Papilloma virus has become widespread.Experts have managed to discover hundreds of its species, each of which causes unique symptoms.It is very easy to get infected with - all you have to do is contact the carrier.To protect yourself from the infectious agent, you need to understand how HPV is transmitted.
Key features
Human papillomavirus consists of a group of microorganisms that includes 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 cause cancer in 70% of cases.In the area of the external genitalia, as well as on the cervix, degeneration into atypical cells is observed.In some countries, a vaccine against oncogenic strains has been approved and is actively being used.
After the start of sexual activity, the infection is equally common in both men and women.There are types of HPV that do not cause problems.Sometimes the infection passes by itself, without any external intervention.This can take up to several months, but certain types of HPV-related diseases can take up to several years.
HPV types 6 and 11 provoke the appearance of genital warts.They are quite addictive.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 types are oncogenic, that is, they can cause the degeneration of cellular epithelium into atypical ones.HPV types are marked with special numbers. Low oncogenicity are:
- 42;
- 43;
- 44.
Types 16 and 18 are considered dangerous.Strain 33, which can cause cancer in women, is also often found.Accumulation of the infectious agent occurs in the cells of the mucous membrane.
Here, the replication of the microorganism is observed, after which persistence occurs in different layers of the epithelium.From this moment, the process of cell transition into atypical cells begins.
Transmission paths
Not so long ago, scientists managed to discover how the human papillomavirus is transmitted in women and men.It penetrates the epithelium only after direct contact with the skin or mucous membrane.Usually 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 raises many questions today.
Human papillomavirus has several routes of transmission.Sometimes the infection can occur in public places, for example, in swimming pools and bathrooms.It is possible that the infection enters the mucous membrane when the skin is damaged when shaving, cutting nails, etc.Newborns are infected by passing through the mother's birth canal.Medical workers who operate on patients with HPV are at risk.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 nipples".And if earlier there was an opinion that the causative agent of the disease was transmitted exclusively by sexual contact, then after the introduction of the polymerase chain reaction method it became clear that there are many more ways of infection.
Determining whether papillomas are contagious is possible only after a correct diagnosis.After entering the human body, the virus passes through the bloodstream and attaches 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 divides. The incubation period for HPV is no longer 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 it is present from birth.The virus can be transmitted from person to person very easily.Sometimes you can become infected with a pathogenic microorganism through the saliva of a sick person (especially by 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 reproductive age during routine examinations.Experts expect the presence of such a virus in the body more 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 sexually active people have encountered this virus.The infection can 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 known urogenital viral infections, PVI is the most widespread.Its clinical manifestations are varied.Of the 100 species known today, 30 lead to growths in 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 symptoms do not appear.These forms are discovered accidentally during the examination.
Papilloma virus manifests itself anywhere.It 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 damage to aesthetics.Such growths can cause bleeding.
The same prevalence was observed in both sexes.Papilloma virus occurs more often in people with a weak immune system.The greatest risk of infection are those who abuse alcohol and cigarettes and who are promiscuous.
The microorganism is also activated in young people if an unfavorable situation has occurred. An example would be the long-term use of certain drugs., gastrointestinal diseases, respiratory viral infections.People who often go to the beach also need to be careful, because there is a lot of humidity here.In addition, the skin is hardly 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 type 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 time.By the way, calluses on the feet also occur with the participation of the papilloma virus.
A person's health changes throughout life.Although the immune system is relatively strong, then only ordinary warts or harmless juvenile neoplasms can appear.In 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 the purpose of prevention, experts recommend removing 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 coronary groove of the head of the penis and the foreskin. For women it is:
- lips;
- the area near the vagina;
- 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 face viral infections.If we talk about HPV, then its entry into the body is facilitated by the early start of intimate life, sexual intercourse without the use of condoms.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 the imperfect functioning of the immune system.During this period, the hormonal status does not have time to be fully established.
Treatment methods
In women between the ages of 20 and 30, the human papillomavirus infection can leave the body on its own after a year.It does not even require special treatment, because the immune system copes with the function of getting rid of microorganisms.But correctly selected treatment tactics are still desirable, regardless of gender and age.This is a 90% successful outcome.
Each doctor has his own opinion on treatment tactics.But there are basics that all experts rely on.
Therapy must be comprehensive.Destructive methods typical of surgical intervention are not always justified.Doctors usually recommend restorative, antiviral and immunomodulatory agents.It is recommended that both partners undergo such treatment.Also, to effectively get rid of HPV, you should use condoms.