Human papillomas of Birus (HPV) are extremely common in the world sexually transmitted infection.
The peculiarity of this infection is that for many years it may not manifest at all, but finally lead to the development of benign genital diseases (papillomas) or malignant (cervical cancer).
Types of human papilloma viruses
More than 100 types of HPV are known. The types are the peculiar "subspecies" of the virus that differ from each other. The types are indicated by numbers attributed to them as they open.
The high -risk oncogenic group is 14 types: 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68 (these types are related to the development of cervical cancer).
In addition, the types of low oncogenic risk (especially 6 and 11) are known. They lead to the formation of anogenital warts (Condille pointed, papillomas). Papillomas are located in the vulva mucosa, vagina, in the perianal region, in the skin of the genitals. They almost never become evil, but lead to significant cosmetic defects in the genital area. Warts in other parts of the body (arms, legs, face) can also be caused by these types of viruses and may have a different origin. In subsequent articles, we will separately discuss the types of HPV "high risk" and "low risk".
Human papilloma infection of human papilloma
The virus is transmitted mainly in sex. Sooner or later, HPV almost all women are infected: up to 90% of sexually active women will find this lifelong infection.
But there is good news: most infected (about 90%) will get rid of the HPV without medical intervention for two years.
This is a normal course of the infectious process caused by HPV in the human body. This time it is sufficient for the human immune system to completely get rid of the virus. In such a situation, HPV will not cause any damage to the body.That is, if an HPV was discovered for some time, but now it is not, it is absolutely normal!
Keep in mind that the immune system works for different people with "different speeds". In this sense, the speed of getting rid of HPV may be different in sexual partners. Therefore, one situation is possible when one of the partners found one HPV and the other not.
Most people are infected with HPV right after the onset of sexual activity, and many of them will never know that HPVs have been infected. Persistent immunity after infection is not formed, so re -infection is possible the same virus with which there has already been a meeting and other types of viruses.
HPV's "high risk" is dangerous as it can lead to the development of cervical cancer and some other cancer types. High -risk HPVs do not cause other problems. HPV does not lead to the development of inflammation in the vaginal mucosa/cervix, menstrual cycle disorders or infertility.
HPV does not affect the ability to conceive and support pregnancy. The "high risk" of the child's HPV is not transmitted during pregnancy and during delivery. Human papilloma virus diagnosis
It is virtually useless to do an analysis for HPV HPV at a high oncogenic risk of up to 25 years (except for those women who start an early sex life (up to 18 years), because at that time it is very likely to detect a virus, which will soon leave the body on its own.
After 25 to 30 years, it makes sense to do analyzes:
- Together with a cytology analysis (PAP - Test). If there are changes in the PAP test and HPV "High Risk", this situation requires special attention;
- The long -term persistence of HPV's "high risk" in the absence of cytological changes also requires attention. It has recently been proved that the sensitivity of HPV tests in cervical cancer prevention is greater than the sensitivity of a cytological study and, therefore, the definition of only HPV (without cytological research) is approved as an independent study for the prevention of cervical cancer in the US. However, in Russia, an annual cytological study is recommended, so a combination of these two studies is reasonable seen;
- After treatment of uterus dysplasia/pre -cycance/cancer (the absence of HPV in the analysis after treatment almost always indicates successful treatment). For research, it is necessary to obtain a spot from the cervical canal (it is possible to study and vagina material, however, it is recommended that the material be recommended from the cervix).
The analysis should be done:
- Once a year (if HPV "high risk" was previously discovered, and the analysis is passed along with a cytological study);
- 1 time in 5 years, if the previous analysis was negative.
It is almost never necessary to analyze the low oncogenic risk of the HPV. If there is no papillomas, this analysis makes no sense in principle (virus transport is possible, there is no treatment of the virus; therefore, it is not known what to do with the result of the analysis).
If there are papillomas, then:
- Most of the time they are caused by HPV;
- It is necessary to remove them, regardless of whether or not we will find the types of 6/11;
- If you take a stain, directly with the papillomas themselves, not the vagina/cervix.
There are tests to identify different types of HPV. If you periodically take HPV tests, pay attention to what specific types are included in the analysis. Some laboratories do a study only in the 16th and 18th type, others - for all kinds together. It is also possible to make an analysis that identifies all 14 types of "high risk" viruses in quantitative format. Quantitative characteristics are important to predict the likelihood of developing a precancium and cervical cancer. These tests should be used in the context of cervical cancer prevention, not as an independent test. The analysis for HPV without the results of cytology (RAR test) usually does not allow us to draw conclusions about the patient's health status.
There is no such analysis that determines whether the virus will "come out" in a particular patient or not.
Treatment of human papilloma virus
There is no drug treatment for HPV. There are treatment methods of states caused by HPV (papillomas, dysplasia, forecasting, cervical cancer). This treatment should be performed using surgical methods (criocagulation, laser, radio knife).
No "immunostimulant" is related to HPV treatment and should not be applied. None of the widely known medications approved appropriate tests that show their effectiveness and safety. No protocol/standards/recommendations is included in these medications. The presence or absence of "erosion" of the cervix does not affect HPV treatment tactics.
If the patient has no complaints and does not make changes/changes in the cervix during colposcopy and, according to PAP - the test, no treatment procedure will be required.
It is only necessary to resume the analysis once a year and monitor the cervical condition (annually PAP - Test, Colposcopy). In most patients, the virus will "leave" the body on its own. If it does not leave, it is completely optional that it leads to the development of cervical cancer, but control is required. The treatment of sexual partners is not necessary (except for cases where both partners have genital papillomas).
Prevention of human papilloma virus
Vaccines that protect 16 and 18 HPV types were developed (one of the vaccines also protects from 6 and 11 types). The types of HPV 16 and 18 "responsible" by 70% of cases of cervical cancer and therefore protection against them is very important. Planned vaccination is used in 45 countries. Condom (does not provide 100% protection).