Papillomavirus has become widespread.Experts have been able to discover hundreds of its species, each of which provokes unique symptoms.It is quite easy to become infected with it - all you need to do is contact with a carrier.To protect yourself from an infectious agent, you need to understand how HPV is transmitted.
Key Features
The human papillomavirus comprises a group of microorganisms that include 100 subspecies, and 13 of them can cause tumors.Such varieties are called oncogenic.HPV is transmitted mainly through sexual contact.Particularly dangerous are types 16 and 18, which in 70% of cases cause cancer.Degeneration into atypical cells is observed in the area of the external genitalia, as well as on the cervix.In some states, a vaccine against oncogenic strains has been approved and is being actively used.
After the onset of sexual activity, infection is equally common in both men and women.There are types of HPV that do not cause problems.Sometimes the infection goes away on its own, without any outside intervention.This can take up to several months, but certain types of disease caused by HPV can take up to several years to go away.
HPV viruses types 6 and 11 provoke the formation of genital warts.They are quite contagious.HPV has its own DNA, which has a helical shape.Such a microorganism does not have a shell.The virion reaches 55 nanometers in diameter and can be present for a long time on various surfaces, as well as in air and water.Some varieties are oncogenic, that is, they can cause the degeneration of the cellular epithelium into an atypical one.HPV types are designated by special numbers. Low oncogenicity are:
- 42;
- 43;
- 44.
Types 16 and 18 are considered dangerous. Strain 33 is also often found, which can cause cancer in women.The accumulation of the infectious agent occurs in the cells of the mucous membranes.
Here replication of the microorganism is observed, after which persistence occurs in different layers of the epithelium.From this moment on, the process of transition of cells into atypical cells begins.
Transmission routes
Scientists managed to find out exactly how the human papillomavirus is transmitted in women and men not so long ago.It penetrates the epithelium only after direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes.Typically, this phenomenon is observed in the presence of microtrauma.This requires contact with an infected person.There is also a domestic route of infection, which today raises many questions.
The human papillomavirus has several routes of transmission.Sometimes infection can occur in public places, for example, in swimming pools and bathhouses.It is possible for infection to enter the mucous membranes when the skin is damaged during shaving, cutting nails, etc. Newborn children become infected when passing through the mother's birth canal.At risk are medical workers who perform surgery on patients with HPV.Urological and gynecological examinations are dangerous, but this can be avoided by using disposable gloves and medical instruments.
Persons who work with raw fish and meat may also become infected.There is even a special concept - “butcher’s warts”.And if previously there was an opinion that the causative agent of the disease was transmitted exclusively through sexual contact, then after the introduction of the polymerase chain reaction method it became clear that there are many more routes of infection.
It is possible to determine whether papillomas are contagious only after making a correct diagnosis.After entering the human body, the virus passes through the bloodstream and attaches itself to the epithelium of the genitals, in the anus.Then it penetrates the epithelium and its DNA, forcing the cells to function differently.The damaged epidermis grows and divides. The incubation period for HPV is no more than 3 months, but under some circumstances this period can be shortened or extended to several years.
HPV can remain latent in the body for a long time, sometimes it is present even from birth.The virus can be transmitted from person to person quite easily.You can sometimes become infected with a pathogenic microorganism through the saliva of a sick person (especially through kissing).Its prevalence today is great.Individual people are carriers and are capable of infecting others.External manifestations of pathology are detected in 1/3 of women of childbearing age during routine examinations.The presence of such a virus in the body is more expected by specialists than its absence.
PVI and its features
Human papillomavirus infection is a disease caused by an infectious agent present on the skin and mucous membranes.It is called HPV.After it enters the body, after some time, cells grow in the form of warts, condylomas and papillomas.Half of people who are sexually active have encountered this virus.The infection may take a year or more to manifest itself, and sometimes cause no symptoms at all.In most cases, there is a recurrent course of the disease, sometimes self-healing is possible.
Among the known urogenital viral infections, PVI is the most widespread.Her clinical manifestations are varied.Of the 100 species known today, 30 lead to the formation of growths on the anogenital area.Some types of HPV can lead to malignant tumors of the cervix and external genitalia in women and men.Carriage may occur when no symptoms appear.These forms are discovered by chance during an examination.
The papilloma virus manifests itself anywhere.This can be the skin under the mammary glands, on the neck and armpits.It is active on mucous membranes.Condylomas on the genitals contribute to discomfort and disruption of aesthetics.Such growths can provoke hemorrhages.
The same prevalence is observed in both sexes.The papilloma virus appears more often in people with weak immune systems.Those who abuse alcohol and cigarettes and are promiscuous are at greatest risk of infection.
The microorganism is also activated in young people if any unfavorable situations have occurred. An example would be long-term use of certain medications., gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory viral infections.People who often go to the beach also need to be careful, as there is high humidity here.In addition, the skin is almost not covered by clothing.
Infection can occur not only from casual acquaintances, but also from people with whom a healthy person lives.
Characteristic symptoms
Most known types of HPV do not cause painful symptoms.But if this types 16 or 18, precancerous pathologies are possible.Such conditions cannot be ignored.The process of rebirth can take years, so an infected person always has the opportunity to seek help in a timely manner.By the way, calluses on the feet are also formed with the participation of the papilloma virus.
Throughout life, a person's health changes.While the immune system is relatively strong, then only ordinary warts or harmless juvenile neoplasms are likely to occur.With more serious problems with the body's defenses, papillomas appear on a thin stalk.They are localized on the eyelids, under the arms and on the neck.For prevention purposes, experts recommend removing such tumors.
Genital warts are caused by strains HPV 6 and 11. These viruses are transmitted through sexual contact.In men, the damaged areas are the coronary groove of the head of the penis and the foreskin. For women it is:
- labia;
- area near the vagina;
- anus.
If such growths are not treated for a long time, the pathology progresses.Women may experience bleeding on the vaginal mucosa after sexual intercourse.You may also experience discomfort, discharge with an unpleasant odor, and pain in the pelvis, legs, or back.Symptoms increase as the infectious agent spreads.
About 80% of women have to deal with viral infections.If we are talking about HPV, then its entry into the body is facilitated by the early onset of intimate life, sexual intercourse without using a condom.The number of diseases caused by HPV has increased significantly in recent years.The occurrence of cervical cancer in young girls who are sexually active is explained by imperfect functioning of the immune system.During this period, the hormonal status does not have time to fully establish itself.
Treatment methods
In women between 20 and 30 years old, human papillomavirus infection can leave the body on its own after a year.This does not even require special treatment, since the immune system copes with the function of getting rid of microorganisms.But correctly chosen treatment tactics are still preferable, regardless of gender and age.This is a 90% successful outcome.
Each doctor has his own opinion regarding treatment tactics.But there are fundamentals on which all specialists rely.
Therapy must be comprehensive.Destructive methods typical for surgical intervention are not always justified.Doctors usually recommend restorative, antiviral and immunomodulatory agents.It is advisable for both partners to undergo such treatment.Also, to effectively get rid of HPV, you should use condoms.