HPV

Diseases of the external genitalia are the most common, aggressive pathology today. For example, HPV infection is asymptomatic for a long time and can have serious consequences. Certain 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 appropriate treatment.

What is HPV?

Human papilloma virus 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. The virus mainly infects the organs of the genitourinary system, the anorectal region. . Diseases that occur during HPV infection:

1. Genital wart formation.
2. Development of papillomatosis of the respiratory tract.
3. Genital damage due to the development of a tumor process.

Almost 70% of the population are carriers of pathogens without clinical manifestations of the disease. Re-infection is possible during life. Because not all those who have had papilloma virus 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 high oncogenic risk (18, 16, 31, 33, etc. )
2. Low oncogenic risk strains (6, 11, 32, 40-44, 72)

Weakly oncogenic strains of the virus lead to the appearance of warts and skin papillomas 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.

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

However, even if HPV in the body has a highly oncogenic risk, oncological pathology does not always develop. A timely appeal to experienced doctors for diagnosis, properly chosen treatment, will enable you to never face the dangerous clinical manifestations of the human papilloma virus.

How can you get infected

Women and men are equally infected with this pathogen.

The main route of transmission is considered sexual. HPV is usually contracted after the first sexual intercourse, but there are other ways of transmitting the infection:

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

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

The main manifestations of infection

The presence of papilloma virus 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 noticed. 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 in such formations:

1. Genital warts (genital warts). Externally, these are papillary growths that resemble a cauliflower or comb in shape. They are flesh-colored or pink in color, and can be single or multiple. They can form anywhere, but are most commonly found on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals. The formations are characterized by low oncogenic potential. They rarely turn into malignant neoplasms, usually do not cause discomfort to the patient.

2. Straight nipples. 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, so they need a more thorough diagnosis. It is usually found on the mucous membranes of the walls of the vagina, urethra, cervix. A biopsy is needed to diagnose the nature of condyloma.

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

Each of the forms of pathology must be carefully monitored by a physician. In order 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 which numerous physical, laboratory and instrumental studies are used.

1. Examination by a doctor. It can help you recognize 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 a solution of acetic acid and iodine. With their help, you can determine the presence of atypical cells, signs of HPV infection and cervical cancer.
3. Cytological examination. A pap test is performed on the lining of the cervix. 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 performed, 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 HPV strains.

Treatment of HPV (human papilloma virus)

It is impossible to completely remove the virus from the patient's body. The physician can only deal with the consequences of the life of the infectious agent. Symptomatic agents, antiviral agents and drugs that stimulate immune processes can be used as general therapy.

The following can be used to combat different types of genital warts:

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

HPV prevention

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

1. Monogamous relationships. You only have sex with a person whose only sexual partner you are. This method will protect against 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 become 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. So, you can detect the first signs of the disease and start treatment on time.
4. Vaccination. It is an effective and appropriate preventive method. Vaccinations can be given to both men and women. Vaccination before sexual activities is most effective (use is allowed from the age of 9). Or people who are sexually active in the absence of contraindications.

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