Human papillomavirus (HPV) is transmitted through contact and/or sexual contact. HPV has been known for over 70 years. In 1935, the ability of this group of viruses to cause the development of papillomas and skin cancer in rabbits was demonstrated. Since then, the ability of HPV to cause cancer in mammals (as well as in humans) has not been in doubt, but for some reason only now have they started to scare about this disease and its consequences. While in the human body, different types of HPV manifest themselves in different ways. However, the unifying feature of these viruses is their ability to cause various forms of papillomas (warts).
Papillomas develop at the site of initial contact in approximately 1-3% of those infected with HPV. Papilloma is considered by doctors as a benign tumor and does not pose a great threat. Although any change in normal cell growth in the form of a tumor or spot should alert both the patient and the doctor. In some cases, HPV manifests itself only as a dermatological disease transmitted by contact. HPV can also manifest as a venereal disease, causing forms of genital papillomas with the genital tract. Since cancer is extremely rare in skin forms of HPV, we will focus more on genital forms of HPV, where cancer is much more common. Genital forms of HPV are caused by about 40 of the 130 known types of the virus. It is estimated that up to 70% of the sexually active adult population will be infected with genital forms of HPV at some point in their lives.
Naturally, sexual activity does not mean an "outdated" monogamous relationship. In fact, if both partners have never had other sexual relations, the probability of genital HPV infection is almost zero. With each new partner, the risk of infection increases significantly. Moreover, it is possible to become infected with several types at the same timeHPV, not to mention other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Unlike many other infections, where the main transmission factor is bodily fluids, HPV is transmitted through contact with the skin and mucous membranes. And for typical STDs, using a condom is a pretty reliable measure, but when it comes to HPV, such as genital herpes, its effectiveness is quite questionable.
Papillomas in men
Male papilloma is a clinical manifestation of human papillomavirus infection in a patient. It must be said that the virus is quite common, but it has the ability to remain in the human body for a long time, practically without manifesting itself externally. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the human papillomavirus is activated, which leads to the formation of various tumors of the skin and mucous membranes. Some types of viruses are characterized by oncogenic activity, so any neoplasms of the skin and mucous membranes should be treated with great care under the supervision of a doctor.
Papillomas in men: causes of appearance
The cause of the appearance of papillomas in men and women on the body is a virus that can enter the body in various ways:
- Due to unprotected sexual contact: the most common type of infection, including the fact that a person can be a carrier of the virus for a long time without even knowing it, because the virus can only appear under the influence of external factors. It is also possible to become infected through direct contact with mucous membranes. In this case, the risk of infection increases if the skin or mucous membranes are damaged (there are cracks, scratches, cuts, etc. ). Due to the prevalence of this infectious agent, it is understood that quite often papillomas (condylomata) appear in men and women in the intimate zone, in contact points from which the risk of infection is usually higher in men, due to their greater sexual activity, but the mucous membranes of women are less protected.
- Through household contact: it is now proven that the HPV virus can enter the human body through normal contact (even a handshake), especially in public places (baths, swimming pools, gyms, etc. ).
It is also necessary to remember that infection with the specified virus does not mean its manifestation.Most often, the disease is activated and felt if:
- the patient's immunity weakens;
- there was great physical or mental stress, stress, exhaustion;
- There are various sexually transmitted diseases.
Peculiarities of the course of human papillomavirus infection in men
Under natural conditions, most viruses are of low pathogenicity due to low infectivity and host resistance to infection. After entering a human cell, the DNA virus usually does not integrate into the cell's genome. Instead, a protein (or group of proteins) encoded by the viral genome rapidly activates the cell's DNA replication system. If the virus replicates synchronously with the cell without harming it, a non-productive type of infection develops, otherwise this process is called overgrowth or asymptomatic carriage.
If the virus replicates rapidly in a cell, the process is called asymptomatic transmission, or it releases thousands of active virus particles. This period is characterized by the appearance of round formations and growths on the skin and mucous membranes. However, HPV types 16 and 18 can integrate into the cell's genome without hijacking the cell's genes. This phenomenon is called "insertion mutagenesis", and the altered gene is inherited by all the offspring of a given cell. This leads to the activation of oncogenes and the formation of a tumor. Thus, these cells are inherited by all offspring from the moment of the formation of the fetus, during the pregnancy of the woman and the birth of the child.
The main factors of infection
- multiple sexual partners;
- use of birth control pills;
- smoking;
- insufficiency of cellular immunity (anemia, thyroid pathology, presence of chronic foci of coccyx infection - tonsillitis, sinusitis, caries);
- artificial dietary restriction, weight loss.
With good immune status, 50% of cases of HPV infection are cleared from the woman's body within one year, and 85% of cases within 4 years. This is why the number of women infected with HPV decreases with age. The development of cancer in men and women is closely related to human papillomavirus infection. Genital warts, body papillomas, warts, and flat warts were found in a study of men and women infected with human papillomavirus infection.
HPV in men: implications
A virus can cause condylomas, or genital warts, which, as the name suggests, are located in the groin, as well as on the head of the penis and the foreskin. This type of condyloma has very dangerous consequences for men and requires treatment. Condylomas on the penis can cause narrowing of the foreskin, making it difficult to expose the glans and causing problems in your personal life. It should also be remembered that in some cases such formations are not an indicator of HPV, but of other sexually transmitted diseases that have not yet appeared (for example, syphilis). Another danger of HPV is that a person carrying the virus can pass it on to their partner, also at risk of developing cancer. The virus can also be transmitted to the fetus from an infected mother, so couples who want to have children should pay special attention to HPV and other such diseases.
HPV in men: symptoms
Most often, HPV can remain undetected in the human body for a long time. However, the most important sign (symptom) of the possible presence of HPV in men and women is the appearance of condylomas and papillomas on the skin and mucous membranes, including the groin or pubic area - warts, bumps and skin irregularities. , the color of which does not differ from the main skin.Condyloma- This is a type of genital papilloma that looks like a small tumor attached to the mucous membrane with a kind of "leg". The size of a condyloma can vary from a few millimeters to a few centimeters - in the latter case, we are talking about a cluster of condylomas. Such papillomas can appear on the head of the penis, on the foreskin, as well as around the anus (then there is a high probability that condylomas may also be in the rectum). They are usually painless, but in some cases men may experience additional symptoms of human papillomavirus if the disease occurs:
- pain during urination, defecation or intercourse;
- bleeding from condylomas: sometimes long non-healing ulcers can form in their place;
- condylomas can also itch sometimes.
The listed symptoms usually indicate condyloma damage.
HPV treatment for men
Initial inspection
The appearance of papillomas, in addition to the presence of HPV in the human body, also indicates a weakened immune system and the possible presence of other sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, some types of papillomas, especially condylomas on the head of the penis, have a high oncological potential, so when the first signs of the disease are detected, a specialist should be consulted. The earlier you start treating the human papilloma virus, the more likely it is that a man will avoid serious health consequences of warts. (All of the above applies to women as well. )
Initial appointment
The initial appointment with a specialist includes a detailed visual examination of the patient's mucous membranes and skin, his questioning and the appointment of tests. Although papillomas usually have a characteristic appearance, additional tests and diagnostics make it possible to accurately determine the presence of HPV in the patient's body.When HPV infection is suspected in men, the following tests are usually prescribed::
- blood test (analysis of condyloma, as well as urethral secretions): modern diagnostic methods make it possible to isolate viral DNA from the available material and thus confirm its presence in the patient's body;
- biopsy of papillomas (condylomas): performed to determine the presence or absence of cancer cells in tumors.
Further treatment regimen
The treatment of human papillomavirus in men is mainly determined by the presence or absence of warts on the genitals. Like the herpes virus, it is almost impossible to completely get rid of HPV, so therapeutic effects and surgical intervention are usually aimed at eliminating its manifestations and increasing the period of remission. Removal of papillomas due to HPV is not indicated in all cases. If the papilloma does not pose a threat and does not bother the patient, it cannot be removed at his request, but then he will have to undergo regular preventive examinations. Removal is a mandatory treatment for male genital warts due to their special location.
Removal methods are different and are selected individually, including taking into account the location of the tumors. In addition to the removal of tumors, the treatment of male genital warts includes the use of drugs that help strengthen the immune system so that the body can fight and suppress the virus, thereby suppressing its manifestations. Depending on the chosen method of getting rid of warts, the patient may be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs.By the way, not one technique can completely rid a person of the infection: the disease is only "suppressed". The therapy is combined and includes the removal of skin growths and the use of medication. The duration depends on the affected area.All skin tumors are removed in several ways:
- using cryodestruction (liquid nitrogen);
- diathermocoagulation (high frequency current);
- electrocoagulation (cauterization with electric current);
- laser;
- chemical or surgical method etc.
In addition to local treatment, various antiviral drugs are used.The main preparations of interferon are the following:
- In addition to local treatment, various antiviral drugs are used: human interferon;
- Viferon;
- cycloferon;
- reaferon;
- leukinferon, etc.
Interferonis a substance produced by the human immune system to protect itself from viruses. Thanks to modern scientific achievements in the field of genetic engineering, interferon-based drugs are obtained by synthesis. This allows you to get a purer drug (without impurities) and less allergenic. Interferon drugs are absorbed into the blood and have a systemic effect on the whole body. However, there are cases when interferon treatment causes allergic reactions. Based on this, the use of these drugs is stopped, and the doctor prepares another course of drugs.
Supplement(dietary supplement) for food containing indole-3-carbinol, a natural substance found in broccoli, is the latest scientific discovery. This chemical compound has a strong anti-carcinogenic effect (prevents the formation of malignant formations in the intestines, lungs, etc. ). It should be noted that indole-3-carbinol is found in most varieties of cabbage. The use of indinol has been shown to increase the effectiveness of interferon therapy. However, this drug is still being tested, and its effects on the body are being studied in detail. The doctor can prescribe non-specific immunomodulators.
It is important to remember that the functioning of the immune system is not completely understood, as its state changes depending on any intervention: be it therapeutic or microbial. For this reason, immunomodulators should not be administered randomly. It should be remembered that antiviral drugs, such as an antiviral drug that is particularly effective against the herpes simplex, zoster (zoster) and varicella viruses, have no effect in the treatment of PVI. Therefore, their use is impractical.
The patient may also be counseled during treatment:
- refrain from sexual intercourse, especially unprotected, so that the virus does not enter the partner's body;
- Strengthen your immune system yourself through diet and moderate physical activity.
Treatment result:It should be remembered that the process of HPV treatment, its time and effectiveness depend greatly on the general condition of the patient's body, concomitant diseases, as well as on the development of possible complications (primarily oncological) of this disease.
Complications
The presence of papillomas and condylomas is a cosmetic defect. Growths located in the genital area negatively affect a man's mental and sexual health and cause difficulties in communicating with the opposite sex. In addition, such a man is a source of infection for his sexual partners. With a decrease in immunity, condylomas can grow quickly, occupying a considerable area. When the rectum is involved in the process, there is a feeling of a foreign body in the rectum, anal fissures and other proctological problems can occur. The spread of plants to the area of the urethra leads to the development of urological pathology. Bleeding occurs when formations are injured. When an infection occurs, inflammation and abscess begin, accompanied by pain, fever, weakness, and the general condition worsens.
Prevention
The complexity of HPV treatment, as well as the serious health problems that this virus can cause, lead to preventive measures that include:
- ordered sex with a trusted partner and used barrier contraceptives. At the same time, modern research shows that only high-quality protective measures can significantly reduce the risk of HPV infection for both partners;
- strengthening the immune system: diet, vitamin intake, etc. ;
- the use of a special vaccine: the course of the use of drugs against the human papillomavirus in men is three injections into the muscle of the upper arm and can reduce the risk of this disease. The injection must be performed after prior consultation with a specialist (this prevention is only possible for people not infected with HPV);
- preventive visits to the urologist in order to check for sexually transmitted diseases and other possible problems of the urogenital system, to conduct tests to detect the virus.
If characteristic formations are detected in the intimate area, as well as in other parts of the body, on the skin and mucous membranes, it is necessary to seek help from a specialist as soon as possible. This will prevent complications and other unwanted consequences for men's health. In such cases, self-treatment is strictly not recommended, as only a specialist can diagnose and correctly prescribe the treatment of male genital warts.
FAQ
What symptoms can papilloma cause in men?
Male papilloma may appear as small warts or flat warts on or near the skin of the genitals, anus. Itching, discomfort, or minor pain in the affected area may also occur.
How is papilloma transmitted to men?
Male papilloma is transmitted through contact with infected skin or genital mucosa. It can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, as well as through direct contact with the affected area.
How to prevent papilloma infection in men?
In order to prevent papilloma infection in men, it is recommended to use a condom during sexual intercourse. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) can also reduce the risk of infection. Regular visits to the doctor and tests will also help to detect the infection in its early stages and prevent its spread.
Useful tips
Tip 1
For professional consultation and diagnosis, contact a dermatovenerologist. Only an experienced specialist will be able to accurately determine whether a papilloma is dangerous and whether it needs to be removed.
Tip 2
Avoid injuring the papilloma. Do not try to remove it yourself, as this can lead to infection and complications. If the papilloma is in an area of friction or injury (such as the neck or armpit), try using a soft bandage or tape to prevent damage.
Tip 3
Follow the rules of hygiene. Wash and dry the area around the papilloma regularly to prevent bacterial growth and infection. Avoid sharing hygiene items (such as towels or razors) with other people to prevent the spread of infection.