Human papillomavirus infection - is it so scary and how to recognize it? Are papillomas transmitted from person to person?

24.05.2017

The human papillomavirus affects at least almost all inhabitants of the planet. And as a result of its influence, benign tumors – papillomas – can be observed on the skin, mucous membrane or internal organs.

Condylomas and warts are neoplasms that appear on the body due to infection with papillomavirus.

But the question arises:Is papilloma contagious?and for whom, if so?

Some varieties of the virus, if left untreated, can turn into cancer. People people involved in the medical field have long known that HPVsexually transmitted. But How is the human papillomavirus transmitted? more? Is it possible to get infectedvirus in infancy and how to behave so as not to get sick HPV? Every resident of the country, regardless of age and gender, should know the answers to these questions.

What is papillomatosis and what is its danger?

There is an opinion that HPV can be transmitted through cut meat or fish, but such cases are extremely rare.

So what is a virus?papillomas, how is it transmittedhow to treat and how to avoid infection?Human papillomavirus- second most common infection sexually transmitted from person to person. In first place is herpes. Human papillomavirus occurs so frequently that absolutely anyone can become infected with HPV neglecting simple hygiene rules. Women are the most susceptible to the virus, but the infection also causes a lot of inconvenience for men.

Often papillomas on the bodypose a real threat to a healthy body. This can be explained by the fact that the virus has more than 100 strains, some of which are oncogenic, that is, capable of leading to the development of a cancerous tumor.

Types 16 and 18 are considered the most dangerous; types 35, 45, 39 and some other types also pose a serious threat to the body.

But even non-oncogenic strains of the virus cause a lot of inconvenience to an infected person, because as a result HPV infection , unpleasant growths form on the body that have an unaesthetic appearance. All this significantly lowers the patient’s self-esteem, makes him insecure and distant, but is it contagious? is this virus for others?

Human papillomavirus for womenIt is dangerous because in its advanced form it leads to the development of cervical cancer. And for men, the virus is practically not dangerous, since they are usually passive carriers of the infection, infecting other people with it. But in advanced situations, HPV in men leads to genital cancer. In order to avoid infection with papillomavirus, you need to know abouthow can you become infected with human papillomavirusto avoid such situations.

Methods of transmission of HPV

It is easy to become infected with the human papillomavirus because the virus can easily be transmitted from an infected person to a healthy person. Many people who have encountered this problem are concerned about the question:how can you get papilloma? There are 4 main routes of transmission of infection:

• through sexual relations;
  
• contact and household method;
  
• from mother to child;
  
• self-infection.
  

Let's consider the listedmethods of infectionvirus separately.

Transmission of HPV through sexual contact

The genital papilloma virus may be in a latent state; it is impossible to determine from which partner the infection came.

In most casespapillomas are transmittedthrough sexual contact. The infection enters the body through open areas of the genitals, so contraception does not always provide the necessary protection. Transmission of the virus occurs regardless of the type of sexual intercourse, traditional sex, or oral, anal. After infection, benign tumors – papillomas – form on the genitals. In this regard, the question is interesting:Does a condom protect against HPV?? No, still 100% protect the body will not be able to protect itself from the penetration of the virus.

In cases of transmission of the virus through unconventional sex, growths may appear near the anus or in the oral cavity. Sometimes the infection can even be transmitted through a kiss or mutual caresses of the genitals. After the virus enters the mucous membrane, it quickly enters the body through minor damage. HPV transmission usually occursfrom man to woman, and in rare cases – vice versa. Homosexuals, in particular passive ones, are at great risk of contracting the papilloma virus. KnowingHow is HPV transmitted?, you can protect yourself by living a sexual life with one regular partner.

Contact-household method of transmission of HPV

In addition to sexual intercourse, HPV is also transmitted through household contact , although such cases are rare. Contacting infected person, there is a chance of becoming infected, especially when shaking hands. The virus may be in saliva , urine, sweat. Therefore, if kiss a person on the cheek, you can infect him. And even on public transport, by holding the handrail on which the virus is located, and then by touching your eyes, face, or any other part of the body, you can become infected with HPV. But infection HPV infection in this way occurs quite rarely, since the papillomavirus cannot exist outside the human body for a long time.

Very often infected virus in the pool, bathhouse. Also, cases of infection in medical institutions and beauty salons are not uncommon. This can happen when a doctor examines patients without gloves. The risk of HPV infection especially increases if there are various injuries, cuts, and scratches on the body.

It is necessary to monitor hand hygiene, do not sit down to eat without washing them, and also do not use other people’s hygiene products: towels, soap, washcloths. This is the only way to at least slightly reduce the risk of infection in public places.

Mother-to-child transmission of HPV

Having HPV in the mother does not increase the risk of miscarriage or premature birth.

Many women who have HPV in their body, interestingAre papillomas contagious?for the fetus? Passing through infected birth canal, newborn can pick up virus. Infection in this way leads to the appearance of papillomas on the respiratory organs. And laryngeal papillomatosis makes breathing difficult and can lead to suffocation of the child. Sometimes a virus can be transmitted during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Some resort to caesarean section in such cases. But even so, the child can become infected. Therefore, cesarean section is recommended in extreme cases or if the mother has a large number of papillomas on the genitals. HPV is not inherited if there is a family history of HPV carrier , then he is capable of infecting the rest of the household. Therefore, being a hidden carrier of the virus, you should think abouthow not to infect your partner.

Self-infection with HPV

There is a possibility become infected the virus yourself while shaving, cutting nails or epilating. And children who constantly pick off warts can transfer the existing virus to healthy areas of the skin, thereby increasing the affected area.

Is human papillomavirus transmitted?by airborne droplets? This happens very rarely, but it does happen.

For example, when medical personnel become infected with HPV during an operation on a patient. But this rarely happens.

Who is at risk of contracting HPV?

After infection, the virus initially does not manifest itself in any way. Papillomavirus can remain latent in the body for a long time, from several weeks to 20 years. The infection is activated when favorable factors for this occur. Typically, this factor is considered to be reduced immunity, which is no longer able to fight the virus. TO others factors that provoke the development of the virus include:

• constant stressful situations;
  
• presence of bad habits;
  
• hypothermia or overheating of the body;
  
• long-term use of certain medications;
  
• presence of chronic diseases;
  
• lack of vitamins and minerals;
  
• presence of sexually transmitted diseases.
  

People who are highly susceptible to HPV are:

• often change sexual partners;
  
• live in a place with a low level of economy;
  
• give birth at an early age;
  
• had abortions;
  
• socially unadapted;
  
• prefer unconventional types of sex.
  

Women become infected HPV during sexual intercourse, even during the first sexual experience. The presence of the virus in the body can be determined during a routine examination by a gynecologist, so it is not recommended to postpone going to the clinic until later.

Men are often infectedpapillomavirus, but it is more difficult to find out about this, since the infection remains latent for a long time, andpapillomas on the body don't appear.

That is, it often happens that a man is a hidden carrier and transmitter of the virus, although he himself does not even know it. But knowingHow is papillomavirus infection transmitted?what is papillomatosis person like If you get rid of it, you can protect yourself from infection. Therefore, it is necessary to enter only protected sexual contact and enter into sexual relations with only one trusted partner.

According to experts, about 70% of the inhabitants of our planet are infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). But clinical manifestations of the disease in the form of papillomas on the skin of the body or genital warts on the mucous membranes of the genital organs are much less common, only in approximately 2% of cases after infection. To prevent infection from entering the body, you need to know how HPV is transmitted. Information on how to behave correctly if it is confirmed that you are a carrier of a harmful virus may also be useful.

Today, more than 100 different strains of the dangerous virus are known. Some types of microorganisms do not pose a threat to human health, but there are also those that can lead to cell degeneration, which can trigger the development of cancer. Therefore, the question of how the human papillomavirus is transmitted is very relevant.

Features of HPV

Most microorganisms of this type are not dangerous. Many strains of viruses, with weak protective reactions, can provoke the appearance of unaesthetic, benign growths on the skin.

But there are also dangerous oncogenic types of viruses that can cause the development of cancer in humans. In women, for example, dangerous microorganisms often cause cancer of the female organs.

Papillomaviruses multiply in the basal layer of the skin and this explains how you can become infected with HPV. Namely, with any skin damage, infection can occur through contact.

Papillomaviruses are unstable, so they cannot exist outside the cells of the human body. Oncogenic microorganisms are conventionally divided into the following types:

• Safe from the point of view of the risk of developing malignant tumors. In this case, the disease is asymptomatic.
• Low risk, when after infection genital formations arise, in which mutational changes can very rarely occur.

• High risk, when increased activity of microorganisms leads to malignant degeneration of cells. As a rule, such oncogenic agents lead to cervical cancer, and in men, penile cancer is possible.

Papillomavirus with reduced immunity manifests itself with the following symptoms:

• Various warts all over the body.
• Genital condylomas on the mucous membranes of the genital organs.
• Papillomatosis of the mouth and larynx.
• Papillomas on internal organs.

Methods of infection

The danger is that with strong immunity, a person does not even suspect that he is a carrier of papillomavirus infection. The routes of infection are so diverse that the virus can enter the body of any person unnoticed. There are two mechanisms of HPV infection:

• Contact.
• Vertical, during labor, from mother to child.

You can become infected with HPV through contact:

• Through a kiss and a handshake.
• When using someone else's hygiene products, in particular, washcloths, towels or cosmetics.
• When visiting public baths, saunas and swimming pools.

Methods of transmission of the virus through household means are almost always associated with non-compliance with hygiene rules. But despite this, it is difficult to protect yourself 100% from them. After all, the virus can be transmitted randomly.

For example, when there is a crack on a child’s lip, it is likely that a harmful microorganism can pass from parents to children with a simple kiss. Although, of course, such methods of infection are very rare and cannot be excluded.

Sexual infection

To the question whether HPV is sexually transmitted, the answer is yes. Moreover, it has been proven that dangerous oncogenic microorganisms are transmitted in this way. People who are promiscuous in their sexual partners are more likely to become infected.

Representatives of sexual minorities are often interested in the question of whether HPV is transmitted through homosexual relations. During unconventional sex, mucous membranes are often injured, which means that papillomaviruses can easily enter the body.

You should know that you can become infected even through a condom. Of course, when using a protective agent, the risks of infection are reduced. But in this case there is no 100% guarantee, so infection through a condom is detected very often, as well as through saliva during oral sex.

Adherents of promiscuous sexual relations, in order to avoid infection through a condom, can be advised to choose high-quality means of protection and avoid rough sex, which can compromise the integrity of the product.

It is quite natural to ask whether the human papillomavirus is transmitted from a man during sexual intercourse. On the other hand, there is a similar question, whether it is possible to become infected from a woman.

According to statistics, the most frequently recorded cases are when an infected man is the source of infection. But the opposite situation is quite possible, when the papilloma virus is transmitted to a partner from a woman. Factors that may contribute to sexually transmitted infections include the following:

• Early experience of sexual activity, when local immunity on the mucous membrane of the genital organs is in the stage of formation.
• Inconsistency in sexual preferences, which forces you to often change partners.
• The presence of genital warts in one of the partners on the mucous membranes of the genital organs.

Infection of a child from the mother

A very common question is how do infants become infected? The thing is that if a pregnant woman is infected, then there is a high risk of infecting the child. Moreover, the routes of transmission of infection can be different:

• The viral microorganism can be transmitted transplacentally, that is, the baby can be infected at any time during intrauterine development for any reason. This method of infection is rare.
• Infection can occur directly during childbirth, when the baby becomes infected while passing through the birth canal. In this case, there is a high probability of infection.

In newborns, after infection, due to weak immunity, the harmful microorganism quickly penetrates the mucous membranes and provokes the formation of growths. Most often, papillomatosis of the larynx, trachea and bronchi develops, which can cause the child to suffocate.

Women with genital warts on the genitals are recommended to undergo a course of treatment before conceiving a child. It is important to get rid of the clinical manifestations of a viral infection. The absence of obvious symptoms means that the disease has become latent and the threats to the unborn child are minimized.

It is important to maintain a good immune system during pregnancy. After all, clinical manifestations in the form of growths on the skin occur only when the protective reactions in the body decrease. They are dangerous because they indicate that the human papillomavirus infection is beginning to spread throughout the body.

Prerequisites for infection

Carriers do not always develop obvious symptoms of the disease: condylomas or papillomas. Papillomaviruses are very insidious by nature. They are capable of remaining in the human body for a long time and their clinical manifestations can occur only after the body’s natural protective reactions have decreased. Is the person who is carrying the infection contagious?

It is believed that the likelihood of infection at home from a carrier in the absence of obvious symptoms is minimal. Viruses transmitted from a carrier of infection can enter the body through wounds or cuts, and in the absence of skin lesions, the possibility of infection can be completely excluded.

But, on the other hand, you can always become infected with papillomaviruses transmitted through sexual relations, regardless of whether symptoms of the disease are present on the skin or mucous membranes.

In any case, the likelihood of infection increases with the spread of infection in the human body, which is manifested by an increase in the number of different types of growths. This occurs due to decreased immunity, which can occur for various reasons, namely:

• With the development of dysbiosis or other intestinal diseases of an infectious nature.
• In case of exacerbation of any chronic diseases.
• After hypothermia and colds.
• Due to harmful working conditions, which force a person to work for wear and tear and harm overall health.
• For HIV infection.
• During the acute stages of infectious and non-infectious diseases.
• Against the background of stressful conditions.
• With an unhealthy lifestyle, addictions and an unbalanced diet.

To prevent infection with human papillomavirus infection, it is necessary to immediately treat all lesions on the skin with antiseptic drugs. The disease, which is transmitted in different ways, is very dangerous, therefore, to prevent infection, you should remain faithful to one partner whom you completely trust. And of course, it is necessary to constantly maintain the immune system in good condition, which will become a reliable barrier to viruses.

In women and men, this is one of the most common infectious diseases that can further provoke the development of cancer. The infection can be transmitted to men and women of any age.

Who is a carrier of HPV

The human papillomavirus enters the body due to microcracks in the skin or mucous membranes that are invisible to the naked eye. He settles in the upper layers and lives there until conditions are favorable. It will take weeks, months or even years before the virus reveals itself.

Anyone can be a carrier of the virus, regardless of age, lifestyle or appearance.

Doctors advise paying attention to the presence of condylomas in intimate places before sexual intercourse. But this does not provide a 100% guarantee of avoiding infection. In addition, avoid questionable beauty and tattoo parlors. It is easy to become infected with instruments that have not been disinfected. If a person with HPV was sitting in the chair in front of you, they cut him with scissors and they also scratched you, the virus will penetrate the skin.

HPV is considered a disease that ranks second among common female genital infections. The virus is detected in approximately 75% of women. There are a number of highly oncogenic strains that are especially dangerous. The disease can become chronic; over time, the pre-cancer condition will develop into cervical cancer.

HPV is also transmitted at the household level - when using other people's hygiene items or through skin infection - through cuts.

Symptoms of HPV infection

A carrier of HPV may not even realize that he is infected. Symptoms do not appear immediately and only in the form of papillomas of different localization:

1. Vulgar. They appear as a small hard lump about 1 cm in diameter, most often on the hands.
2. Thread-like. Small seals in the form of yellow bumps often change and grow.
3. Plantar warts. Often confused with calluses.
4. Flat. They itch before the onset, similar to an allergy. Then they become round in shape and light.
5. Genital warts. Found in intimate places, on the mucous membrane.

In women with formations on the genitals, accompanying symptoms may appear:

• high temperature;
• cycle disruption;
• pain, blood at the sites of neoplasms.

In men, HPV rarely manifests itself in the form of condylomas; they act as carriers of the disease.

How is papillomavirus transmitted?

There is an opinion that most often the human papillomavirus is transmitted through sexual contact. This is true, but there are also other ways of infection. The incubation period of the human papillomavirus can last up to 10 years. Papillomas on the body can form through a simple touch or through the saliva of another person.

There are more than a hundred strains of HPV, most transmitted through various types of close contact.

Sexually

HPV is transmitted sexually. This reason is considered the most common and insidious, because often girls and boys are not aware of the presence of infection in the blood. Popular protection methods do not provide 100% safety from the virus, especially if it is not a barrier method.

A condom gives a person some protection against HPV. It all depends on the type of infection and the person’s immune system.

It is necessary to take into account the fact that you can become infected with HPV during oral sex. Close contact without penetration can also lead to infection.

During anal sex, excessive trauma occurs, which makes such contact the most dangerous for transmission.

Through saliva

Kissing is another way of transmitting papillomavirus. If there is a microscopic papilloma on the tongue or mucous membrane, a small wound becomes infected. If at this moment the second person has a weakened immune system, the disease will permanently settle in the body. There is a risk of getting papillomavirus stomatitis.

Damaged papillomas that were tried to be removed at home are contagious to any person.

By everyday means

The virus is able to survive in the surrounding humid environment for up to 3-4 hours, which makes it dangerous in domestic conditions. There is a risk of infection when using towels or clothes of an infected person. Danger lurks on wet surfaces of saunas, swimming pools, etc.

If papilloma is damaged at home by a razor, knife, or clothing, there is a risk of infecting yourself. In this case, the disease will move to other areas of the skin, grow, and papillomatosis may develop.

Remember: damaging any formations on the skin at home is prohibited.

Not all strains are transmitted this way; this applies to certain, less dangerous species.

From mother to child

As a child passes through the birth canal, there is a possibility of HPV transmission. This happens if a woman is sick with a virus and during pregnancy the condition worsens, condylomas appear on the internal genital organs.

It is necessary to be examined for the virus, and if papillomas are detected, remove them. Or the doctor will prescribe a caesarean section, which will eliminate the risk of infection of the child in this way.

There is a possibility of infection of the child in the womb through the placenta. Previously, the scientific community considered this method of transmission impossible, but after research, HPV was discovered in children born after cesarean section. This proves the presence of certain strains in the placenta.

Sometimes the papilloma virus is transmitted due to breastfeeding. If there are formations on the skin, it is recommended to consult a doctor and transfer the child to artificial feeding.

Probability of infection

The likelihood of infection depends on the activity of the virus. There are strains that can easily penetrate barriers, and some quickly die under the influence of the immune system.

The most common strains in the population are those with the least amount of oncogenicity.

Rules to help avoid infection:

• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• use condoms. Despite the fact that the method does not provide a guarantee, it will still save you from a large number of strains;
• treat any diseases in a timely manner, consult a doctor if there are tumors on the skin or mucous membranes;
• women need to regularly visit a gynecologist and, if necessary, be examined for the presence of oncogenic types of HPV;
• lead a reasonable sex life;
• Take care of your health and boost your immunity.

It is important to understand that the viral course of the disease means that a person will forever remain a carrier. Particular attention should be paid to strains that can cause complications.

If papillomas or condylomas occur, you should consult your doctor. He will recommend treatment. It is possible to remove growths if they cause discomfort.

Often a person is able to recover from HPV on their own. If the virus has not manifested itself for several years, it means that the body has gradually cleared itself of diseased cells. The person ceases to be contagious. But sometimes, during the purification process, cells, on the contrary, begin to reduce and degenerate into oncogenic ones.

Doctors indicate that a good way to prevent HPV infection is to follow the rule of kissing and making love with one partner.

Preventing a dangerous inheritance - a thorough diagnosis of the body when planning a child. It is important not to pass the infection on to your baby at birth.

(or HPV - Human Papillomavirus) is transmitted only from person to person. According to statistics in our country, 60% of the population is infected with this virus. And the reason for such a widespread prevalence of this viral infection is the variety of ways it is transmitted.

According to many people, HPV is transmitted only through sexual contact through vaginal, anal and oral-genital sexual intercourse. However, there is also a possibility of contact transmission of this infection - through contact in everyday life and public places.

Infection with this virus causes the appearance of characteristic growths on the skin and mucous membranes. About 130 strains of HPV are now known, and most of them provoke the appearance of tumors in certain places. This means that the appearance of warts on the skin of the hands will not cause infection of the genitals.

Damage to the genital organs can be caused by 30 strains of the virus, and about 20 of them are oncogenic. Most people know that the presence of the human papillomavirus in the body can cause cancer of the genital organs, but even this information does not always become a reason to consult a doctor to identify and treat the infection. The culprits of this attitude towards one’s health are numerous myths about HPV. In this article we will introduce you to 12 of them, so you can make the right decision about the need for treatment.

Myth #1: Using a condom eliminates the risk of contracting HPV.

Sex protected by a condom significantly reduces the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, but is not a 100% guarantee of safety. The papilloma virus can be transmitted through any contact of mucous membranes - ordinary kissing, oral-genital sex or the use of shared hygiene items.

Conclusion: Condoms should be used for safe sex, but do not replace regular examinations with a doctor for the timely detection of sexually transmitted diseases (including HPV).

Myth No. 2: Women are more likely to become infected with HPV

Currently, there are no methods in medicine that can determine who gets sick first in a couple.

According to statistics, HPV is indeed more often detected in women, but both men and children are at risk of infection. The results of mass screening studies show that this infection is detected in 40-50% of women and men who are sexually active, and the probability of contracting the virus through unprotected sex is 60-66%.

Conclusion
Both women and men of any age should undergo regular examinations to detect human papillomavirus infection.

Myth No. 3: detection of HPV in a monogamous couple indicates infidelity of one of the partners

It was this myth that gave rise to the emergence of incorrect conclusions about infidelity in couples and led to the breakup of many families. However, the detection of HPV is not in all cases associated with a partner’s infidelity. Genital human papillomavirus infection can remain hidden in the body for a long time. This course can be observed for many weeks, years and even decades.

Conclusion
Detection of HPV does not always mean a partner has cheated. The infection may not manifest itself for many years and may be detected by chance during routine examinations or treatment of other diseases. With the help of analysis, it is possible to determine the type of HPV, but not a single examination method allows one to determine the period of stay of the virus in the body or identify which partner was the “culprit” for its appearance. Infection with the virus can occur at any time in life (including before the formation of a couple).

Myth #4: Older women do not need to get tested for HPV

After menopause, many women not only do not get tested for HPV, but also rarely visit a gynecologist. However, statistics indicate a high risk of such fatal errors: 41% of patients with cervical cancer die at the age of 65 years or older, and one out of four cases of this disease is detected at this age.

Conclusion
Oncogenic types of human papillomavirus may begin to manifest themselves again after many years of hidden presence in the body. Women at any age should regularly visit a gynecologist for preventive examinations, and tests to detect HPV should be taken once every 3-5 years at the age of 30-65 years.

Myth #5: All types of HPV can cause genital cancer.

Scientists have been able to identify more than 130 types of HPV, and about 30 of them can infect the genitals. There are two main groups of HPV:

• highly oncogenic viruses - these include strains 16, 18.31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 73 and 82, they are detected in 95-100% of cases;
• low-oncogenic viruses - these include strains 6, 11, 36, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47 and 50; they are more often detected in flat and genital condylomas, the initial stages of dysplasia and very rarely in invasive.

Conclusion
Many strains of papillomavirus do not cause any problems and clear themselves within a few months of symptoms appearing, with 90% cleared within 2 years. And only some strains of HPV are oncogenic and can provoke the degeneration of cells into cancerous ones.

Myth #6: Having genital warts will cause cervical cancer.

Appear due to infection with different strains of the papilloma virus. Not all of them are oncogenic, and therefore not all cases develop cervical cancer.

Conclusion
To make predictions about the likelihood of a cancerous tumor when a human papillomavirus infection is detected, it is necessary to conduct an analysis to determine the type of virus. Cervical cancer can only be provoked by its oncogenic strains - 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 and 68. In 94% of cases, the development of a cancerous tumor is caused by strain 16 or 18.

Myth No. 7: detection of an oncogenic virus in tests indicates the development of cervical cancer

HPV can remain in the body for a long time and not manifest itself in any way. Its detection in tests is not always a symptom of cancer or a precancerous condition. The appearance of HPV always indicates a decrease in immunity.

Conclusion
The diagnosis of cervical cancer can only be confirmed by the results of a histological examination of biopsy tissue. The detection of oncogenic or other strains of HPV in the absence of such confirmation indicates a decrease in immunity and an increase in the number of viruses. In such cases, a woman should pay attention to the state of the immune system and carry out treatment aimed at supporting it.

Myth No. 8: You don’t have to get vaccinated against HPV due to lack of data on the vaccine’s effectiveness.

This myth arose because HPV vaccines really cannot protect a person from infection with all strains of the virus. However, the Cervarix and Gardasil vaccines can prevent infection with the most oncogenic types of the virus, 16 and 18, and Gardasil can prevent infection with other types that cause the development of genital warts.

Conclusion
must be carried out, because vaccines can protect against the most dangerous types of virus that cause cancer. It is most effective to administer such vaccinations to adolescents before they become sexually active. However, at other ages, the effectiveness of vaccination will remain high. Even if a woman has been infected with one of the HPV strains throughout her life, the vaccine can protect against infection with other types.

Myth #9: Pap smears are more effective than vaccinations

Pap smears and HPV vaccinations are different procedures and their effectiveness cannot be compared. A smear allows you to identify mutations that have already appeared or precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix. And vaccination makes it possible to prevent infection with oncogenic types of HPV and the development of cancer.

Conclusion
HPV vaccination is effective and helps prevent the development of cervical cancer. It is much more expedient to carry out this procedure than to wait until the cells begin to degenerate into cancerous ones.

Myth No. 10: after removal of condylomas, a person cannot infect their sexual partner with them.

Some experts believe that after removal the risk of infecting a sexual partner is reduced. During surgical treatment of formations caused by HPV, only most of the infectious tissue is excised. However, the virus remains in the human body, and people with removed or unremoved condylomas can be a source of infection.

Conclusion
The tissue surrounding the removed condyloma contains the virus, and surgical treatment of these tumors does not reduce the risk of HPV infection to zero. In most cases, getting rid of condylomas is carried out to eliminate physical and moral suffering from the patient’s life, but after the operation the virus remains in the body and the risk of infecting the sexual partner remains.

Myth No. 11: You can get rid of HPV completely

So far, scientists have not been able to create a drug that can completely eliminate the virus from the human body. Modern medicine can offer effective ways to treat diseases caused by HPV. Using minimally invasive or surgical techniques, you can get rid of warts, genital warts or. For this, chemical coagulation, electrocoagulation, laser treatment, cryodestruction, a radio wave knife or a surgical scalpel are used. But it is completely impossible to “kill” the virus with surgery or prescription of pharmacological drugs.

In some cases, surgical treatment and measures aimed at increasing immunity are sufficient to deactivate the virus. A fortified diet, an active lifestyle, walks in the fresh air and a lack of stress can help normalize the functions of the immune system, and the virus will not be detected in tests. But in some cases, patients are recommended a therapy regimen aimed at increasing immunity. For this purpose, interferon preparations, nonspecific immunomodulators, indinol and some specific antiviral agents can be used.

Conclusion
Even after treatment for diseases caused by HPV, the virus remains in the body. To decontaminate it, it is recommended to carry out treatment and measures aimed at increasing immunity. And patients who have been diagnosed with human papillomavirus infection should undergo regular examinations and follow all doctor’s recommendations.

Myth No. 12: Pregnant women with HPV always give birth to children with respiratory papillomatosis

There is a risk of a baby becoming infected with HPV during childbirth, but it is not high. When passing through the birth canal, infection is possible with only two specific types of virus - 6 and 11. They are detected in women with genital warts. If a child receives these HPVs and the infection takes root, respiratory papillomatosis may develop. This disease interferes with normal breathing, but is treatable.

The main sign of the appearance of the human papillomavirus is warts on the body. Unfortunately, they are not only an aesthetic defect; doctors have established a direct connection between the occurrence of cervical cancer and the virus.

It is easy to become infected with the papilloma virus; all you need is tactile contact with a person who is sick or is a carrier of the microorganism, using his objects, etc. There are more than two hundred types of HPV, the most common of which are 16 and 18. They are dangerous because they can cause cancer in the cervix. They manifest themselves in the form of small growths on the human genitals, called “condylomas” in medicine.

How can you become infected with the human papillomavirus?

Main methods of infection:

- Sexual.
— Through the kiss of a healthy person with a sick person.
- Airborne. There have been cases where doctors treating HPV were infected by a patient.
— From a sick mother to a newborn child during childbirth.
— When using other people’s hygiene items, household items, when visiting public places: swimming pools, toilets, etc.

Neoplasms arise in the larynx, on the oral mucosa. Among the professions included in the risk group are butchers who cut up carcasses. This rare pathology is called “meat cutter’s warts.”

Is it possible to get papilloma from a man?

The main method of infection is sexual contact, any kind - anal, oral or traditional. The use of a condom does not protect 100% from the virus, since its particles are so small that they can penetrate through micropores.

This risk group includes people who have begun sexual activity and often change partners. Due to anatomical features, women are more susceptible to infection. An infected man is a reservoir for the proliferation of cells, which in any case will pass into the body of his sexual partner. When HPV is clinically manifested in women, her sexual partner should be fully examined.

Papilloma as a harbinger of cancer

When women are infected sexually, the bacterium penetrates deep into the cells of the cervix, into the most vulnerable zone, where they divide and multiply, the functions of epithelial cells change and genital warts appear.

Other types appear as warts on other parts of the body: on the neck, abdomen, hands, fingers, etc.

Is it possible to get infected from papilloma on the neck? Since the transmission of disease through everyday life is rare, warts on the neck are practically not dangerous and not contagious, except through blood and sexual contact.

In 90% percent, the body gets rid of the virus itself. In other cases, factors that contribute to the rapid division and reproduction of HPV cells are triggered:

• Weak immune system.
• Infections in the genitourinary area.
• Taking hormonal drugs, contraceptives.
• Vitamin deficiency, especially A, C.
• Prolonged exposure to the sun.
• Alcoholism.
• Smoking.
• Drug addiction.
• Depression, stress.

Symptoms of the disease

The first signs do not appear immediately; situations have been noted where warts appear years after contact with a sick person. Only a medical examination can help identify pathology. To do this, screening is carried out with cytology - examination of mucosal tissues for the presence of the virus. Many countries have a program to vaccinate puberty girls against HPV, after which the virus cells are unable to multiply and degenerate into malignant cells. For older women, cytological examinations of smears of the uterine mucosa are indicated at least once a year.

Treatment of papilloma

Scientists have not yet created a single specific therapy for the treatment of HPV. It is impossible to influence the virus with drugs. Condylomas are removed surgically and using hardware methods: laser removal, cryodestruction, etc. Even in the last century, after surgery, women had no chance of motherhood, but now gentle technologies are used that do not affect reproductive function.

HPV prevention

It is necessary to be selective in choosing sexual partners and strengthen the immune system: engage in a healthy lifestyle, give up alcohol and smoking. A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes will help strengthen your immune system. The vaccination program should not be neglected - a timely vaccination will not leave a chance for cervical cancer in the future. And finally, regular visits to the doctor, medical examinations at least once a year.