Papillomavirus has spread widely.Experts have been able to discover hundreds of species, each of which causes unique symptoms.It is quite easy to get infected with it - you just need to contact the carrier.To protect yourself from infectious agents, 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 spread primarily 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 external genital area, as well as on the cervix.In some states, vaccines against oncogenic strains have been approved and are being actively used.
After the initiation of sexual activity, infection is equally common in men and women.There are types of HPV that do not cause problems.Sometimes the infection goes away on its own, without any external intervention.This can take up to several months, but certain types of disease caused by HPV can take up to several years to clear up.
HPV types 6 and 11 trigger the formation of genital warts.They are quite contagious.HPV has its own DNA, which has a helical shape.Such microorganisms do not have a shell.Virions reach a diameter of 55 nanometers 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 degeneration of the cellular epithelium to become atypical.HPV types are designated by special numbers. Low oncogenicity is:
- 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 infectious agents occurs in the cells of the mucous membrane.
Here the replication of microorganisms is observed, after which persistence occurs in different layers of the epithelium.From this moment, the process of cell transition to atypical cells begins.
Delivery route
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.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 today raises many questions.
Human papillomavirus has several routes of transmission.Sometimes infection can occur in public places, for example, in swimming pools and bathhouses.There is a possibility of infection entering the mucous membrane when the skin is damaged during shaving, cutting nails, etc.Newborns are infected when passing through the mother's birth canal.At risk are medical workers who perform surgery on HPV patients.Urological and gynecological examinations are dangerous, but this can be avoided by using disposable gloves and medical instruments.
People who work with fish and raw meat may also be infected.There is even a special concept - "meat warts".And if earlier 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 the papilloma is infectious only after making the correct diagnosis.After entering the human body, the virus passes through the bloodstream and attaches to the epithelium of the genitals, in the anus.Then it penetrates the epithelium and its DNA, forcing the cell to function differently.The damaged epidermis grows and divides. The incubation period for HPV does not exceed 3 months, but in 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 easily transmitted from person to person.You can sometimes become infected with pathogenic microorganisms through the saliva of sick people (mainly through kissing).Its prevalence today is great.Individuals 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 experts than its absence.
PVI and its characteristics
Human papillomavirus infection is a disease caused by an infectious agent found on the skin and mucous membranes.It's called HPV.After it enters the body, after some time, the cells grow in the form of warts, condylomas and papillomas.Half of the sexually active people have encountered this virus.Infections may take a year or more to manifest, 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.Clinical manifestations vary.Of the 100 species known today, 30 lead to the formation of 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 no symptoms appear.This form was found by chance during the exam.
Papilloma virus appears everywhere.This can be the skin under the mammary glands, in the neck and armpits.It is active on mucous membranes.Condylomas on the genitals contribute to discomfort and aesthetic disturbances.Such growths can trigger bleeding.
The same prevalence was observed in both sexes.Papilloma virus appears more often in people with a weakened immune system.Those who abuse alcohol and cigarettes and engage in promiscuity are at high risk of infection.
Microorganisms are also activated in young people if any unfavorable situation has occurred. An example is the long-term use of certain drugs., gastrointestinal disease, respiratory viral infection.People who often go to the beach also need to be careful, because there is high humidity here.In addition, the skin is barely protected by clothing.
Infection can occur not only from common contacts, but also from people who live with healthy people.
Characteristic symptoms
The most common types of HPV do not cause painful symptoms.But if this type 16 or 18, precancerous pathology is possible.Such conditions cannot be ignored.The process of rebirth can take years, so infected people always have a chance to get help in time.In this way, calluses on the legs are also formed with the participation of the papilloma virus.
Throughout life, a person's health changes.Even if the immune system is quite strong, then only common warts or benign juvenile neoplasms may occur.With more serious problems with the body's defenses, papillomas appear on thin stalks.They are localized on the eyelids, under the arms and on the neck.For preventive purposes, experts recommend removing the tumor.
Genital warts are caused by HPV strains 6 and 11. The virus is spread through sexual contact.In men, the damaged area is the coronary groove of the head of the penis and the foreskin. For women are:
- labia;
- the area near the vagina;
- anal.
If such growth is not treated for a long time, pathology develops.Women may experience vaginal bleeding after intercourse.You may also experience discomfort, discharge with an unpleasant smell, 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 talk about HPV, then its entry into the body is facilitated by the early start 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 sexually active young girls is explained by the 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 of age, human papillomavirus infection can leave the body on its own after a year.This does not require special treatment, because the immune system overcomes the function of getting rid of microorganisms.But correctly selected treatment tactics are still better, regardless of gender and age.This is a 90% successful result.
Each doctor has his own opinion on treatment tactics.But there are basics that all experts depend on.
Therapy must be comprehensive.Typical destructive methods of surgical intervention are not always justified.Doctors usually recommend restorative agents, antivirals and immunomodulators.It is advisable for both partners to undergo such treatment.Also, to get rid of HPV effectively, you should use a condom.