HPV

External genital diseases today are the most common, aggressive pathology. For example, HPV infection is asymptomatic for a long time and can have serious consequences. Some strains of the virus can lead to cancers of the rectum, vagina and cervix. Therefore, it is important to diagnose it in time and start proper treatment.

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus is a common genital tract infection. 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. The virus mainly infects the organs of the genitourinary system, the anorectal region. Diseases that occur during HPV infection:

1. 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 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, clinical signs of the disease do not appear in the early stages. Usually, the first symptoms appear after the action of provocative factors.

According to oncological activity, such viruses are classified into:

1. Types of high oncogenic risk (18, 16, 31, 33, etc. )
2. Low oncogenic risk stresses (6, 11, 32, 40-44, 72)

Strains of viruses with low oncogenes lead to the appearance of warts and skin papillomas on the surface of the body.

Extremely oncogenic strains cause the formation of genital warts in the anogenital area, 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 frightening disease - cervical cancer.

However, even in the presence of HPV in the body with a very oncogenic risk, oncological pathology does not always develop. Timely calling for experienced doctors for diagnosis, correctly chosen treatment, will allow you to never face dangerous clinical manifestations of 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. HPV is usually transmitted after the first sexual intercourse, but other ways of transmitting the infection are also distinguished:

1. Vertical. That is, while passing through the birth canal of an HPV-infected woman, 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 family. The human papilloma virus remains valid in the environment for some time. Therefore, they can become infected after visiting public places (bath, gym, swimming pool).
4. ContactPossible infection through the surface of the wound on the skin or mucosa (scratches, sores, bruises).
5. Sexy. The most common route of infection.

Anyone can get a viral infection. To diagnose it in a timely manner, you must 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 for several years, during which the patient can be infected with different types of virus. Only after exposure to provocative factors (lack of immunity, 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 appear with such formations:

1. Genital warts (genital warts). Externally, these are papillary growths that resemble cauliflower or a shaped comb. They are flesh-colored or pink and can be single or multiple. They can form anywhere, but are most often found on the skin and genital mucosa. The 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 mucosa of the affected organ. Such formations have a high oncological potential, therefore require a more complete diagnosis. It is usually located in the mucosa of the walls of the vagina, urethra, cervix. To diagnose the nature of the condyloma, a biopsy is required.

3. Dysplasia. It is characterized by a violation of the differentiated structure of tissues. 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 should be carefully monitored by a physician. To reduce the risk of developing an oncological process, it is recommended to remove such growths on the skin and mucous membranes.

Diagnosis of HPV

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. May 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 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 tests are performed on the cervical mucosa. This is a screening test for the presence of precancerous and cancerous cells in the wall of the vagina or cervix.

Also, histological examination of tissues can be performed, detection of sexually transmitted diseases with which HPV infection is often associated. The PCR method has a high diagnostic value. Can be used to identify HPV type.

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 the infectious agent. As a general therapy, symptomatic agents, antivirals and drugs that stimulate immune processes can be used.

To fight different types of genital warts, the following can be used:

1. Cryodestruction, electrocoagulation, cauterization with a laser or chemicals. Such methods are effective in 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

Various methods are used to prevent the development of the disease. The most effective are:

1. Monogamous relationships. You only have sex with one person for whom you are the only sexual partner. This method will protect yourself from all sexually transmitted infections, including HPV.
2. Use of barrier contraception. It is easy, affordable, but not always 100% safe from infection. The patient can be infected with the virus, even if the damaged skin is in contact with the area.
3. Periodic preventive examinations. Girls should 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. Vaccines 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 diagnosis and timely treatment.