Human papillomavirus: how it is transmitted and how to prevent infection

Human papillomavirus

Papilloma virus can stay in the human body for a long time and does not manifest itself in any way. It is activated only when the immunity is weakened. In most cases, the infection does not pose a particular threat, but some strains can develop into oncological diseases under certain factors. And this is already a threat to human life. It is impossible to get rid of the pathogen completely. Therefore, it is important to know how human papillomavirus is transmitted to reduce the risk of HPV infection.

Features of the virus and its transmission

Human papillomavirus causes benign neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes. They look like a papilla protruding a few millimeters above the surface. As a rule, such an increase is seen when the body's defenses are weakened. Generally, a person lives quietly and does not yet think, "Can I be a carrier or not? "Why do papillomas occur:

  • frequent hypothermia or overheating;
  • Presence of co-morbidities
  • ;
  • malnutrition;
  • having bad habits;
  • frequent stress, depression, overwork;
  • vitamin, mineral and other nutrient deficiencies.

90% of the world's population is a carrier of papillomavirus. The immediate question is whether human papillomavirus is contagious. The answer is yes. No one is 100% insured against infection. That's why it's important to know how you can get HPV (Human Papillomavirus).

How human papillomavirus is transmitted

Given the high risk of HPV infection, the question of how the infection (human papillomavirus) is transmitted often arises. Knowing the answer to this question can significantly reduce the risk of infection. Pathogenic microorganisms are transmitted from person to person. These are the most common ways of infection. Methods of contact with infection:

  • Sexually transmitted HPV pathogen (sexually transmitted). The spread of oncogenic microorganisms often occurs in this way. For example, strains 16 and 18, such as HPV 16 and 18, are life-threatening because they can turn into cancer.
  • Methods of contact with infection. You can be infected by touching, hugging and kissing a person. The virus enters the body through micro-cracks in the skin. Therefore, if you notice a wart on your body (if you suspect that it is contagious), you do not need to be in close contact with people.

Transmission tracks can also be internal. Here's how to get an infection (papilloma):

A newborn baby can be infected with HPV
  • through personal hygiene products (towels, clothes, toothbrush, etc. );
  • human papillomavirus can be transmitted through clothing (infection occurs as a result of skin damage);
  • Infection can occur in public baths, saunas (pathogenic place, benches, etc. ).

The disease is not hereditary. However, a newborn baby can also be infected. How to find papilloma in a baby:

  • during the development of an infected congenital intrauterine;
  • with the birth canal during childbirth.

Pregnant women should be very careful not to infect or activate the pathogen.After all, not only the health of the baby depends on it, but also on the life of the baby.

How human papilloma (HPV) is transmitted: Infection can occur in medical centers, hairdressing salons, beauty salons due to inadequate sterilization of instruments. This is very rare, because such facilities, as a rule, meet all sanitary standards, but there is still a place.

An infected person may not be aware of this. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo routine diagnostic examinations every year. How the infection occurred is now known. As a result, preventive measures can be taken and infection can be prevented.

Sex method

Earlier we thought about how you can get infected with a benign neoplasm (papillomavirus). It has been found that most HPVs are transmitted through sexual contact. In addition, you can be infected with any type of sex (vaginal, oral, anal).Papilloma is transmitted sexually by contact with the mucous membrane when damaged. In addition, the risk of contracting anal sex is higher because it is more traumatic.

Use a condom during sexual intercourse with HPV

Given the increased risk of infection during intercourse, the question arises, is it possible for a partner to have sex with HPV? In addition, infection with oncogenic strains of the virus often occurs during sexual intercourse.

Sexual intercourse with HPV is acceptable. However, during this period you should always use barrier contraception (condoms). According to statistics, protection helps prevent infection in 2 out of 3 cases in men and women. Without contraception, the risk of infection increases to 90%. If one of the people in the intimate area is infected, it is necessary to undergo regular diagnostic tests for oncogenicity of the pathogen (a healthy partner for the presence of HPV).

However, during sexual intercourse, even with contraceptives, unwanted events can occur. Growth can be damaged during sexual intercourse. As a result, another infection or blood poisoning can occur. In addition, damage to the neoplasm can cause it to become malignant. Thus,found that sexual intercourse was undesirable when treating HPV.If you do, be very careful. But it is better to communicate only after treatment. Sexual life is less risky after papillomas are removed.

Papillomavirus is believed to be activated by masturbation. Allegedly, this is an inadequate connection, which leads to hormonal disorders and weakening of the immune system. This idea is wrong. Masturbation does not affect the body's protective functions in any way.

for oral sex

HPV can be spread from woman to man and vice versa through oral sex. This occurs as a result of micro damage to the skin and mucous membranes. Through oral sex, HPV strains are most commonly transmitted, and this can lead to cancer.

A condom for oral sex reduces the risk of infection if only one blow is applied. In 90% of cases, infection with cunnilingus cannot be prevented.

Is human papillomavirus transmitted to a newborn?

We understand how often adults are infected with papillomavirus. Now it is important to understand whether human papillomavirus is passed on to the unborn child, how it occurs, and what the risks are to the baby.

Infection can occur in a newborn by touching and kissing the mother if it is a carrier of the pathogen.. The infection enters the baby's body through damage to the skin or mucous membranes.

Infection can also occur during fetal development. From an infected woman to her fetus. Infection can also occur during childbirth. Although rare, it has dire consequences.

HPV is spread through kissing

Kissing and Blood

How to transmit papillomavirus infection:

  • by saliva;
  • by a kiss;
  • through blood.

The question immediately arises, if HPV is transmitted through kissing, can you kiss an infected person? This decision belongs to you. If you are 100% sure that there is no damage (even microscopic) in your mouth, kissing is completely acceptable. But this is a very risky decision. There may be lesions in the mouth that are not felt and you do not know.

The possibility of human infection with human papillomavirus has not been scientifically proven. There are cases of infection during transfusion.However, this is not evidence that the pathogen can pass in this way.In these cases, the infection may have been transmitted through poorly sterilized instruments.

Home Road

In 85-90% of cases, it is possible to become infected at home when one of the family members becomes infected.The home remedy for HPV infectionPathogenic microorganisms in the home are often transmitted from parents to children. The baby's immunity is still not strong, and therefore the baby is more susceptible to infection. An internal infection can occur as follows:

  • If the skin is damaged, infection can occur with common bedding, towels, clothes, soap, cosmetics, and bandages;
  • can be transmitted through saliva, using a dish, a toothbrush, kissing a virus carrier;
  • when wearing the clothes of an infected person (especially underwear);
  • Shaving and epilation can occur spontaneously at home.

Infection in public places is also a common way of pathogen infection. For example, in the pool, steam bath, sauna. Both with frequent handshakes and sincere hugs.

How not to get infected with papillomavirus

How not to get HPV (human papillomavirus):

  • Avoid frequent changes of sexual partners;
  • protect themselves during intimacy;
  • not to use other people's belongings;
  • Don't wear other people's clothes;
  • Avoid visiting public baths, saunas, swimming pools (or at least wear personal towels, changeable shoes);
  • Do not drink or eat infected people;
  • Be careful when choosing a cosmetologist, clinic, hairdresser (you must make sure that all sterilization rules are followed in the enterprise);
  • Do not come into close contact with virus carriers.

If papillomas develop, consult your doctor. It will make the necessary diagnosis, determine the severity of the pathogen and, if necessary, prescribe an effective treatment.

protects the condom

If one of your partners has HPV, you should use a condom during sex. However, a contraceptive is not a 100% guarantee that the infection will not be transmitted. Of course,the pathogen will not pass through the condom, but the infection can occur in a different way.

Infection can occur with pre-game. Through micro cracks in the skin or in the mouth. In this case, contraception, which is an obstacle, will not be saved.

Treatment methods

If you are an HPV carrier, the infection may be inactive in your body and does not cause any problems.You need to monitor the state of your immune system to prevent growth in the body.The stronger it is, the lower the risk of neoplasm formation.

If enlargement occurs, your doctor may advise you not to take any action (provided that the papillomas do not cause discomfort and there is no oncogenic strain). If a decision is made to get rid of neoplasms, as a rule, it is done conservatively. If drug treatment does not give a therapeutic result or there is a risk of degeneration of the papilloma, which turns into an oncological disease, surgery is prescribed (unless there are contraindications).