The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the causative agent of infection, which subsequently becomes chronic. Once in the body of a he althy person, he can remain in a “sleeping” state for quite a long time until favorable conditions appear that will provoke the development of the disease.
HPV in women. Symptoms and causes of infection
Papillomavirus infection is mainly spread through sexual contact. But you can bring it into the body through the mucous membranes or skin if the outer layer of the epidermis is damaged. This can happen if you use the same towel, bedding or underwear with the carrier of the infection. A mother can also pass the disease on to her baby during childbirth.
Who is to blame for HPV ingestion? In women, the symptoms of the manifestation of the disease, first of all, are the result of their own inattentive attitude towards themselves. Casual sex, frequent change of partners, and sometimes poor hygiene are the main causes of infection. But there are still several factors that contribute to the development of the virus:
- decreased immunity as a result of a viral disease orhypothermia;
- abortion;
- surgery;
- various medical manipulations, such as the introduction of intrauterine contraceptives.
How does HPV manifest itself in women? Symptoms are most often general, not everyone pays attention to them. This may be causeless spotting from the vagina or the appearance of warts. A person usually does not even know about his infection. But the virus is the cause of the development of one of the following pathologies:
- squamous metaplasia;
- cervical cancer;
- genital or confluent warts;
- dysplasia;
- cervical erosion;
- warts.
How dangerous is the virus?
Asymptomatic leakage is the main danger of HPV. Symptoms in women (photo attached to the article) can only appear three months after infection. And they are most often detected during a routine examination by a gynecologist. Contraceptives do not provide a 100% guarantee of protection against HPV, since the size of the virus is many times smaller than the pores of a condom. Moreover, there is a high risk of infection through exposed areas of the body.
What are the consequences of HPV exposure in women? General symptoms will eventually lead to more serious problems. In addition to the possible development of oncology, human papillomavirus infection adversely affects the reproductive function of women, leading either to its decrease or to a complete violation. She can becomecause miscarriage, infertility, fetal growth retardation and postpartum complications. That is why it is so important to have a complete examination before conceiving a child.
Are women treated for HPV?
The high level of development of medical technologies helps to cope with many infections. But in the case of HPV, no one guarantees a complete cure for the disease. The virus remains in the body forever.
Treatment is reduced to the removal of skin neoplasms with their subsequent histological examination. Next, the doctor prescribes complex therapy, which includes strengthening the immune system and taking antiviral drugs. If the human papillomavirus is detected in a woman, an examination of her sexual partner is also necessary.
