What you need to know about HPV
The human papillomavirus includes many types, which are conventionally divided into two groups. Low-risk types cause condylomas and warts but do not lead to cancer. High-risk types do not cause visible growths, but are associated with the development of cancer of the cervix, penis, anus and oropharynx.
Infection occurs through sexual contact, including without penetration - contact of skin and mucous membranes is sufficient. A condom significantly reduces the risk, but does not eliminate it completely, since it does not cover the entire contact surface.
Most sexually active people are exposed to HPV, and in a significant proportion, the immune system copes with the virus on its own within one to two years. Problems arise when the virus persists for a long time, especially oncogenic types.
Symptoms
- Flesh-colored, pinkish or grayish growths on the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals
- Shape ranges from small papillae to cauliflower-like formations
- Location in men: glans, foreskin, frenulum, shaft of the penis, scrotum, anus, external urethral opening
- Location in women: labia, vestibule, vagina, cervix, anus
- Itching, discomfort, foreign body sensation
- Bleeding due to injury, including during sexual intercourse
- Irritation and secondary infection
- If the urethra is affected - discomfort when urinating, splashing of the stream
- Often - absence of any sensations other than a cosmetic defect
Diagnostics
- Examination by a urologist, venereologist or gynecologist - the characteristic picture is usually recognizable
- Examination with magnification, colposcopy in women
- PCR with determination of HPV types, including high oncogenic risk
- Cytological examination of the cervix in women
- Urethroscopy for suspected condylomas in the urethra
- Anoscopy for lesions of the perianal area
- Biopsy for atypical appearance, pigmentation, induration, bleeding and rapid growth
- Screening for other STIs, including HIV and syphilis
- Partner examination
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at removing visible growths. There are no drugs that completely remove the virus from the body - your own immunity copes with it.
- Radio wave, laser or electrosurgical removal
- Cryodestruction
- Surgical excision for extensive growths
- Local medications that cause the destruction of condylomas or stimulate a local immune response
- Endoscopic removal of urethral lesions
- Circumcision with extensive lesions of the foreskin and recurrent course
- Treatment of associated infections and inflammation
- Quitting smoking - it reduces the body's ability to cope with the virus
- Observation after treatment with examinations at scheduled times
No removal method guarantees the absence of recurrence, since the virus may remain in the surrounding apparently healthy skin. Relapses in the first months after treatment are a common occurrence and not a sign of improper treatment.
Prevention
- HPV vaccination is the most effective measure; the maximum effect is obtained with vaccination before the onset of sexual activity, but it is also discussed at an older age
- Vaccination protects against both the types that cause condylomas and the main oncogenic types
- Using a condom reduces the risk, although it does not eliminate it completely
- Limiting the number of sexual partners
- Regular examination by a gynecologist with cytology for women
- Quitting smoking
- Timely treatment of conditions that reduce immunity
- Examination of a partner when detecting condylomas
Condylomas and pregnancy
- During pregnancy, condylomas may increase due to hormonal changes.
- Extensive growths can create an obstacle during childbirth - rare, but such a situation is possible
- There is a small risk of transmission of the virus to a child with the development of laryngeal papillomatosis
- Removal methods and treatment timing are selected by the doctor, taking into account the duration of pregnancy.
- Some local medications are contraindicated during pregnancy
- The decision on the method of delivery is made individually by the obstetrician-gynecologist
Where is treatment in Tashkent
An examination by a specialist, HPV typing, the possibility of removing formations and, in case of damage to the urethra, endoscopic intervention are required.
In Tashkent, examination and treatment for genital warts is carried out at the UROLOGIC COMPLEX medical center and at the Tashkent Medical Park clinic.
Do not try to remove condylomas yourself with wart remedies: the mucous membrane of the genital organs is easily damaged, and sometimes other formations that require a biopsy are hidden under the guise of condylomas. Clinic contacts are below.
