What is the danger of the human papillomavirus and how to get rid of it

What is human papillomavirus and how dangerous it is

In fact, there is more than one virus - there are many, up to 200 types of HPV. Most human papillomaviruses (HPV) are harmless. However, about 40 of them happily attack the genitals of people, and at least 14, according to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and WHO cervical cancer, are oncogenic, that is, they can provoke cancer.

Most often women are affected. It is HPV in 70% of cases that causes cervical cancer - the second most common type of malignant tumors among women in developed countries. But men are also at risk: the human papillomavirus can trigger oncology of the anus, penis and oropharynx.

Which of the types of HPV - oncogenic or not - you got, right off the bat and you can not determine. But the fact that you have it is almost certain. According to HPV. Fast Facts of the American Sexual Health Association, approximately 80% of sexually active people are infected.

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection.

It is noteworthy that most of the victims of HPV do not even know that they are infected. For objective reasons, however.

What are the symptoms of human papillomavirus

HPV is a tricky thing. Often it does not manifest itself at all. Sometimes signs appear many years later Genital HPV infection - Fact sheet of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention After Infection. So it is difficult to determine exactly when the infection entered the body.

The most obvious (but not required) symptom is the appearance of growths on the skin of any part of the body. Papillomas, condylomas, warts - these are all HPV.

Fortunately, most often within a year or two, they pass by themselves and do not pose a health hazard. But if the HPV symptoms persist, and especially if papillomas and warts appear on the genitals or in the mouth and throat, it is imperative to consult with a therapist, gynecologist or urologist.

With a protracted chronic form, HPV can lead to cell changes that eventually turn malignant. From infection to the development of cancer, on average, it takes 10–20 years.

How to treat human papillomavirus

Unfortunately, there is no cure for the virus itself. Therapy is reduced to eliminating symptoms and combating the possible consequences of HPV - precancerous and cancerous conditions.

Warts and papillomas are usually physically removed using different methods. A dermatologist, gynecologist, urologist or ENT specialist (if we are talking about growths in the oropharynx) will help you choose the most effective and safe one.

Precancerous and cancerous conditions can also be cured - the more successfully, the earlier the disease is detected. Therefore, WHO recommends that all women over 30 years of age do the regular Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test - when examining a gynecologist, take a smear that will help identify precancerous changes in the cervical mucosa. As a rule, it is enough to undergo the procedure every five years. But if the doctor believes that in your case it is necessary more often, listen to his opinion.

For men, screenings are not recommended. HPV and Men - Fact Sheet. Just do not forget to consult a doctor if you suddenly notice something unusual - soreness, growth, swelling - in the genital area, anus or oropharynx. Regular examination by a urologist (for men over 40 - preferably at least once a year) will reduce the risk of missing something really serious.

How not to get infected with the human papillomavirus

HPV is a disease that is easier to prevent than to cure. The surest way to do this is to get vaccinated. But there is a nuance. Vaccination is most effective only if the body has never encountered a virus before. Therefore, WHO recommends vaccinating children aged 9-14 years, before the onset of sexual activity. Ideally 11-12 years old.

If you do not have time to get vaccinated on time, you can get vaccinated up to 21 years old (for boys) and up to 26 years old (for girls).

To reduce your HPV infection risk of contracting HPV later in life:

try to have sex with only one trusted partner;
avoid intimacy with those people who have someone other than you;
use condoms;
be especially careful if you have a weakened immune system (eg, diagnosed with HIV);
quit smoking - smoking can accelerate the development of cervical cancer and other cancers;
strengthen the immune system.