Papillomavirus is widespread.Experts have managed to find hundreds of its types, each of which provokes unique symptoms.It is quite easy to become infected with it - it is enough to contact a carrier.To protect yourself from an infectious agent, you need to understand how HPV is transmitted.
Key features
The human papillomavirus includes a group of microorganisms that include 100 subspecies, 13 of which can cause tumors.Such varieties are called oncogenic.HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact.Particularly dangerous are types 16 and 18, which in 70% of cases cause cancer.Degeneration in atypical cells is observed in the area of the external genitalia, as well as the cervix.In some countries, a vaccine against oncogenic strains has been approved and is actively used.
After the onset of sexual life, infection is equally common in both men and women.There are types of HPV that do not cause problems.Sometimes the infection disappears on its own without external intervention.This can take up to a few months, but some types of HPV-caused disease can take up to a few years to clear up.
HPV types 6 and 11 provoke the formation of genital warts.They are quite contagious.HPV has its own DNA that is helical in 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, i.e.can cause degeneration of the cellular epithelium into atypical.HPV types are designated by special numbers. With low oncogenicity are:
- 42;
- 43;
- 44.
Types 16 and 18 are considered dangerous.Strain 33, which can cause cancer in women, is also common.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.
Routes of transmission
Scientists were able to understand exactly how the human papilloma virus is transmitted in women and men not so long ago.It penetrates the epithelium only after direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes.Usually, this phenomenon is observed in the presence of microtrauma.This requires contact with an infected person.There is also an internal route of infection, which today raises many questions.
Human papillomavirus has several modes of transmission.Sometimes the infection can occur in public places, for example in swimming pools and bathrooms.Penetration of infection into the mucous membranes is possible when the skin is damaged by shaving, cutting nails, etc.Newborn children become infected when passing through the birth canal of the mother.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.
People who work with raw fish and meat can 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 is transmitted exclusively through sexual contact, then after the introduction of the polymerase chain reaction method, it became clear that there are many more ways 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.It then penetrates the epithelium and its DNA, forcing the cells to function differently.The damaged epidermis grows and splits. The incubation period of HPV is no more than 3 months, but under certain circumstances this period can be shortened or extended to several years.
HPV can remain latent in the body for a long time, sometimes even present from birth.The virus can be passed from person to person quite easily.Sometimes you can become infected with a pathogenic microorganism through the saliva of a sick person (especially through a kiss).Its distribution 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 characteristics
Human papillomavirus infection is a disease caused by an infectious agent present on the skin and mucous membranes.It's called HPV.After entering the body, after some time the cells grow in the form of warts, condylomas and papillomas.Half of people who are sexually active have encountered this virus.The infection can take a year or more to manifest itself, and sometimes it causes no symptoms at all.In most cases, there is a recurrent course of the disease, sometimes self-treatment is possible.
Among known urogenital viral infections, PVI is the most common.Its clinical manifestations are diverse.Of the 100 types 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 can occur when there are no symptoms.These forms are discovered incidentally on examination.
Papilloma virus manifests itself everywhere.This can be the skin under the mammary glands, on the neck and armpits.Acts actively on mucous membranes.Genital warts contribute to discomfort and disturb aesthetics.Such growths can provoke bleeding.
Equal prevalence is observed in both sexes.Papilloma virus occurs more often in people with a weak immune system.Those who abuse alcohol and cigarettes and have promiscuous relationships are at the greatest risk of infection.
The microorganism is also activated in young people if unfavorable situations have occurred. An example of this is the long-term use of certain drugs., gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory viral infections.People who often go to the beach should also be careful, as there is high humidity here.In addition, the skin is almost not covered by clothes.
Contagion can happen 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 are possible precancerous pathologies.Such conditions cannot be ignored.The process of reincarnation can take years, so an infected person always has the opportunity to seek help in a timely manner.By the way, calluses on the legs are also formed with the participation of the papilloma virus.
A person's health changes throughout life.As long as the immune system is relatively strong, only simple warts or harmless juvenile neoplasms are likely to appear.In more serious problems with the body's defenses, papillomas appear on a thin stalk.They are located on the eyelids, under the arms and on the neck.For preventive purposes, experts recommend the removal of such tumors.
Genital warts are caused by strains of HPV 6 and 11. These viruses are transmitted through sexual contact.In men, the affected areas are the coronal sulcus of the head of the penis and the foreskin. For women it is:
- labia;
- area near the vagina;
- the anus.
If such growths are not treated for a long time, the pathology progresses.Women may experience vaginal bleeding after intercourse.You may also experience discomfort, foul-smelling discharge, and pain in your pelvis, legs, or back.Symptoms increase as the infectious agent spreads.
About 80% of women have to deal with viral infections.If we talk about HPV, then its entry into the body is facilitated by the early beginning of intimate life, sexual contact without the use of a condom.The number of diseases caused by HPV has increased significantly in recent years.The appearance of cervical cancer in young girls who have sex is explained by the imperfect functioning of the immune system.During this period, the hormonal status does not have time to be fully established.
Methods of treatment
In women between the ages of 20 and 30, the human papilloma virus infection can leave the body on its own after a year.It does not even require special treatment, since the immune system copes with the function of getting rid of microorganisms.But correctly selected treatment tactics are still preferable, regardless of gender and age.This is a 90% success rate.
Each doctor has his own opinion about treatment tactics.But there are basics that all specialists rely on.
Therapy should be comprehensive.Destructive methods characteristic of surgical intervention are not always justified.Doctors usually recommend restorative, antiviral and immunomodulating agents.It is recommended that both partners undergo such treatment.Also, to effectively get rid of HPV, you must use condoms.