Human papillomavirus is the most common virus that can cause various diseases in people of any gender. In the modern world, there are about 130 of their various types. The most studied 80. Mostly HPV is transmitted through sexual contact, but there is also a high probability of contracting it in public places, such as:
- beauty salons that neglect sanitary standards;
- medical institutions;
- beaches, pools.
This virus is dangerous in that it has a connection with cancer. Therefore, its varieties of non-oncogenic and oncogenic origin stand out.
Features of the disease
A characteristic feature of this virus is that for several years it may not appear in any way, but ultimately it will cause diseases of the genital organs, not only benign (papillomas), but also malignant, such as cervical cancer.
Genital warts
Venereal warts, which are formed on the skin and mucous membranes of the most often genital organs, are caused by the human papillomavirus. Often the disease occurs in people aged 18 to 35 years. Another name for genital warts is anogenital venereal warts. It is due to the fact that their location is the area of the anus and genitals.
Types of HPV causing genital genital warts
As mentioned earlier, more than a hundred different viruses are known. Of these, about 40 cause neoplasms, that is, condylomas on the mucous membrane of the genital organs. There are those that do not entail any negative consequences for the body. But there are also certain subtypes that are oncogenic, subsequently provoking the development of cancer.
These viruses appear in different ways. HPV type 1-4 contribute to the appearance of warts on the feet (on the plantar). Viruses of the subspecies 10, 28, 49 are the culprits of flat warts, 27 are the cause of normal growths, and 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35 are types of HPV that cause genital warts.
What tests are carried out to detect the virus? Nowadays, there are a large number of ways to not only determine the presence of HPV, but also immediately identify its type - dangerous or not posing a great threat. A dermatologist, urologist or gynecologist gives directions for the delivery of appropriate analysis.
Clarification methods include:
- Colposcopy, which is a visual examination of the cervix. The device with which the study is conducted allows you to peer into the mucous membranes in detail, enlarging the image several times, and examine condylomas, if there are any. The device itself is called a colposcope.
- The cytological method is the study of a smear using a microscope. The results of grades 1-2 indicate that there is nothing to worry about, the presence of venereal warts is not detected. With the results of grade 3, you will have to undergo an additional examination (most often histological). And the outcome of grades 4-5 will be the presence of malignant tumors.
- Histological examination takes a small sample of tissue. It is examined under a microscope for the presence of modified cells that are affected by HPV.
- The detection of antibodies to the human papillomavirus is a method of early diagnosis, but does not give an absolute result of determining the type of virus, etc.
Symptoms
Diagnosis of the disease in some cases is possible only by passing appropriate tests. Most often, it has no clinical manifestations. There are situations when the pathology can show itself several months after the virus enters. But still, the time for the manifestation of HPV symptoms varies from a few weeks to many years.
Venereal warts are represented by papillae of a pinkish tint. They grow together and form large colonies. Genital warts in an intimate place can cause itching and a feeling of irritation to the patient, as well as bleeding if they are touched or damaged.
Reasons for the appearance
The human papilloma virus is the basis for the appearance of genital warts. There are such cases when HPV has been living in the human body for quite a long time, without completely demonstrating itself, while accumulating in the cells.
Most often, infection occurs through sexual contact. HPV type 16 occurs in women who have not used a condom with a partner. The appearance of growths depends on the state of immunity of the infected.
The causes of venereal warts in women are a frequent change of partners, various genital infections.
The appearance of genital warts in men occurs when the body can not resist the virus. This is especially true for those who have an active sex life. Sometimes in these men there are several types of viruses.
HPV type 16 in women is very dangerous, as it causes cervical cancer.
Treatment
No doctor will give a guarantee that the result of the treatment done will be a complete recovery, since in modern medicine there is still no remedy that would eradicate condylomas. Therefore, the main treatment for venereal warts is local removal of genital warts, as well as a course of immunostimulants.
Consider several such methods:
- Cryotherapy - exposure to warts with liquid nitrogen. A small amount is applied to the condyloma and freezes it. After that, the venereal wart disappears, leaving a minor wound that heals in one or two weeks.
- Another treatment for genital warts are prescription drugs containing concentrated acids. Most often, one procedure is enough for the wart to turn into a small sore and fall off after a few days.
- Determocoagulation is the action of an electric knife on a genital wart or through high-frequency current temperatures. This method requires anesthesia.
- Laser therapy - exposure to a cluster of laser beams - venereal warts disappear, leaving a dry crust. After one week, a person can feel completely healthy.
- An addition to all these methods will be the appointment of a course of immunostimulating therapy, since without these actions the person will not get the final disposal of genital warts.
Folk methods
Self-cure for venereal warts is possible, but it happens very rarely. There are a considerable number of ways by which you can deal with genital warts. Removing growths from the skin or mucous membrane is one of the important stages on the path to recovery. Therefore, the interest of those suffering from this disease is attracted to the methods of treatment at home. To eradicate the human papillomavirus from the body is a rather difficult task that cannot be completed without taking immunostimulants and antiviral agents. From this it follows that folk methods are effective only in conjunction with the latter. You should also review your diet, exclude alcohol, take vitamins to enhance immunity.
Consider the tools that are used at home to fight growths:
- The first of these is a plant such as celandine. Since ancient times, healers have used its healing properties. Against genital warts, both fresh plant juice and tincture are used. The tool must be applied up to 5 times a day on warts so that the virus does not affect healthy areas.
- The next in the fight against condylomas is iodine. It dries out the growths, staining them in a dark color, while there is a burning sensation, but this is normal for treatment with this method. This solution is not recommended for use on mucous membranes, as burns can leave scars.
- Also, to get rid of genital warts, a propolis tincture with antiviral properties is suitable. Application can be both external and internal. You can treat the mucous membrane with a propolis solution or add it to water or tea during the day.
- Garlic and onions are also used in the treatment of genital warts. They rub and squeeze the juice. Warts are treated with garlic and onions 10, or even more times a day.
- Banana peel also helps get rid of growths on any part of the body. A compress is made several times a day, repeated for two weeks.
It is necessary to get rid of genital warts in all seriousness, otherwise even the most powerful methods may turn out to be completely ineffective.
Prevention
The actions in this case are quite simple: first of all, you need to avoid numerous sexual relations with different partners; carefully observe personal hygiene; maintain immunity and drink vitamins, adhere to a healthy diet and lifestyle; to resort to vaccination against more serious strains of the human papillomavirus.
Conclusion
Women who start promiscuous sex can already be infected with HPV after a year and a half. It’s hard to say that you can save yourself 100%.
In modern medicine, there are vaccines that prevent the infection of papillomovirus, and also, possibly, in the future they will prevent cervical cancer.
In order to be sure of your state of health, do not neglect the periodic examinations by doctors and the conduct of appropriate tests.