Human papillomavirus is an oncogenic disease. The main manifestations of HPV are the formation of warts, papillomas and condylomas on the skin and mucous membranes. Both women and men are affected by this virus.
Causes of the appearance and activation of HPV
Notes! The main reason for the appearance of papillomavirus in the body is infection from an infected person.
Factors that trigger the infection include:
- weakened immunity;
- bad habits;
- frequent and severe nervous shock;
- viral infections;
- gastrointestinal tract pathology;
- frequent sexual partner exchanges, unprotected sexual intercourse.
Can human papillomavirus be cured?
HPV in the active stage of development can be treated.
The main goal of treatment is to eliminate symptoms and strengthen the protective mechanisms of the human body.
Depending on the type of virus, symptoms and complications, different treatments can be used.
Can HPV be cured permanently?
One feature of HPV is that when it enters the body, it stays in it forever. During the period the body has a strong defense mechanism and is not exposed to the above risk factors, the virus is in a calm state and is not activated.
With a decrease in the immune system, non -compliance with hygiene rules, deterioration of health, papillomavirus can be reactivated.
Methods of infection with papillomavirus
Infection with the HPV virus occurs through direct contact with an infected person, through mucous membranes and skin. There are several routes of infection:
- The main way is sexual intercourse. The probability of papillomavirus transmission from an infected partner during unprotected intercourse is 60-70%. The risk increases significantly with frequent partner exchanges. With the presence of microtraumas on the mucous membranes, infection is possible even during kissing or oral sex;
- HPV infection also occurs in a household way: when using the same towels, dishes and hygiene products as the infected person. There is a risk of papillomavirus infection in public saunas, baths and pools;
- It is also possible vertical transmission of the virus - from mother to fetus during childbirth.
Why is human papillomavirus dangerous?
All types of HPV can be conditionally divided into two categories: viruses with low and high oncogenic risk. The second category group is capable of developing into oncological diseases.
Notes! HPV poses the greatest risk for women: highly oncogenic virus strains are most susceptible to them.
In women, papillomavirus can cause several diseases related to the reproductive system:
- cervical pathology: erosions, leukoplakia, adenocarcinoma, cancerous tumors;
- oncology of the external genitalia, anal area.
Also, the development of the disease is accompanied by the appearance of warts and papillomas on the genitals, limbs, armpits and neck. Neoplasms cause discomfort, interfere with hygiene and normal lifestyle behavior, therefore they should be disposed of.
In men, the risk of getting cancer with HPV is lower, but not excluded. In addition, acute angular papillomas can form on the penis, which cause discomfort and interfere with normal sexual activity. Such neoplasms should be removed immediately.
Diagnostic methods
Identification of the disease usually begins with a visual examination by a physician. During the examination, the mucous membranes, integuments of the skin are examined, especially carefully it is necessary to examine the areas where warts and papillomas are most often formed: the genital area, armpits, neck.
The main methods for diagnosing HPV include the following:
- Women will definitely need to undergo colposcopy, examination of the cervix and vagina, as well as pass tests for cytology (scraping from the mucous membranes). If oncology is suspected, a biopsy may also be prescribed;
- PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis. Allows you to identify viral DNA from any material provided for analysis;
- The Digene test is a more accurate analysis. According to the results, the papillomavirus can be detected, its type can be identified by DNA and the degree of malignancy can be determined.
General treatment regimen for HPV
Currently, there is no unified international protocol for the treatment of human papillomavirus. Two -component treatment regimens show themselves best: they combine the removal of viral lesions with surgical methods and the simultaneous route of special antiviral therapy. The effectiveness of this approach to the treatment of HPV is up to 90%.
Characteristics of treatment in children
When HPV is activated in children, doctors first of all use conservative methods of therapy: the appointment of immunomodulators and vitamins, as well as local treatment of the rash with ointments, compresses.
Surgical intervention is usually used only in cases when, during observation, the growth of warts and papillomas is observed.
Characteristics of treatment during pregnancy
Notes! HPV during the childbirth period has no obvious negative effects on its development and the course of pregnancy in general.
The main recommendations for the treatment of papillomavirus during pregnancy:
- If the virus is detected before pregnancy, you should be treated without delay. This will normalize immunity and prevent thrush and other infections;
- It is desirable to plan the beginning of pregnancy at the end of the second cycle after completion of treatment;
- The course of HPV treatment during pregnancy should begin no earlier than the 28th week of pregnancy-the period when all organs are formed in the child. This will help to avoid the negative effects of medications on the child's body.
papillomavirus treatment
The main treatments for HPV are:
- taking certain antiviral medications;
- immunomodulatory courses;
- removal of neoplasms (papillomas, warts) by surgery;
- reduce the symptoms of the disease by means of traditional medicine.
Antiviral therapy
Important! The choice of medication depends on the type of virus and the characteristics of the body. Only a doctor can prescribe a course of therapy and a dose of medication, the medications themselves can worsen the condition.
Immunomodulatory drugs
The appointment of immunomodulators should be carried out by the doctor according to the patient's immunogram - this will achieve faster and more stable results.
Surgical approach (growth removal)
The main goal of HPV surgery is to remove cells that have been modified by the virus from the body.
Removal can be done in several ways, depending on the characteristics of the disease and the symptoms of the doctor:
- Electrocoagulation. Depending on the HPV group, the effectiveness of treatment ranges from 80% to 95%;
- Laser rash removal. High efficiency, but there is a high probability of recurrence. In addition, the wound after the procedure heals for a long time - up to 4 weeks;
- radio wave surgery. It is used to produce single formations;
- Cryotherapy. Efficiency - up to 65%, relapse occurs in 40-50% of cases;
- Chemo -destroying agents. Applies only to rashes in the genital area. Relatively low efficiency - no more than 40%.
Restoration of the people
Notes! Alternative medicine cannot be considered a complete method of treating HPV. However, it is an affordable and harmless way to weaken the active manifestations of the virus.
The most effective for papillomavirus are folk remedies such as: fresh potato juice, steeply brewed string, a mixture of garlic and vinegar, Kalanchoe leaves, tea tree oil.
They should be used in the form of compresses, bandages for external manifestations of HPV - papillomas, warts.
Prevention of recurrence of HPV
The main goal of preventing the recurrence of warts and papillomas is to strengthen immunity and maintain cleanliness at home and in public places. Recommended:
- adhere to a proper diet;
- undergoing vitamin therapy;
- observe normal working habits, get enough sleep and rest completely;
- increase physical activity.
Important! Vaccination is an effective method of preventing the reactivation of HPV - it can be used to protect against the most dangerous group of viruses for long periods of time.