To the numerous tests that women take during pregnancy, it would not hurt to add one that helps to identify the human papillomavirus. Its symptoms are not manifested in every case, but it cannot be called safe. Of the more than 600 varieties of it, there are many that contribute to the development of cancer.
Proved by doctors is the fact that HPV (human papillomavirus) can cause cancer of the cervix, larynx, penis, and also contributes to the appearance of cervical erosion, dysplasia. Given these possible consequences, sexually active people need to be systematically checked by a doctor.
Symptoms
As mentioned above, not in every case the human papillomavirus manifests itself. Its symptoms become noticeable at the time of the weakening of the immune system. Warts appear on the lips, hands, and even more often on the labia, penis and around the anus. They are mostly beige, pink or white. The edges of such warts (they are also called warts) are uneven, sometimes they growinside - into the skin. In some cases, additional symptoms may also be observed:
- itching at warts;
- irritation;
- pain in the affected area;
- discomfort during intimate relationships.
Methods of infection
According to doctors, it is through unprotected sexual contact (including oral and anal) that it is easiest to get the human papilloma virus. Symptoms in this case occur about 3 months after the act, but this is not necessary. There is a high probability of infection during childbirth, when the virus is transmitted from mother to child. The fact of its transmission through the placenta by doctors is also not refuted. The third way of infection is household. It is especially dangerous to share hygiene products - towels, toothbrushes, tweezers, scissors, etc.).
Diagnosis
Today, there are several basic techniques that help identify the human papillomavirus. If symptoms have already appeared, then a visual examination of the mucous membranes is carried out. Women are also examined on a gynecological chair. Early diagnosis is made possible by:
- colposcopy - examined using a microscope;
- biopsy - it involves taking samples of affected tissues for detailed study under magnifying devices (this method allows you to detect cancer in almost 98% of cases);
- PCR method - it is aimed at finding the pathogen;
- cytological smear - detects changes, but does not "see" the cause;
- Digene-Test - indicates the presence / absence of HPV in the body, gives information about its danger.
Ideally, several methods are used to detect the human papillomavirus. Donating a blood test also does not hurt.
Treatment
Since there are so many varieties of HPV, as noted earlier, there simply cannot be one treatment regimen. To overcome the problem, doctors prescribe mainly antiviral and immunostimulating drugs. Warts and condylomas are removed surgically using liquid nitrogen (cryotherapy), electric current (electrocoagulation), laser. Humanity can overcome this virus by vaccinating against it, that is, by directing its attention to prevention. Such a vaccine does not involve the introduction of microorganisms, but helps to produce those cells that do not allow HPV to enter the body.
