HPV infection, one of the most common diseases in the world, not only negatively affects a person's life comfort, but also causes life-threatening risks by causing cervical cancer. Sexually transmitted disease virus is more common in people who have their first experience at an early age and have a high number of partners. The way to take precautions is to be conscious about this issue and get vaccinated. Op. from the Department of Urology. Dr. Miraç Turan gave information about HPV infections and treatment methods.
There are more than 100 types
HPV, that is, Human papilloma virus is a virus that is mostly transmitted sexually and has become very common in recent years. HPV, which has more than 100 types, can be divided into two groups: high-risk and low-risk. It can cause warts in various parts of the body in men and women, but especially in the genital area and reduce the comfort of life, and it is the main cause of cervical cancer in women. In addition, it is a known fact that it also causes oral cancer and penis cancer. Its social effects are greater than the health problem. Negative aspects include misinforming patients, limited diagnostic and treatment methods, and recurrence. Good guidance and information of patients is as important as treatment options.
Not every HPV type may cause symptoms
The most common cause of transmission is the contact of the genital areas during sexual intercourse. A condom is not sufficient for protection because it cannot fully prevent skin contact. The first diagnosis is made during the examination of the doctor consulted due to suspicion of the patient or his/her partner. PCR multiplex test, pathological examination from the smear sample taken from the woman is the most effective diagnostic method. With the HPV genotyping test, cancer risks can be revealed by determining the type of virus in HPV-positive patients. Protection against the most common and risky types can be provided by vaccines available on the market. Since not every type of HPV causes symptoms like warts, it is very important for women not to skip their routine gynecological check-ups and smear tests. In addition, individuals with suspected sexual contact can check whether they carry this virus by having an HPV genotyping test. They can learn in a short time.
Cauterization is the most commonly used treatment method.
There is no drug used in the treatment of this virus yet. When warts appear in the genital area, there are methods used for cosmetic purposes or to reduce the virus load. The most well-known are medical products that can be applied in the form of creams, cryotherapy and the most commonly used cauterization. Warts are burned with cauterization. Warts that spread over a very large area are burned with general anesthesia, while smaller and fewer warts are burned with local anesthesia. Burning or freezing warts does not mean that warts will not occur again. Recurrence of warts depends on the patients' immune system or the strength of the virus. The best known solution is to remove the virus from the body by strengthening our immune system. The most common and scientifically supported solution in this regard in the world is considered to be the use of immune boosters containing mushrooms.
You can be protected by vaccination
Vaccination can be done for some types of HPV. In recent years, there have been publications indicating that vaccination can also be applied to men. The vaccine is more protective against cancer in people who are not infected with the HPV virus. Although it has recently been shown that the vaccine has the ability to kill the virus, discussions continue. Full or superficial sexual contact is sufficient to transmit the virus. Using a condom is only marginally effective at preventing transmission. Viruses can be transmitted from the genital area that the condom cannot cover. Recently, it has become clear that the virus can be transmitted not only sexually but also through hand contact or oral sex. And it is known that the frequency and power of the virus in causing cancer has increased in recent years. Transmission of the virus has become unpreventable, but its carcinogenic effects can be protected by vaccination.
Warts or similar moles in the genital area should not be shaved and depilatory cream should be used before consulting a doctor. After treatment, the immune system should be strengthened. Reducing or quitting smoking, having a regular and full night's sleep, increasing water consumption, reducing the number of sexual partners, monogamy It is necessary to switch to a healthy diet and reduce alcohol consumption. When genital warts are encountered; It brings with it a number of social problems such as not being able to explain it to the partner, sexual intercourse turning into a phobia, worrying about the person's health, not knowing whether he will harm those around him due to lack of information, and not being able to find a person or doctor who will understand him. The first helpful factor in this stage of social problems is for the patient to find the address where he/she will feel comfortable and where he/she should be fully aware of the principle of confidentiality.
Read: 0
