Vacation is a time for yourself when you want to fall in love. The time of resort romances … It does not matter whether it will be continued or not, today we will talk about the most important thing – women’s health, namely, HPV. Why do we remember about human papillomaviruses?
Human papillomaviruses are widespread, causing various diseases and lesions of the skin, larynx, male and female genital organs. Most of them are harmless. The most insidious types of HPV are called highly oncogenic, that is, capable of causing cancer. There is a clear link between certain types of virus and cervical cancer. The source of infection is exclusively a person, the predominant route of transmission is sexual. But a household mechanism is also possible, when infection occurs in saunas, swimming pools, spa salons. According to the latest data, up to 90% of the population is infected with HPV and continues to spread it.
Highly oncogenic HPV types include 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 50, 51, 56, 58, 64, 68. 16 and 18 types are recognized as the most dangerous.
However, HPV infection does not always lead to cancer. If, in addition to HPV, there are risk factors, the likelihood of starting a tumor process is much higher. These include chlamydial infection, the presence of multiple sexual partners, chronic inflammation of the cervix, smoking, stress. A healthy and strong immune system usually fights HPV and the viruses disappear from the body after 6-15 months.
For the discovery of the connection between HPV and cervical cancer, the German scientist Harald zur Hausen received the Nobel Prize. The peculiarity of the course of human papillomavirus infection is that it has no obvious manifestations. The woman is not worried or alarmed by anything. And at this time, HPV penetrate into the deep layers and are embedded in DNA, changing the structure of the cell, its ability to fully develop and reproduce. Dysplasia, a precancerous condition, gradually develops. If the process is not stopped early, the cells will turn into tumor cells. Cervical cancer is very insidious, can spread and metastasize, which, if untreated, leads to death.
Now do you understand the importance of timely HPV screening and cytology? And you need to do this regularly, and when you change your sexual partner – be sure! Even if the man considers himself healthy.
In order to be properly examined, it is important to remember several important points:
If a quantitative HPV test is done, the doctor looks at the concentration of the virus. There are studies in which the lowest concentration of the virus is determined, and in the absence of other signs, treatment is not required, only observation.
There are many tests for HPV, and it is wrong to compare the results of studies performed with different methods.
Consult a gynecologist. To make a decision, it is necessary to take into account all the data: complaints, the nature of the discharge, which is visible in the mirrors and during colposcopy, the results of the HPV test and cytology, and other laboratory findings.
Often there are situations when one type of HPV is first determined, and after a while – another, or several. This situation is possible. HPV rarely work alone and penetrate deeply, “hiding” in cells.
It is important to properly prepare for the study: exclude intercourse, local procedures, colposcopy and transvaginal ultrasound in 48 hours; not be examined during menstruation.
To establish the correct diagnosis, HPV tests and a smear for cytology are performed, each test has a specific purpose:
HPV https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_papillomavirus_infection research – to find oncogenic types, provide the woman with observation and treatment to prevent dysplasia
Cytological examination – watch out for dysplasia (cell changes)
Not always each of the studies separately allows you to understand the full picture of what is happening.
The simultaneous HPV test and cytology from one biomaterial is the most correct solution that allows the doctor to develop competent treatment tactics. It becomes clear that the cell changes under the influence of HPV.