HPV, or human papillomavirus, is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the 21st century. It is easy to pick up and impossible to cure. Sounds scary? We answer the most popular questions about this infection in our material!
What kind of virus is this? New?
HPV is actually as old as the world. It is he who causes the appearance of warts, papillomas, genital warts and other skin formations.
These viruses were combined into a single group in 1971. The number of detected HPV types is about 600. It is possible that in fact there are many more. The only critical difference between these strains is that some of them are of low onco risk, others are of high onco risk. In modern medical practice, it is not customary to check for the presence of all 600 types, the main thing is to find out whether a person is a carrier of 16 strains, 14 of which cause precancerous conditions: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68. The remaining - 6 and 11 - are responsible for the formation of genital warts, which also need to be treated. The virus is especially dangerous for women, as it can cause cervical cancer. However, men are also at risk: genital cancer often develops from the destructive action of HPV inside the cells.
How is it transmitted?
Sexual and household routes. And yet, the sexual transmission is the most common. The probability that a woman will become infected in the first years of sexual activity is more than 50%. The surest way to avoid getting HPV is to abstain from casual unprotected sex and use a condom. However, even a condom does not provide one hundred percent protection, since HPV is transmitted through contact with mucous membranes: through kissing, contact during foreplay and oral sex.
The likelihood of contracting positively increases with the number of sexual partners: the more active you are sexually active, the more likely you are to be infected with HPV. Household transmission is also possible: when using someone else's towel or razor.
If your partner is infected with a virus, then there is a high probability that you have it too. Men with HPV develop genital warts and flat warts on both the penis and groin. If you suddenly notice strange skin growths, immediately inform your boyfriend and get the appropriate tests.
How do I know if I have HPV?
The easiest way is to take a gynecological smear for HPV and cytology. As we have already noted, only 16 strains of the virus are checked. It is possible to suspect that you have the 6th or 11th strain without tests: if you or your partner have papillomas or genital warts, then most likely you are a carrier of the papillomavirus, and the tests will confirm this.
As for the viruses of high oncogenic risk, they do not manifest themselves, and it is difficult to visually determine their presence in the body - an analysis for cytology, colposcopy of the cervix 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 the annual PAP test (cytological analysis) by a gynecologist. The course of the disease is asymptomatic, and at this time HPV is embedded in the cell and changes its structure, turning it into a malignant one. Malignant cells help to determine a cytological analysis, which is taken at a routine examination by a gynecologist once every six months or a year. By the way, it is better not to miss them, especially those with HPV.
If I have HPV, do I have cancer?
Don't drive your horses. As we have already said, during their life more than 80% of women on the planet have time to get HPV. Obviously, not everyone has developed cervical cancer. It takes a long time from HPV infection to the development of a precancerous condition. Attend annual scheduled examinations with a gynecologist, get tested on time, and then the doctor will diagnose the presence of HPV and the first malignant changes in cells long before the development of cancer.
Even if one or even several of the 14 highly oncogenic virus types have been found in you, cytological analysis does not necessarily show the presence of malignant cells. At a young age, with good immunity, cells with signs of malignancy are rarely found in the PAP test, so exhale, calm down and read on.
Is HPV being treated?
"If HPV is so dangerous, then it needs to be treated urgently! "- perhaps this thought flashed through your head. Unfortunately, so far medicine has not found any way or medicine that will help get rid of HPV once and for all. However, with immunomodulatory therapy and a proper lifestyle, you can achieve long-term remission and stop the destructive effect of the virus.
HPV treatment must be comprehensive. In the presence of genital warts and genital warts, they will need to be removed by one of the methods: surgery, radio wave knife, laser or cryodestruction.
Can warts not be removed?
No, you can't: the virus concentrates and lives in these neoplasms, which means that subsequent treatment becomes less effective. In addition, you hardly want to leave them: it is possible that unpleasant sensations will arise during sex, not to mention the fact that such a cosmetic defect will negatively affect your self-esteem, self-confidence and, accordingly, on the relationship with your partner.
Can they get through on their own?
But this scenario is quite possible: strengthening the immune system, a healthy lifestyle, giving up bad habits and the daily use of local antiviral agents (ointments or sprays) - a complex of these measures can make warts disappear.
However, there is good news: HPV may not be treated, but in most cases it eliminates on its own, losing an unequal battle to strong immunity. This happens within two years from the moment of infection, and in a young, strong organism, the process naturally goes faster.
Is it possible to get infected again from a sexual partner?
How! And condylomas that you removed earlier can also appear again. If your man is infected and he has the external manifestations of the virus - genital warts - there is a high probability that he will be reinfected. All sexually transmitted infections, without exception, must be treated by both partners: use barrier methods of protection, remove neoplasms caused by HPV, maintain strong immunity and carry out appropriate therapy.
If you've found HPV, don't hide it from your partner. He may not need complex treatment, but immuno-modulating therapy will only benefit.
If you suspect HPV, we advise you not to panic and contact a specialist - obstetrician-gynecologist.