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. Some strains of the virus can cause cancer of the rectum, vagina and cervix. Therefore, it is important to make a timely diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment.

What is HPV?

Human papillomavirus is a common infection of the genital tract. This pathogen is present in almost every sixth inhabitant of the planet. When infected, the pathogen enters the epithelial cells and disrupts the division process that activates the development of various diseases. The virus often infects the organs of the genitourinary system, the anorectal region. . Diseases that occur during HPV infection:

1. Formation of genital warts.
2. Development of respiratory papillomatosis.
3. Damage to the genitals with the development of a tumor process.

Almost 70% of the population is a carrier of the disease without clinical manifestations of the disease. Re-infection is possible during life. Because not all people infected with papillomavirus have resistance to the virus.

Types of HPV

More than 100 types of HPV are currently known. Some are relatively safe for human health, while others can activate the development of the oncological process. Often, clinical signs of the disease do not appear in the early stages. Generally, the first symptoms appear after the influence of irritants.

Such viruses are classified according to their oncological activity as follows:

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

Low oncogenic viruses cause skin warts and papillomas to form on the surface of the body.

Highly oncogenic strains cause genital warts in the anogenital area, on the cervical surface in women, and on the penis in men.

Prolonged exposure to 16, 18, 31, 33 types of viruses can lead to cervical dysplasia and a more serious disease - cervical cancer.

However, even in the presence of HPV, which is a highly oncogenic risk in the body, oncological pathology does not always develop. Diagnosis, timely consultation with experienced physicians for the right choice of 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 infection is sexual. HPV is usually transmitted after the first sexual intercourse, but there are other ways of infection:

1. Vertical. That is, a woman infected with HPV can infect a newborn while passing through the birth canal.
2. Autoinoculation. Self-infection (transfer from one part of the body to another) is possible during epilation or shaving.
3. Contact and home. Human papillomavirus survives in the environment for some time. Therefore, they can become infected after visiting public places (bathrooms, gyms, swimming pools).
4. Contact Possible infection (abrasions, wounds, bruises) from the surface of the wound on the skin or mucous membranes.
5. Gender. The most common route of infection.

Anyone can get a viral infection. To make a timely diagnosis, you should undergo preventive examinations with a doctor to determine the first signs of pathology.

The main manifestations of infection

The presence of papillomavirus infection may not have long-term clinical manifestations. The incubation period of the disease can last several years, during which time the patient can be infected with various viruses. Symptoms of HPV infection can be observed only after exposure to provocative factors (immune deficiency, hypothermia, stressful situations). In most cases, self-treatment of this infection occurs within 1-2 years, but in some patients the pathology becomes chronic.

The disease can manifest itself in the following formations:

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

2. Straight warts. They have a characteristic structure - they do not rise above the surface of the mucous membrane of the affected organ. Such formations have a high oncological potential and therefore require a more accurate diagnosis. It is usually located in the mucous membrane of the walls of the vagina, urethra, cervix. A biopsy is required to diagnose the nature of the condyloma.

3. Dysplasia. It is characterized by a violation of the differential structure of the tissue. Often there are atypical cells that can lead to the development of oncological pathology.
4. Requires close observation and, if necessary, surgical correction.

Each of the pathological forms should be carefully monitored by a physician. To reduce the risk of developing oncological process, it is recommended to remove such growths on the skin and mucous membranes.

Diagnosis of HPV

The presence of HPV needs to be diagnosed in stages, for which a number of physical, laboratory and instrumental studies are performed.

1. A doctor's examination. It can help determine the presence of warts. If genital warts are found, the cervix should be examined. Ureteroscopy is also possible.
2. Colposcopy. Special tests are performed with acetic acid and iodine solution. With their help, you can determine the presence of atypical cells, HPV infection and cervical cancer.
3. Cytological examination. The cap is applied to the cervical mucosa. This is a screening test for the presence of precancerous and cancer cells in the wall of the vagina or cervix.

In addition, histological examination of tissues can be performed to detect sexually transmitted diseases, which are often associated with HPV infection. The PCR method has a high diagnostic value. Can be used to identify HPV strains.

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 substances, antivirals and drugs that stimulate immune processes can be used.

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

1. Cryodestruction, electrocoagulation, laser or cauterization with chemicals. Such methods are effective in getting rid of genital warts.
2. Electrosurgical treatments (dysplasia, condyloma) are used to remove the affected area on the surface of the cervix.

Prevention of HPV

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

1. Monogamous relationships. You only have sex with someone you are a sexual partner with. This method will protect you from all sexually transmitted infections, including HPV.
2. Use of barrier contraception. Easy, convenient, but not always 100% safe from infection. The patient can become infected even if he comes in contact with the damaged skin 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 on time.
4. Vaccination. It is an effective and convenient preventive method. Vaccinations can be given to both men and women. The most effective vaccine is before sexual activity (it is allowed to use from the age of 9). Or people who have sex in the absence of contraindications.

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