HPV (HPV – “human papilloma virus”) – is quite common in both women and men. There are about 100 types of this virus, each of which causes the appearance and development of various diseases. Approximately 30 types of HPV cause damage to the female genital organs and many of them are malignant.
Such viruses belong to the group of high oncological risk, cause cancer not only of the cervix, but also of the genital organs and are called anogenital. Papillomavirus is found in about 70% of women.
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Human papillomavirus: what is it and where does it come from
In women, gynecological pathologies become a sign of the virus – cervical cancer and its dysplasia, oncological problems of the vagina and anus. In men, the virus is much less common and also leads to malignant lesions of the penis, perineum and anus.
The development of the virus provokes the appearance of various neoplasms. The insidiousness of the pathology lies in the fact that HPV lives in the body for quite a long time, without manifesting itself in any way – until the immune system fails. This is the so-called incubation period of the virus , which can last many years and is the longest stage in the course of the disease.
Papillomavirus, as mentioned above, has many types, but the most dangerous viruses are considered to be oncogenic. One of them is HPV 51. It is especially dangerous for women, as it causes cervical cancer. In men, this type of virus is very rare, but they often carry it, constantly infecting their sexual partners, sometimes without even knowing it.
Ways of infection
HPV 51 is not transmitted by household means, the way it enters the body is sexual contact (more precisely, through genital secretions) and blood. This type of virus can be transmitted to the fetus from the mother, but such cases are quite rare – the presence of HPV 51 in a pregnant woman in almost 95% of cases leads to a miscarriage.
That is why all expectant mothers are forced to take a special test for the presence of the viral genome in the blood. But if, nevertheless, a baby is born, he gets HPV from a sick mother, manifesting itself as neoplasms on the mucous membrane of the larynx.
In addition, HPV 51 spreads quite quickly during abortions – after all, many women still prefer to conduct them in private conditions – poorly performed surgery leads to scarring on the cervix, and sometimes in its cavity, which is the optimal environment for development viruses. The risk of contracting papillomavirus increases significantly with promiscuous and unprotected sexual intercourse.
Provoking factors for the development of the disease
A person can be a carrier of HPV51 for a long time without even knowing it. For the development of pathology, only a decrease in immunity is necessary. With the efficiency of the immune cells of the body at the very beginning of infection, the virus is suppressed so much that the person does not suffer from pathological consequences, but becomes only a carrier of the disease.
But, as soon as the natural protection gives a “failure”, the development of a pathology immediately begins, provoking the appearance of warts and growths on the mucous membrane of the genital organs. Unfortunately, papillomavirus 51 is dangerous because it causes irreversible mutational changes in the genital organs in the female body.
It is conceived by nature in such a way that the human body always stands guard over its health and integrity, but, unfortunately, there are many external and internal factors that can lower this natural defense – immunity.
This happens when: stressful situations; overheating or sudden hypothermia of the body; lack of vitamins and metabolic disorders; after prolonged treatment with certain medications. Bad habits, an unbalanced diet, and certain diseases, such as diabetes, also cause the development of HPV in the human body.
Symptoms of the disease
Once in the human body, the virus cells invade the lower layers of the epithelium and transform into 2 types: benign (the virus does not penetrate into the “host” chromosome, but develops on its own) and malignant (HPV cells spread throughout the entire human DNA, causing its mutation and rebirth) . HPV 51, like all papillomaviruses, manifests itself in the form of neoplasms and belongs to the second type.
In both men and women, genital warts appear in the genital area , both single and multiple – this is the first symptom of the pathology. It is these growths that pose a danger to humans, as they can affect large areas of the body.
Condylomas are usually small – about 1 mm, but there are also such neoplasms that are larger than 1–1.5 cm, all have a leg and in their appearance they resemble cauliflower.
Such a neoplasm tends to grow rather rapidly – sometimes the period from a small and unpleasant itch to a full-fledged neoplasm on the leg “passes” in just a few hours. Often there is injury to the papilloma, sometimes accompanied by bleeding.
Left untreated, the neoplasm can mutate, affecting the entire genital area and degenerate into a cancerous tumor. This disease is so serious that it requires quite complex treatment and, sometimes, even the removal of the entire reproductive system.
The female body tolerates HPV much worse – in addition to the fact that growths in the genital area can be multiple and form in a fairly short time, general well-being also worsens: nausea appears, sometimes reaching vomiting; body temperature rises; erosion of the cervix appears.
The woman rapidly begins to lose weight, she has a constant weakness. During urination, sharp pains and burning may be felt. During sexual intercourse, a woman begins to experience rather painful sensations, she has discharge with bloody streaks, and sometimes bleeding that is not associated with the menstrual cycle.
In women, sometimes HPV 51 manifests itself in the form of flat papillomas on the cervix. It is almost impossible to detect them on your own, only a gynecologist can see the neoplasm and prescribe treatment. Important: timely therapy of HPV 51 reduces the risk of developing oncological processes, the treatment of which requires the use of a course of chemotherapy.
How dangerous is the virus?
HPV 51 poses a great threat to human life and health, since, as it develops, it increases the risk of developing an irreversible oncological process. In addition, warts, due to the specifics of their clinical course, in the absence of therapy, are able to cover the entire human body.
If a woman or a man practices frequent oral sex, HPV 51 can provoke the appearance of neoplasms in the oral cavity and laryngeal mucosa, as a result of which a person loses his voice. The only method of healing from such a pathology is surgical intervention – the removal of growths by surgery.
Diagnosing an infection
To determine the presence of viruses in the body is possible only in the doctor’s office. Although HPV also has signs of development, these symptoms are similar to those of other diseases, so it is still very difficult to diagnose the presence of papillomavirus on your own. Doctors conduct special studies, the results of which determine the presence of HPV in the human body:
- PCR (polydimensional chain reaction) – the test helps to determine the strain of the virus. Any biological fluid of the patient is suitable for the study.
- Digen – research – a special analysis of the virus itself, which determines its type and degree of oncogenicity.
- Particles of neoplasms are also subjected to cytological or histological examination – this is how atypical, cancerous cells are detected.
A positive test result for HPV51 necessarily implies specific drug treatment, as well as removal of neoplasms.
Virus Treatment
To date, papillomavirus is one of the most complex diseases, since its treatment becomes a rather difficult process. During therapy, all signs of pathology disappear, but eventually reappear. Papillomavirus is incurable, so doctors recommend avoiding factors that provoke its development, thus, as if blocking the disease.
The approach to the complex treatment of HPV51 is determined individually for each patient and consists not only in eliminating the manifestations of pathology, but also in strengthening the protective functions of the entire patient’s body. Therapy depends on the localization of the papillomavirus itself and the degree of its oncogenicity.
There are no drugs that can “kill” the virus – the treatment is aimed at activating the patient’s natural defenses. After strengthening the immune system, the body of a person suffering from HPV begins to heal itself.
Neoplasms are removed surgically or using the cryodestruction method. But, despite the therapy, the disease is prone to relapse. In addition, doctors often state that the patient is re-infected.
Vaccination
The achievements of modern doctors have created a vaccine against HPV. It consists of an empty shell of the virus and does not contain its genetic material. You cannot get HPV from a vaccine. The action of the vaccine is based on the introduction of L1 capsid proteins, which assemble into virus-like particles and destroy the cells of the real virus, preventing its further development.
Indications for vaccination
Everyone over the age of 13 and up to 25-27 years old is recommended to get vaccinated. Because HPV is sexually transmitted, vaccinations should be given before sexual activity begins. It is advisable to carry out such vaccination for women over 26 years of age – during the active reproductive period, so you can significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection by a woman during pregnancy.
Vaccination schedule
The vaccination is done three times – the drug is injected intramuscularly, into the shoulder. The interval between the first two injections is two months. The time of introduction of the third vaccine is 4 months after the second. With the onset of pregnancy, the next dose of the vaccine is transferred to the postpartum period.
In the event that all three vaccinations have been successfully completed within 12 months, the vaccination is considered completed successfully. The duration of the vaccine is 15 years. But doctors believe that antibodies, thanks to successful vaccination, continue to be produced for many more years, apparently a lifetime.
Contraindications to vaccination
There are practically no contraindications for vaccination. Even infection with one type of HPV is not a condition that makes vaccination impossible. But in this situation, it is necessary to consult a doctor about the need for such a vaccination.
Of course, vaccination is not carried out for pregnant women, people suffering from allergic reactions to the components of the drug, as well as during periods of exacerbation of chronic or inflammatory diseases, postponing vaccination until complete recovery.
Prevention
Of course, one of the main preventive measures against HPV 51 is timely vaccination. But, since the disease develops in people with weakened immunity, the main task is to strengthen the body’s defenses. This is facilitated by:
- the right way of life and a rational mode of work and rest;
- rejection of bad habits;
- elimination of immunodeficiency states;
- a balanced diet and a complex of vitamins that need to be taken in spring and autumn.
And, of course, since the papillomavirus is sexually transmitted, it is important to pay attention to sexual contacts. It is advisable to have a permanent partner, always use protective equipment during intercourse and do not forget about the rules of personal hygiene.
If neoplasms or even minor symptoms of pathology appear, it is necessary to consult a doctor who diagnoses the pathology and prescribes the appropriate treatment. This will help reduce the risk of developing cancer and even save lives.
