Papillomavirus - what is it? The answer to this question is far from known to many and do not understand at all what to do if they encounter a similar problem. The biggest risk of infection is that it often leads to cancer of the cervix, anus, or vulva.
The timely diagnosis and treatment of the disease is important. This minimizes the development of cancer. That is why, you need to know for sure that this is the papillomavirus, for what reasons it occurs and what symptoms are characteristic of it. In addition, disease prevention is important.
Virus features
Papillomavirus - what is it? This question worries a lot of people who have been diagnosed with this infection. HPV is a special family of viruses that provoke the formation of papillomas and warts. In addition, it can lead to dysplasia or genital cancer. This is one of the most common viral infections of the genital area.
More than 100 basic types of papilloma virus are known, but only 80 of them are pathogenic for humans. In children, a similar infection provokes the occurrence of a wart. It is impossible to cure the disease completely and forever. You can only temporarily suppress its spread and prevent the emergence of new entities.
Main classification
It is important not only to know that this is the human papillomavirus, but also what its main types can be. This largely determines how the infection will further develop and manifest itself, as well as the choice of treatment method. The papilloma virus is usually divided into degrees according to their oncogenicity. All types of papillomavirus in women can be divided into three main groups:
- The first group includes five types of non-oncogenic HPV, namely 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. They do not degenerate into malignant tumors, therefore they cannot provoke cancer.
- The second group includes such types of HPV as 6, 11, 42, 43 and 44. In the presence of provoking factors, they can degenerate into cancer, but this rarely happens.
- The third group, which includes such types of papillomaviruses as 16, 18, 31, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 59 and 68, is considered to be the most dangerous for humans. They have the highest degree of oncogenicity. Almost 80% of infected women will sooner or later get cancer.
Causes of occurrence
The papilloma virus is quite contagious and is transmitted not only from person to person. Among the main causes of human papillomavirus are the following:
- the use of other people's hygiene products;
- decreased immunity after illness;
- open wounds or scratches;
- bad habits;
- sexual contact with the carrier of the virus;
- severe stress;
- other diseases that are transmitted through intimate communication;
- violation of the natural microflora of the vagina.
There may be an infection in the baby during childbirth if the mother is infected. This form of the disease is very difficult to treat. HPV often occurs during sexual contact. At the same time, the use of condoms does not give a full guarantee that excludes the possibility of infection.
When an infection enters the human body, it becomes only its carrier, until the virus ripens and spreads through the blood. If the immunity is strong, then the body can independently cope with the human papillomavirus without developing it. However, if the infection leaves the resting state, neoplasms will begin to appear.
How is the virus transmitted?
Papillomavirus enters the body of women through skin lesions, scratches. Infection is possible even from a carrier who does not know about the disease. The virus can be transmitted not only sexually, but also through the household.
You can also get infected through other people's towels, a toothbrush, manicure tools, soap, a razor. The main causes of infection are considered factors such as:
- sexual intercourse with a carrier of infection;
- women who often have abortions;
- shared use of the toilet and shower;
- visiting beauty parlors.
In addition, women with chronic diseases, in particular, such as erosion, are at risk. The virus can be activated by using oral contraceptives, as they disrupt the hormonal background.
Main symptoms
Each type of HPV has its own specific characteristics and is characterized by specific features. Type 16 papillomavirus is considered one of the most common and is detected in almost half of all infected people. This type of infection is highly oncogenic.
Pathogenesis is associated with the fact that the pathogen is introduced into the genes of the cells of the body and blocks the natural processes of antitumor protection. As a result, papillomas, warts and condylomas form on the skin.
In patients with type 16 papillomavirus, brown or gray flat spots with a rough surface form on the skin of the genitals and anorectal region. Such rashes are called bowenoid papulosis.
In addition, a sign of type 16 papillomavirus can be the formation of genital warts, which are formed not only in the genital area, but also on the eyelids, neck, and thighs. The most dangerous manifestation of infection is dysplasia of the cervix, which refers to precancerous conditions.
The papilloma virus type 18 also refers to oncogenic. It has the ability to integrate into the DNA of the cells of the human body, blocking the normal functioning of the immune system and promoting the formation of benign tumors. They have a tendency to malignancy. Type 18 papillomavirus can quickly develop into a cancerous tumor. Among the main signs, it is necessary to distinguish education:
- genital papillomas on the skin of the genital organs;
- papillomas;
- warts.
The papilloma virus type 31 is considered not only dangerous, but also has a high oncogenicity, since it can be completely asymptomatic in the body for a long time. The first signs of infection appear only after a favorable soil is created, in particular, immunity weakens under the influence of various factors. It is worth noting that this type of virus is equally dangerous for women and men.
Among the symptoms of papillomavirus type 31, the presence of condylomas and papillomas in the genital area and rectal region should be noted. In addition, there may be discharge from the vagina during intercourse, discomfort in the vagina.
HPV type 33 can also lead to cancer. Signs of infection appear as warts located on the genitals. The incubation period lasts 12-16 weeks. Condylomas do not have clear boundaries. This type of virus can quickly cause a dangerous precancerous condition.
HPV type 35 provokes the formation of genital warts and warts, which cause severe itching, discomfort and pain. In addition, there may be signs of intoxication of the body, which manifests itself in the form of increased sweating, chills, severe weakness, and fever.
Type 39 human papilloma virus is highly oncogenic. It is worth noting that it is very dangerous for women, since men are mostly just carriers of infection. This type of virus can provoke the formation of genital warts, warts and papillomas, which tend to degenerate into cancer. Often, such neoplasms are located on the cervical mucosa and line the vagina.
HPV type 45 is highly oncogenic. The first signs of papillomavirus can appear even 20 years after infection. With the course of the infection, warts or condylomas initially appear, then dysplasia develops, which turns into cervical cancer.
Symptoms of type 51 papillomavirus are already evident in the incubation period, which can last several days. In this period, genital warts, flat or genital warts are formed. These neoplasms are localized on the genitals, but can also spread to the axillary, inguinal, eyelids. It will help to recognize the symptoms of papillomavirus photo condylomas.
A feature of HPV type 52 is that it is activated mainly during the period when active aging of the body begins. All the same symptoms are characteristic for him as for other types of papillomavirus.
Diagnostics
It is very important to correctly and timely diagnose, as well as conduct complex treatment to prevent the development of complications. Be sure to take an analysis for the papillomavirus. This is a very accurate study. Using special reagents, the presence of papillomavirus DNA in the patient's material is detected. Material for the study is taken from the walls of the vagina and cervix of a woman. In men, a material is taken from the mucous membrane of the penis.
PCR analysis for papillomavirus will help to detect the presence of infection even in a latent, that is, inactive state. Therefore, it is important to determine the viral load or the concentration of the virus in the body. A PCR reaction can sometimes give the wrong result. Especially often this happens if the required conditions for performing the study are violated.
It is additionally recommended to do a Digene test. This is a new, modern study that is gaining great popularity. It is used to determine the presence of a virus in the body. This test is used in conjunction with the main cytological examination of the cervix. You also need to be examined by a urologist or gynecologist.
If a malignant tumor is suspected, a histological examination is prescribed. For this, a piece of tissue is taken and the degree of its change is evaluated under a microscope.
Treatment features
How to treat papillomavirus is decided only by the attending physician, and at the same time, the symptoms and diseases that a person has are taken into account. In addition, possible complications are taken into account. The course of therapy is prescribed by a dermatologist. You can’t remove papillomas on your own, as they will grow more and more, and it will be very difficult to eliminate the pathological process. The main methods of treatment are considered such as:
- strengthening immunity;
- the use of medications;
- removal of neoplasms;
- the fight against the focus of infection.
In this case, the simple presence of the virus is not an indication for treatment. Therapy is carried out only with the progression of the infection. Methods for treating HPV are selected separately for each patient. Therapy should be carried out together with your sexual partner and temporarily abandon sexual contacts.
Drug treatment
Treatment for papillomavirus in women can be conservative or surgical. The drugs used must have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. The most effective are considered such drugs as "Allokin-alpha", "Gunferon", "Viferon". Monotherapy with all these drugs is rarely used. Basically, one medicine is combined with another. For example, the drug "Allokin-alpha" is prescribed systemically, and the cream "Epigen-intim" - locally. In addition, it is recommended to supplement therapy with immunomodulators, in particular, such as Immunomax or Likopid.
“Cycloferon” and interferon ointment will help to reduce the size of papillomas. With extensive defeat, Vartek and Podophyllin are used.
Folk remedies
Some women prefer to treat papillomavirus with traditional medicine. However, it is worth using them in combination with medications.
You can lubricate papillomas with freshly squeezed potato juice several times daily. Well-established celandine. To do this, you need to steam the problem area and apply a little vegetable oil to it. After a few minutes, grease the wart with celandine morning and evening. It is important not to touch healthy areas.
3-4 times a day, lubricate condylomas with castor oil until the formations disappear completely. To suppress the activity of viruses in the body, phyto harvests are used.
Other techniques
Papillomavirus in women is treated using such methods:
- cryodestruction;
- radio wave thickening;
- diathermocoagulation;
- laser exposure;
- conducting an operation.
During cryodestruction, liquid nitrogen is used for freezing. The result is simply surprising, as there are no scars and scars. Radio wave thickening implies excision of tissues with a radio wave scalpel.
Diathermocoagulation - the elimination of tumors by the use of electricity or an electroscalpel. During pregnancy, laser excision of the affected tissues is used, since such a technique does not adversely affect the fetus.
In the event of extensive lesions or if cancer is suspected, surgery is prescribed. Intervention is performed under local anesthesia. All of these types of therapy should be combined with medication.
Papillomavirus during pregnancy
The human papillomavirus does not affect reproductive function, that is, it does not prevent a woman from having a baby. If HPV was detected during pregnancy, then you need to be observed by a qualified gynecologist before the birth. What kind of infection a woman will have is largely dependent on the doctor. In addition, you need to remember that:
- the virus has absolutely no effect on the fetus;
- papillomas and warts can be removed after childbirth;
- it is important to minimize the use of medications;
- during delivery, the child can become infected by passing through the birth canal;
- in the presence of pronounced changes in the cervix of the pregnant woman may prescribe a cesarean section;
- in the absence of obvious manifestations, childbirth is possible in a natural way.
Abortion during HPV is prescribed very rarely. After childbirth, an independent disappearance of the disease is possible.
HPV treatment in pregnant women is recommended immediately after the onset of infection, since during the gestation of the baby, active growth of papillomas and warts is possible. In addition, it is possible that the child is infected when passing through the birth canal, which can provoke the development of laryngeal papillomatosis.
Possible complications
With strong immunity, the papilloma virus can be cured on its own. However, in the presence of beneficial soil, the infection activates and after a while it can lead to the occurrence of malignant neoplasms.
The most dangerous are HPV types 16 and 18. If a cervical lesion is detected, it is necessary to immediately diagnose and treat it to exclude the occurrence of dysplasia or cancer. In addition, papillomavirus increases the risk of contracting other genital infections.
HPV can harm a pregnant woman and her fetus, which is why you need to be screened regularly for infections in the body. If papillomavirus was detected during pregnancy planning, then you need to postpone it until it is completely cured.
Prophylaxis
To reduce the risk of infection, young women must adhere to certain rules and recommendations. Use only with your personal towel, soap, napkins. Do not take other people's washcloths and bedding.
It is recommended that adolescents be told about HPV, as the required knowledge will help protect them from infection. Vaccination will help prevent the occurrence of the disease.
At the first symptoms of infection, you need to see a doctor and it is advisable to do this together with your sexual partner. Twice a year, you need to be examined for infections. It is worth having a permanent sexual partner.
In casual intimate relationships, it is important to always use a condom. However, it is worth remembering that he can not completely protect against HPV, since the infection can be transmitted even through a kiss. It is important to monitor your immunity, treat the diseases of the genitourinary sphere in a timely manner and undergo regular medical examinations.
In addition, the main methods for the prevention of HPV include:
- increase immunity and its maintenance;
- a course of vitamin therapy;
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
- stress avoidance;
- maintaining hygiene;
- getting rid of bad habits.
These simple rules will help prevent infection and the occurrence of unwanted neoplasms.
Vaccination
Viruses that have a high risk of degeneration into a malignant tumor, it is very important to eliminate in a timely manner. It is worth remembering that it is impossible to completely remove the infection of their body, therefore a vaccination against papillomavirus is carried out for preventive purposes.
To do this, 3 injections are done every six months. Vaccination is recommended for girls aged 10-17 years. At an older age, it makes no sense to get vaccinated, since there are many modern drugs that suppress the activity of the virus in the first days after therapy.
Generally, the US Gardasil vaccine is prescribed. It protects against viruses of type 6, 11, 16, 18. Vaccination helps prevent the development of symptoms of infection such as genital warts, dysplasia or erosion, as well as cancer of the cervix and skin of the penis.
Any drug for papillomavirus is prescribed only by the attending doctor. Self-medication is completely unacceptable. The effectiveness of drug therapy has not been proven, and not everyone has positive dynamics. No doctor can guarantee a complete cure.