Infection caused by HPV, treatment and prevention of disease

A young married woman underwent examination at a gynecologist. The doctor noticed erosion on the cervix and took a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. Two weeks later, the doctor reported that erosion was caused by HPV, treatment should be started urgently, otherwise this could soon lead to cancer of the cervix.

This situation has already happened to millions of women around the world, because the infection caused by HPV - the human papillomavirus, is unusually widespread and is considered one of the most common diseases that are sexually transmitted.

The World Health Organization calls this disease the main cause of cervical cancer - cervical carcinoma.

What you need to know about HPV?

HPV is a deadly virus that affects hundreds of thousands of women every year and, causing cancer of the cervix, kills every year thousands of women. This infection is ubiquitous.

The human papillomavirus infects both women and men. It causes the appearance of genital warts - warts that grow on the genitals. Although these condylomas are not of a malignant nature, however, their treatment is required, HPV in women causes a degeneration into a cancerous tumor only by condylomas, which persist for a long time and are caused only by specific types of the virus. Scientists have identified hundreds of species of this dangerous virus. Thanks to the reliable operation of the human immune system, most viruses do not lead to cancer.

Who is under threat?

The risk of contracting HPV for women is an early sexual life. Also, the threat poses a sexual life with many partners or with the man who himself conducts sex life in a disorderly manner. Women should be screened and treated on a regular basis, HPV in men runs without symptoms, although men are often unaware of being a constant carrier of the virus.

Sometimes women who lead a moral life or even have never had sexual intercourse can be infected. Recent studies have shown that this virus can be transmitted by a contact-household method, and only after many years. It is also established that a child can infect a mother during childbirth.

How is the disease diagnosed?

In most cases, the disease may not manifest itself in any way. Cytological research helps to determine if a woman is infected or not. The doctor takes a so-called Pap smear or a Pap test. A spatula or a brush the doctor produces a scraping from the surface of the cervix. Microscopic examination gives an accurate picture of the patient's condition: infection, inflammation or cancer. This is the earliest diagnosis and, due to the fact that it was introduced throughout the women's clinics, it was possible to reduce not only the incidence, but also the mortality from cervical carcinoma.

If during the examination a change in the cells is detected, then a colposcopy is appointed - examination of the affected area through magnifying lenses. The slightest suspicion of cancer - and the doctor makes a biopsy (examination of the affected tissue) and prescribes treatment.

Modern diagnostic methods are more refined. This allows you to diagnose the disease more accurately.

HPV prophylaxis, treatment of a disease

If HPV infection is detected, treatment begins with the use of antiviral drugs, including topical preparations. The doctor prescribes medicines that enhance the function of the immune system.

Erosion caused by the virus is treated using the following methods: laser therapy, cryotherapy, electrocoagulation.

However, in the case of HPV infection, treatment can be lengthy and debilitating, so preventing infection is the most reliable protection against cervical cancer.

Gynecologists advise: do not enter into sexual relations before marriage and keep mutual faithfulness to each other in marriage. This is the most effective prophylaxis against HPV infection.