells that can cause the development of oncological pathology.
4. 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 diagnostics

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

1. Examination by a doctor. It can help identify the presence of warts. When genital warts are found, the cervix must be examined. Ureteroscopy is also possible.
2. Colposcopy. Specific tests are performed with acetic acid and iodine solution. With their 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 precancerous and cancer cells in the wall of the vagina or cervix.

Also, 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.

HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) Treatment

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 an infectious agent. As a 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, cauterization with a laser or chemicals. Such methods are effective for getting rid of genital warts.
2. Electrosurgical methods of treatment are used to remove the affected area on the surface of the cervix (dysplasia, condyloma).

Prevention of HPV

In order to prevent the development of the disease, various methods are used. The most effective are:

1. Monogamous relationship. You only have sex with a person for whom you are the only sexual partner. This method will allow you to protect yourself from all sexually transmitted infections, including HPV.
2. The use of barrier contraception. It is easy, affordable, but not always 100% safe from infection. The patient can become infected with the virus, even if the damaged skin is in contact with the area.
3. Periodic preventive examinations. Girls need to be examined regularly by a gynecologist. Thus, you 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. Vaccinations can be given to both men and women. The most effective vaccination is before sexual activity (use is allowed from 9 years old). Or persons who are sexually active 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 diagnostics and timely treatment.