Human papillomavirus

Papilloma is one of the viruses that affects more and more people every year. For women, it poses a serious danger, as it can contribute to the development of cervical cancer. Therefore, it is imperative to start treatment as early as possible, otherwise the human papillomavirus (HPV) can lead to dire consequences.

Human papillomavirus: causes

HPV can be infected by contact, mainly sexually. In addition, in medicine, there have been cases of household contamination, for example, when shaking hands (through abrasions or scratches). Sometimes infection occurs from mother to baby during childbirth.

The reasons for the appearance of the papilloma virus may be the following:

• frequent change of sexual partners;
• weakening immunity;
• the presence of other serious diseases (infectious diseases, diabetes mellitus);
• taking drugs that suppress immunity;
• the presence of bad habits.

Human papillomavirus: symptoms

Outwardly, the papilloma virus does not always manifest itself. However, in some cases, women experience skin rashes such as warts. Vaginal spotting, burning sensation, pain may appear.

As for the course of the disease, three forms of this infection can be distinguished:

• clinical;
• subclinical;
• hidden (latent).

In the first case, the patient himself can see the symptoms. On the skin or mucous membrane, rashes grow in the form of papillomas, warts, warts on the leg. Their size, shape and even color may vary.

Such neoplasms can form on any part of the body: on the genitals, chest, armpits, on the face, neck, and even on the mucous membranes of the nasal and oral cavity.

In the subclinical form, the patient may not have any suspicions that he is sick at all. Only the doctor will be able to determine the lesions during the examination.

The latent form sometimes makes it impossible to diagnose the disease even to a specialist. The presence of the virus is determined by PCR analysis.

Human papillomavirus in women

For women, the papilloma virus is especially dangerous. In addition to common reasons, frequent use of oral contraceptives can also provoke its development. According to medical statistics, about a third of women are carriers of various types of HPV.

The danger of the disease is that a woman can pass it on to a newborn baby. In addition, the papilloma virus greatly increases the risk of developing cervical cancer and a number of other cancers.

A woman usually immediately notices new growths on the skin. They get in the way, look ugly and make you want to immediately remove them. However, in no case should you do this yourself, try to cut off or unscrew the growths. This serious disease does not tolerate any amateur performance, so you need to immediately contact a dermatologist and solve the problem only with a doctor.

Human papillomavirus analysis

To diagnose HPV, a special analysis is taken - a PCR reaction. Its main purpose is to identify the DNA of the papilloma virus. The material for it is taken from the mucous membrane of the vagina, the cervix of a woman and from the penis of a man.

Other types of surveys are also used:

• Examination by a urologist or gynecologist.
• Cytological analysis (smear examination), in which the presence of pathogenic cells is detected. This diagnostic method allows you to identify oncology at an early stage.
• The Digene test is considered one of the most modern and effective methods, which makes it possible to establish the presence of a virus in a significant concentration. With the help of this test, it is also possible to determine whether the virus in the patient's body has a high or low degree of danger.
• Histology (or biopsy). This is the name of the study of a small piece of tissue taken during the examination by a gynecologist or urologist.

Based on a comprehensive assessment of the results, the doctor prescribes treatment.

Human papillomavirus: treatment

Various methods are used to treat HPV. Therapy is selected individually, but in most cases the growths are removed surgically, after which antiviral and anti-inflammatory treatment is prescribed.

It must be said that it is not always possible to completely remove the virus from the body. The main goal of treatment is to eliminate its manifestations, as well as to reduce its concentration in the body, so that human immunity can resist the virus itself.

To eliminate external manifestations, various methods can be used: laser, removal with liquid nitrogen, a conventional scalpel or radio waves. External cauterizing agents are sometimes used.

The appointment of antiviral drugs and drugs to increase immunity depends on the degree of prevalence of the disease. To combat the virus, gels and sprays are commonly used, as well as drugs administered subcutaneously. To strengthen the immune system, reaferon, immunal and their analogues are prescribed.

In addition, proven folk remedies are also used: wipe the papilloma with celandine juice or fresh garlic.

Preventive measures are helpful to prevent this dangerous ailment. First of all, you should pay attention to strengthening the immune system. It is necessary to observe the daily regimen and proper nutrition, exercise, and monitor personal hygiene. You should also be careful with your choice of sexual partners. In addition, it is advisable to use a condom every time you have sex to prevent infection.

As you know, preventing a disease is easier than curing it. Compliance with all these measures will allow you to protect yourself from a dangerous virus and maintain your immunity at a high level. If you regularly monitor your health, the disease will not have a chance to enter your body.