In most cases, a woman learns about infection with human papillomavirus infection when visual evidence of this appears on her body. Genital warts on the mucous membrane of the genital organs or changes in the cervix detected at an appointment with a gynecologist - no matter what neoplasms arise, they always make the patient nervous and look for a way to get rid of the annoying disease. Considering that the level of HPV infection of the population of our planet is close to 90%, every woman has the risk of becoming a carrier of papillomavirus. What this threatens and how to cope with the infection, we will consider in this article.
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Types of virus and their manifestations
Human papillomavirus (HPV) or Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a highly contagious, DNA-containing virus that causes the development of benign formations on the skin and mucous membrane (papillomatosis).
Wart-like formations grow from epithelial cells and can affect both the skin and internal organs of a person. In this case, people of both sexes and different ages, including children, are affected.
Currently, more than 160 different strains of the virus have been identified, with a specific localization and specific manifestation. The following typical options are distinguished.
Skin lesions:
- HPV 1, 2 and 4 are warty plantar formations.
- HPV 2, 4, 26, 27, 29, 57 are typical (ordinary) warts on the skin.
- HPV 3, 10, 28 and 49 are flat warts.
- HPV 7 – “butcher’s warts”.
- HPV 2, 3, 5, 8–10, 14, 15, 19, 20, 36, 47, 50 – epidermodysplasia vericiform type.
Damage to the genital organs:
- HPV 6, 11, 42, 54 – condylomas of the acuminate type.
- HPV 6, 11, 16, 18, 30–33, 39–43, , 52, 55, 61–64, 67 – dysplasia and flat condylomas with a high probability of malignancy.
- HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 54, 68 – malignant tumors, including in the vagina, on the external genitalia, anal area, cervical cancer.
Non-genital lesions:
- HPV 13 and 32 – hyperplasia of the oral mucosa.
- HPV 6, 11, 30 – papillomas in the respiratory tract of a recurrent type.
- HPV 1, 6, 11, 16, 18, 30 – lung oncology, malignant tumors in the neck and head.
Important!
Viral strains have varying degrees of danger to the human body.
Most of them only lead to cosmetic blemishes, but some HPVs can cause serious health problems.
Treatment with folk remedies
Traditional healers have many effective recommendations for eliminating and treating papillomas at home using folk remedies.
Laundry soap
The product is successfully used to treat many female diseases. Even gynecologists recommend it.
- To combat papillomas, it is necessary to apply a thick layer of the product to the neoplasm.
- The procedure is carried out before bedtime for 3-4 days.
- Then the growth will begin to become inflamed. The papilloma will dry out and disappear.
You should lather the growth very carefully - any damage can lead to infection.
You can use tar soap in the same way.
Celandine
The most famous folk treatment method is celandine. You can use fresh plant juice, or oil purchased at a pharmacy - the effect will be approximately the same.
The liquid is applied to the affected areas three times a day. You should not tie the growth with thread - with regular use, it will soon fall off on its own.
Healing cubes
- Mix 25 g of celandine herb, string and chaga.
- Brew the mixture with 470 ml of boiling water.
- Cool and pour into an ice tray.
- Apply ice to the growth for 2 minutes three times a day.
Important! Bronchial asthma and epilepsy are contraindications for the use of celandine.
Herbs
Herbal infusions are aimed at improving the body's protective functions. Used for oral administration.
Collection:
- tricolor violet – 5 g;
- wormwood – 5 g;
- plantain leaves – 15 g;
- clover – 10g;
- St. John's wort – 12 g;
- dill seeds – 7 g;
- calamus root – 10 g.
Pour 440 ml of boiling water over the mixture and leave for 24 hours. The daily norm is 45 ml of infusion, it must be divided into 3 equal portions.
Prevention
Preventive measures are very simple. You should avoid sexual relations with casual partners and introduce more healthy habits into your daily life. Strengthen your immune system in a timely manner and avoid prolonged stress.
Vaccination against papillomavirus
Vaccination against this virus is extremely necessary, especially for girls under 26 years of age. At a more mature age, vaccination can also be done. But the likelihood that the body has already been infected by this virus is quite high.
- Pregnant women can also be vaccinated - safety for the child has been confirmed by many studies.
- Vaccination protects the body from a carcinogenic type of virus. Develop lasting immunity. Vaccination is carried out in 3 stages over 6 months.
Anyone can become infected with the human papillomavirus. And only following simple preventive measures and regular examinations with a gynecologist will help reduce the chance of developing the disease to zero. If a virus is detected, begin treatment immediately so as not to infect a child or loved one.
Oncogenic HPV types
HPV leads to the development of benign tumors. However, it has been established that in some cases they have a tendency to malignancy (malignancy). Although the probability of such irreversible cell transformation does not exceed 1.5-2 percent, it cannot be discounted. The degree of risk is largely determined by the type of HPV, which have different oncogenicity.
Based on this indicator, the most common HPVs can be divided into 3 groups:
- Viruses that are incapable of malignancy are HPV 1-3 and 5 . The formations provoked by these strains of viruses are not dangerous to humans and often disappear on their own.
- Low-oncogenic viruses - HPV 6, 11, 42-44, -55 . Their transformation occurs extremely rarely and only in particularly unfavorable conditions. Most often they cause condylomatosis.
- Highly oncogenic viruses (HPV9 group) tend to transform, and the risk of cancer increases significantly. These viruses include HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 56, , 68, 66, 82, 73. A precancerous condition is often associated with papillomatosis caused by HPV 30, 40, 43, 57. 62, 67, 69.
HPV 16 and 18 are considered the most common and dangerous. Infection with strain 18 results in cancer in 12-15% of cases, and HPV 16 – in almost half.
HPV during pregnancy
During pregnancy, this virus is very dangerous because it can infect the fetus and prevent it from developing normally. That is why all women are recommended to undergo diagnostics in order to carry out therapy in a timely manner. In this case, the medicine for papillomas and warts is selected very carefully, since its benefits should not exceed the risk for the baby
Important! This pathogen can seriously affect the baby’s central nervous system and even cause irreversible processes, so it is better not to ignore the doctor’s recommendations, but to go and get the expectant mother tested for HPV, this can save the baby’s life.
Quite often, the mother’s illness goes away after the baby is born, and this is largely due to hormonal changes. But the baby will also have to undergo diagnostic procedures in order to exclude the possibility of having this virus. Carrying out diagnostics is not difficult, but its result is very important for the full life of the baby.
Routes of infection
The papilloma virus is highly contagious. It can exist and develop for a long time only in the human body. At the same time, HPV is very tenacious and even after effective treatment remains viable, integrating into cell chromosomes and passing into a latent state. As a result, almost 15% of all people are carriers of the virus without even knowing it.
The most common route of infection is sexual contact, both traditional and non-traditional. It should be taken into account that at the age of 20–32 years, almost half of all people leading an active sexual life become carriers of various types of HPV.
During sexual contact with an infected partner, the probability of infection exceeds 60%, and with genital condylomatosis it approaches 100%. Barrier contraception significantly reduces the risk of infection, but does not provide a complete guarantee.
HPV infection is also possible through contact and household contact. The risk increases if there is damage to the skin (scratches, abrasions, burns, etc.). The size of viruses is extremely small, which allows them to easily penetrate microcracks in the skin. Infection can occur through direct contact with an infected person (shaking hands, kissing, wrestling, etc.).
The probability of HPV penetration in such public places as a bathhouse, swimming pool, or toilet is quite high. In a humid, warm environment, the infection can persist for some time outside the human body.
You can become infected through shared objects. There have been cases of infection during medical procedures and surgical operations. Babies become infected during childbirth if the mother has an infection in the vagina or uterus.
Reasons for development
For the development of pathological processes, HPV infection is necessary. Infection usually occurs through sexual contact. The source may be a person carrying the virus who is unaware of the infection. A condom is not an obstacle to the virus. The latex from which it is made has micropores. They are impermeable to fluid and sperm. But the size of the virus is so small that they are able to pass through these holes.
Having a sexual partner with condylomas or papillomas increases the chances of infection. The virus from their surface upon contact can be transmitted to a healthy person. Unconventional sexual intercourse can also lead to infection.
Less common is the domestic route of infection. This happens in everyday life, while using one toothbrush, or when kissing. The chances increase if there are microtraumas of the oral mucosa or wounds in other areas.
After penetration of the virus, the clinical picture of the infection does not develop immediately. If the body’s immune response is sufficient, then HPV is integrated into the genetic material of epithelial cells and remains there in a latent form. When the body is no longer able to contain the development of infection, viral proteins are activated, which rearrange the cell’s metabolism to produce new viral particles.
A decrease in immunity can occur for various reasons:
- acute and chronic infections of the genitourinary organs,
- frequent colds,
- stress and physical fatigue,
- strict diets based on the exclusion of many types of food from the diet,
- overheating and hypothermia,
- chronic diseases of internal organs,
- abuse of nicotine and alcohol,
- long-term treatment with antibiotics,
- endocrine diseases,
- pregnancy.
When the immune system is suppressed, cells affected by the virus actively divide to form condylomas in the genital area.
Risk factors affecting infection
The likelihood of contracting HPV largely depends on a person's lifestyle. The high-risk group includes people who begin sexual intercourse at too early an age, who are overly active sexually and have casual, unprotected sex.
At the same time, even contact with an infected person does not always lead to infection. A good immune system can fight off infection on its own.
The introduction of HPV into the body occurs when the immune defense decreases and other favorable conditions appear. The following factors can influence infection:
- congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, especially HIV infection;
- weakened female body during the postpartum period;
- chronic pathologies of the genitourinary system, as well as sexually transmitted diseases;
- endocrine disorders, diabetes mellitus;
- treatment using immunosuppressants;
- repeated abortions, prolonged and uncontrolled use of oral contraceptives;
- excessive physical activity leading to exhaustion of the body;
- severe general intoxication, significant hormonal imbalance;
- some drugs - cytostatics, a number of antibiotics.
The risk of infection by the virus increases with a passive lifestyle, poor and insufficient nutrition, addiction to starvation diets, and the presence of bad habits (alcohol, drugs). Lack of vitamins in the body contributes to the development of papillomatosis.
Human papillomavirus on the cervix
Such growths are often the cause of cancer. Every woman who does not have a regular partner has a risk of becoming infected. The virus can enter the body during kissing, oral and anal sex.
The main reasons for the activation of the virus on the cervix are weak protective functions of the body, stress, bad habits, and digestive disorders.
- The virus survives well in the external environment. Therefore, you should not try on other people’s underwear or use other people’s washcloths and towels.
- It is impossible to recognize this disease on your own. Pathology can only be detected during a routine examination by a gynecologist.
- Pointed papillomas indicate an acute course of the disease. But it is much easier to treat them than inactive ones.
Symptoms
In most cases, HPV is in a latent state in the body and does not manifest itself in any way. When favorable conditions appear, abnormal division of epithelial cells begins, leading to the appearance of peculiar formations visible to the naked eye.
Such manifestations can appear on any part of the body, but are most often found at the site of initial introduction of the virus. This explains the frequent localization of formations on the genitals. However, papillomas or condylomas can appear in the mouth, near the anus, on the larynx, in the respiratory tract, intestines and some internal organs.
The main symptom of HPV infection is a growth, a bulge on the skin or mucous membrane. The following main forms of papillomatous formations can be distinguished:
- Typical warts (papillomas) . Papillomatous warts differ from similar growths of other origins in their inconstancy. Depending on the state of immune defense, they may periodically appear and disappear on their own. The color of the formations differs little from the skin. The following varieties are distinguished: juvenile (youthful) flat-type warts, spiny or plantar warts, vulgar warts on the upper extremities.
- Genital warts . They grow in the form of papillae on the genitals, near the anus, in the mouth, on the lips, larynx, and on the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. Single or multiple formations may be detected. A characteristic type is fused condyloma. Several pointed formations merge into one growth, reminiscent of cauliflower. If a weak solution of acetic acid is dropped onto such a growth, it acquires a pearly white color.
- Flat papillomas . These formations are small in height, but can be quite large in diameter, indicating a large number of abnormal cells and a chronic nature of the infection. The following specific varieties are distinguished: laryngeal papillomas, affecting the vocal cords and having a multiple appearance; bowenoid papulosis, characterized by pink, flat papillomas on the genitals.
- Bowen's disease . These are round plaques with clear boundaries and a velvety surface. Most often they are found on the genitals.
Important!
Papillomatous formations are not characterized by pain. Minor pain and burning sensations may occur due to mechanical impact. In rare cases, discharge leaks from the mass.
Course of the disease
As a result of HPV infection, papillomatosis (condylomatosis) develops. The pathogenesis of the disease is associated with the growth of benign formations from epithelial tissues. With weakened immunity, HPV penetrates the skin or mucous membrane and reaches the basal layer.
Here, the virus, which has its own DNA, penetrates the cellular chromosomes, disrupting their structure. The cell is modified so that HPV receives the most comfortable conditions for reproduction.
The course of the disease is caused by the active division of modified cells. As a result of this process, a benign formation is formed. If the virus has increased oncogenicity, then malignancy gradually occurs.
Specifics of the course in men
It is believed that the course of the disease in men is less dangerous than the effect of HPV on women. However, men's health can also be seriously damaged. The following characteristic male problems are identified:
- Condylomatosis , represented by genital warts. At the first stage, small seals appear on the penis or scrotum, urethra, rectum, and around the anus. Gradually, these formations acquire a typical shape and size, after which growth stops. During the formation of growths, itching may be felt. Nearby condylomas may join together to form a formation resembling a cockscomb.
- Bowenoid papulosis . It is considered a precancerous condition and occurs in men aged 25–35 years. The most characteristic manifestation is brown, pink or purple papules in the form of a rash on the body of the penis.
- Bowen's disease . It is characterized by single formations in the form of a plaque, covered with scales that hide the weeping lesion. They have the shape of a circle or oval. The growth of the formation occurs along the edges, which allows them to increase to 9–12 cm in diameter. With this disease, there is a risk of provoking squamous cell cancer.
The specific localization of HPV lesions in men is the penis and scrotum. In addition to the fact that this causes discomfort during sexual intercourse, there is a risk of mechanical damage and bleeding, as well as psychological stress from thoughts about how such defects will be perceived by the partner.
Specifics of women's lesions
Papillomas in women are more dangerous, and there are objective prerequisites for this. Formations inside the vagina or on the cervix are invisible during a simple examination, which delays a visit to the doctor. In addition, constant hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle create the ground for the growth of formations, and estrogen contributes to their malignancy.
The female body is often affected by more than 30 types of HPV, some of which are highly oncogenic. The most common HPV 16 and 18, when affecting the cervix, can cause cell degeneration and the development of cancer. At the first stage, dysplasia develops, which can still be stopped, but further malignancy becomes an irreversible process.
Even benign formations in women can cause serious consequences. This is due to constant stress when even simple cosmetic defects are detected in the neck or décolleté area.
Genital warts in the vagina interfere with sex and sometimes become a source of unpleasant odor. All this can lead to serious mental disorders.
Specifics of children's lesions
The manifestation of congenital heart disease in children is usually observed 5–10 months after penetration of the virus. Warts in a child should be looked for in hidden places - in the armpit area, between the fingers, and other skin folds.
Frequent localization in children is the sole, hands, face. Often growths are found in the mouth and nose, in the larynx and bronchi. In newborn children, the upper respiratory tract is often affected, and papillomas also appear on the eyelids, ears, face and throat (tonsils).
In newborns, laryngeal papillomatosis with growths in the glottis area is especially dangerous. This can cause serious breathing problems. A special type is epithelial hyperplasia in the oral cavity with damage to the tongue, palate and the formation of pointed forms.
Lesions in the form of dysplasia (reddish or brownish, rough spots) on the feet and hands are prone to malignancy. The danger of childhood papillomatosis is increased by the lack of a stable immune system. Treatment of these manifestations must begin as early as possible, without leading to severe consequences.
HPV and pregnancy
HPV poses a particular risk to pregnant women. The virus has virtually no direct effect on the course of pregnancy. Sharp hormonal changes lead to an increase in the number of lesions and their size, including the appearance of large condylomas in the birth canal.
This phenomenon increases the risk of bleeding and can disrupt fetal passage. In the case of multiple accumulations of formations, the question arises about the admissibility of natural childbirth and a cesarean section. In addition, if a woman has genital HPV lesions, there is a high probability of infecting her child during childbirth.
Why do they appear?
The virus spreads through the bloodstream throughout the body and enters the epithelium. Failures begin that lead to rapid cell division and the appearance of benign neoplasms.
The virus most often appears during promiscuity. Men are most often hidden carriers of the virus. Since the pathology in their body is in a latent state, men suffer from this disease less often. Read more about the symptoms and treatment of papillomas in men in our article.
Important! There is also a household route of infection through the use of infected household items. Especially when papillomas appear on the neck.
Children can become infected from a sick mother during childbirth. These children may develop laryngeal cancer.
Risk factors:
- weakened immune system, vitamin deficiency, stress and depression;
- uncontrolled use of medications and oral contraceptives;
- infectious diseases, changes in the vaginal microflora;
- bad habits.
Poor heredity, frequent abortions and childbirth, anal sex, and inflammatory processes in the cervix can provoke the manifestation of pathology.
Which doctor should I contact?
The choice of specialist depends on the location of the growths. A dermatovenerologist deals with papillomas on the body. If neoplasms are detected on the genitals, you must visit a gynecologist. If you experience discomfort in the anus, you will need to consult a proctologist.
Before starting treatment, the doctor will prescribe PCR diagnostics, biopsy and cytological studies. At the moment, there is no effective remedy for papillomas in modern medicine. Complex therapy is used for treatment.
Other treatment methods include:
- use of chemicals (Vartek) – papillomas are treated using an applicator that is wetted in a solution;
- a liquid nitrogen;
- surgical intervention;
- radio wave scalpel;
- removal of tumors using laser.
Important! The presence of a virus in the body does not guarantee the development of serious diseases. Manifestations are observed in every second woman.
Diseases caused by a virus
The incubation period of diseases caused by HPV can range from 20 days to 3–4 years (most often, 3.5–4 months). The lesion causes hyperplasia of almost all epithelial layers. The following main pathologies are identified:
- Typical diseases are plantar, simple and flat warts; genital warts; epidermodysplasia verruciformis
- Precancerous and oncological pathologies – dysplasia of varying severity; Keir's erythroplasia; Bowen's disease bowenoid papulosis; laryngeal papillomatosis; Heck's disease; conjunctive papillomas; cervical cancer and oncology of other localization (squamous cell cancer of the genital organs, anal canal, vagina, vulva, etc.).
The development of a particular disease depends on the HPV strain. Diseases may be limited only to a cosmetic defect that is not hazardous to health, but there may also be serious consequences.
Without a doubt
Unfortunately, women cannot independently detect any signs of HPV infection in the genital area, so they need to visit a gynecologist twice a year. As for men: you should consult a doctor (dermatovenereologist, virologist or urologist) if you find papillary growths on your skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs, and urgently find out whether this is a manifestation of HPV infection.
How is HPV diagnosed? Step one is the visual method. When examining the patient, the doctor may detect external manifestations of infection; in this case, he must examine the cervical canal. A gynecologist examines a patient using a colposcope. If there is a suspicious colposcopic picture, the doctor prescribes a cytological examination of smears, as well as a biopsy with histological examination.
By the way, periodic colposcopy is also necessary for those who once had cervical erosion and if they were treated with medicinal tampons, cauterization with electric current, or using cryodestruction. Erosion is insidious and can cause cell degeneration, especially when accompanied by a viral infection.
“As a rule, cervical cancer develops slowly and does not manifest itself with symptoms,” warns gynecologist Marina Evseeva . “But it is quite possible to “catch” this formidable disease at an early stage, that is, to promptly detect pathological cells in the layer of cells covering the cervix, if you regularly, once every six months, visit a doctor and take smears for cytology.
Diagnostics
The very fact of the presence of the disease is easily established by external examination based on the nature of the manifestation. To identify the type of HPV and the characteristics of the course of the disease, diagnostic studies are carried out:
- Colposcopy using a special device (colposcope) to determine the depth of the lesion, size and location of the lesion.
- Biopsy with sampling of affected tissues for cytology and histology.
- PRC . This method allows you to clarify the viral strain and provides a complete picture of the lesion.
Important!
Only after establishing the full picture, assessing the state of the immune system and identifying complicating factors, treatment is prescribed. This takes into account the individual characteristics of the organism, age and duration of infection.
How oncogenic HPV strains are detected, diagnosis
Since the virus affects human skin, its presence in the body cannot be determined through a blood test. There are 4 methods for laboratory diagnosis of HPV. When prescribing such studies, the doctor aims to confirm the presence of the virus, find out its type and oncogenicity, as well as the degree of damage caused to the body.
- Cytological examination . One of the most financially accessible diagnostic methods. It is recommended that all women undergo a cytology smear once every two years, starting at the age of 25 years. To study under a microscope in the laboratory, a smear is taken containing epithelial cells from two locations: the outer part of the cervix (exocervix) and the cervical canal (endocervix). The result of the study is usually ready in 1 - 2 weeks. The disadvantage of the method is the fairly frequent false negative results.
- Colposcopy . The indications for this study are deviations from the norm in the results of a cytology smear. Using a special device - a colposcope, equipped with an optical and lighting system - a detailed examination of the tissues is carried out. This study makes it possible to recognize pathologically altered tissues even at early stages of development. If necessary, during colposcopy, the doctor may take a sample of the epithelium for a biopsy;
- Histology . The resulting samples of infected tissue are examined under a microscope to assess the nature of the changes. Using this method, it is possible to distinguish tumor neoplasms from ordinary condylomas. The duration of the study is about three days;
- (PCR) method A fast and reliable way to detect bacteria and viruses, even in cases where their number is negligible. The result is largely influenced by the professionalism of the laboratory assistant, so it is worth paying special attention to choosing a reliable laboratory. For the diagnosis of HPV and its typing, the material is usually a scraping of epithelial cells of the urogenital tract. Typically, the results of the study are released on the second or third day after taking the material.
If the result reveals an oncogenic genotype of the virus, Digene screening is performed. Its results are assessed as follows:
- Viral DNA within 0 – 3 Lg – weakly positive result, not clinically significant;
- DNA in the amount of 3 - 5 Lg - indicates a small degree of cancer risk;
- An increase in the marker above 5 Lg indicates a high risk of cervical cancer. Patients with such results should undergo an annual colposcopy with their treating gynecologist.
Treatment of papillomavirus infection
Depending on the complexity of the disease and the risk of complications, the doctor prescribes treatment:
Conservative treatment. It helps at the initial stage in the absence of complicating factors. Antiviral drugs are considered basic - Interferon, Cycloferon, Reaferon, Viferon, Leukinferon. A modern remedy, Alpizarip, has a direct effect on the virus.
Suppression of HPV activity is also achieved by inducers of interferon synthesis - Neovir, Ridostin, Tamerit, Immunofan. An important role is played by increasing immune defense with the help of immunostimulants - Derinat, Wobenzym, Lykopid.
Medical removal of papillomas. The drugs block the nutrition of abnormal tissues or chemically burn out growths. The drugs used are Condilin, Solcoderm, Fluorouracil, Imiquamod.
Surgical treatment. It can be built on the following technologies:
- Cryogenic effect , ensuring the removal of formations by deep freezing using liquid nitrogen.
- Radio wave surgery . The function of a scalpel is performed by a radio knife - a narrowly directed radio frequency wave generated by a special device (for example, the Surgitron generator).
- Electrical coagulation . Provided by an electric knife - high-frequency current.
- Laser removal . Burning formation is provided by a laser beam.
If the lesion is large and the risk of cancer is high, surgery is performed. The surgeon uses a scalpel to remove the affected tissue and the surrounding area.
Features of HPV depending on gender
Women are more susceptible to the infection. After infection, the activity of the pathogen may manifest itself in the form of flat condylomas. These are benign neoplasms from the squamous epithelium of healthy tissues.
Detection of condylomas or papillomas in the intimate area is a direct indication for an in-depth examination of the woman. Often skin manifestations are the first signs of active progression of the disease. If these symptoms are ignored, the disease progresses to a severe stage.
Oncopathology at the initial stage may not have obvious symptoms. As it progresses, at stages 2-3, the disease cannot be ignored. Symptoms of a developed tumor in women are as follows:
- bloody discharge from the genital tract that appears on its own and after sexual intercourse,
- pain during sex,
- discomfort in the vagina,
- unpleasant smell.
HPV type 31 appears in men in the same way as in women. The pathogen penetrates through microtraumas of the skin during sexual intercourse. The consequence of infection is dysplasia. It appears on the glans penis, frenulum, and coronal sulcus. Sometimes epithelial growths are observed near or inside the urethra. This is accompanied by severe pain during urination.
Prevention and vaccination of papillomavirus
Any disease is easier to prevent than to treat. There are 2 main directions for the prevention of papillomatosis - streamlining sexual life and strengthening the immune system. It is important to ensure a normal lifestyle, nutrition with sufficient vitamins, and timely treatment of infectious and chronic diseases.
There is currently no universal vaccine against all types of HPV. Taking this into account, it is customary to provide protection against the most oncogenic strains.
Thus, the Gardasil vaccine is directed against HPV 6, 11, 16 and 18. Three-time vaccination of adolescents provides the necessary immunity. The Cervarix vaccine is designed against HPV 16 and 18. Vaccination is carried out starting from the age of 10.
Human papillomavirus is one of the most common infections. In most cases, it is unable to significantly undermine health, but the likelihood of severe complications exists. To exclude the growth of malignancy of formations, it is necessary to promptly consult a doctor to determine the viral strain.
Prevention
In order to avoid infection and manifestation of the human papillomavirus, you should follow a few simple rules:
- Do not forget about personal hygiene, especially when in public areas
- Avoid weakening the immune system
- Don’t overwork yourself, give yourself enough time to rest
- Give your body moderate physical activity
- Take vitamins
- Avoid casual sex
- Use a condom during sex
Specifically to avoid an increased risk of cervical cancer, several vaccines to help protect against various types of HPV. Some of them protect against both the development of cancer and the appearance of warts, others are effective only against oncological manifestations.
Under no circumstances should you try to remove papilloma yourself, since only a doctor can choose the right specific method. In addition, manifestations of HPV can simply be confused with a mole and as a result of exposure to it, the development of skin melanoma is likely.
During treatment of the genital organs, you should completely stop sexual activity; in addition, you will most likely need to examine your partner to identify symptoms of the disease.
Ways to cope with pathology
Treatment approaches depend on the stage of detection. If papillomavirus type 31 manifests itself in women in the form of condylomas, then this condition requires therapeutic measures. Neoplasms are removed in any available way:
- cryotherapy,
- laser therapy,
- radio wave removal.
Tactics for detecting cervical erosion depend on the results of the biopsy. If no signs of atypia are detected in the lesion, then treatment can be carried out using the same method as for condylomas. If dysplasia is detected, the action depends on its degree. Pronounced pathological changes must be removed surgically.
Cervical cancer is a serious disease that is found both in women during menopause and at a young age. Pathology should only be treated comprehensively, combining:
- operation,
- chemotherapy,
- radiotherapy.
This approach will allow you to get rid of cancer and achieve stable remission.
Antiviral treatment is supplemented with drugs that affect the pathogen and immunity. These can be suppositories with interferon (Viferon), immunomodulators (Likopid).
Traditional medicine methods in the treatment of HPV can only be used as auxiliary ones after consultation with a doctor . There is no level of evidence for the prescriptions, and the severity of side effects can be significant. Safe methods are sitz baths with chamomile and calendula, which will help reduce the severity of inflammatory reactions.
Is HPV dangerous?
The answer to the question of what human papillomavirus is can be formulated as follows. HPV is a microorganism or a collection of microorganisms of the papillomavirus breed. The main place where they accumulate is the upper layers of the skin. The viral infection quickly penetrates the blood. The infection is painless, and the incubation period is long, can reach several months. No specialist dares to label HPV as a harmless disease. According to research results, the virus itself does not pose a threat to the body. Only its products are dangerous - papillomas. A person often underestimates the seriousness of the problem when a wart appears on the body. After all, it is evidence that the body has already become infected.
Any dermatologist, immunologist or even therapist will tell a patient or just a person interested in this problem about HPV and its harm. A new growth resulting from the activity of a virus is a tumor. She is benign. The danger is that some types of papillomas can transform into malignant neoplasms. Often, such transformation requires external factors - physical damage and the development of inflammatory processes as a result.
Skin disease - papilloma - what is it? The answer is always the same - the result of a virus that needs to be treated.
Papillomas, visible results of the vital activity of the virus