Papilloma virus infection is widespread throughout the world. HPV infection occurs regardless of age and sex, but the course of the disease and its evolution has its own characteristics in men and women.
For the stronger sex, the papilloma virus can cause certain disturbances in sexual life and cause the appearance of related health problems.
The reasons
The human papillomavirus has such a microscopic structure that it can enter the body through the smallest microcracks in the skin and mucous membranes.
In this regard, there are several possible HPV infections, these are:
- Sexual transmission. You can get an infection not only through ordinary close contact, but also through oral contact. In gay men, HPV enters through anal contact through cracks in the skin and rectum. Injury to the mucous membranes during intercourse increases the risk of infection.
- Domestic route of infection. The virus can be in a viable state for a long time in a moist environment and therefore there is a high possibility of its transmission in baths, saunas, through a personal towel. Cases of infection are described in beauty salons, where the rules of disinfection of manicure sets and other tools were neglected. Transmission of the virus through instruments in dental or operating rooms is possible.
- From mother to baby during delivery.
Men who frequently change sexual partners are more likely to become HPV-positive.
It is believed that the younger the girl, the more likely she is to have papillomavirus in her body - most of the cases of detected infection occur at the age of up to 25 years. Virgins can also become infected with HPV, as oral and other types of intercourse are often practiced before traditional sex.
Unfortunately, barrier contraception, i. e. the condom, does not provide a 100% guarantee of preventing HPV infection. This is due to the fact that this microorganism, due to its minimal size, easily penetrates through the pores of the latex. Of course, a condom reduces the chance of possible infection, but it does not completely eliminate it.
It should also be taken into account that the microorganism is found in a certain amount in saliva and, therefore, can be transmitted through kisses.
The risk of possible HPV infection increases in men who have bad habits. The possibility of infection increases with the weakening of the body's defenses, after prolonged treatment, when taking antibiotics.
Symptoms
The fact that he is a carrier of the papilloma virus, a man may not suspect until the activation of the vital activity of this microorganism occurs. The reason for this change is often the weakening of the immune defense function.
Latent transmission of the infection lasts from two weeks to a year, in some cases this period is significantly extended.
The activation of the virus leads to the fact that part of it accumulates in a certain place on the skin or mucous membranes. The accumulation and growth of the papillomavirus changes the functions of the epithelial cells and this leads to a tumor-like process.
Papillomas can form on almost any part of our body, most often they are felt when they appear on the armpits, face, neck and genitals. Sometimes the papilloma formation process is accompanied by itching and burning.
Papilloma virus formations on the body develop in the form of plaques, warts, filamentous bumps on the legs. The biggest risk is genital warts, in men they are on the penis, they can grow around the anus or inside the urethra.
At first, these eruptions usually look like small pimples, in advanced cases they can merge with each other, forming a cauliflower-like growth.
By themselves, genital warts are unpleasant only because of a cosmetic defect. But if they are not removed and not treated in general with a papillomatous infection, then there is a risk of degeneration of the altered epithelial cells into cancerous ones.
Sometimes, during sexual intercourse or careless movements, papillomas are injured, which leads to slight bleeding and pain. With the strengthening of the immune system, self-healing often occurs, that is, papillomas disappear or become smaller.
Belongings
The consequences of infection with the papilloma virus for men are very unpleasant and depend on the strain of this microorganism.
If the inside of the urethra is affected, there is a risk of rapid growth and spread of genital warts inside the urethra. This leads to its partial or complete blockage, which negatively affects the outflow of urine and affects the development of disorders in the functioning of the urinary organs.
The appearance of growths on the glans penis, around the anus and in the rectum increases the likelihood that a benign formation will become malignant.
Rectal cancer is more often found in men who practice non-traditional sexual intercourse. When you have oral sex, there is a risk of papilloma formation in the throat, which manifests itself in various unpleasant sensations.
A man infected with HPV also poses a particular risk to the women in his environment. For a wife or other sexual partner, such a man will be the most likely source of infection. There is a risk of infection and sisters, mothers, daughters when they use a towel, bathroom accessories in the family.
Diagnostic methods
The establishment of the diagnosis begins with the examination of the external genitalia and the entire body of the patient.
The doctor must necessarily collect a history, that is, clarify when the formations appeared on the body, what the patient associates their development with, and find out if there are certain complaints.
To confirm the diagnosis, the patient must pass several tests, which are:
- A swab or scraping from the lining inside the urethra.
- PCR test to determine the type of virus, its quantitative content. This analysis is performed after taking a smear, prostate secretion or blood.
- Biopsy - a study of a tissue sample taken during the removal of genital warts or from the site of a change in the mucous layer.
- Ureteroscopy helps visually examine changes in the urethra.
Men who have homosexual contacts are advised to examine smears from the anal area.
Methods for the treatment of papilloma virus in men
The choice of methods for the treatment of the human papilloma virus in men depends on the strain of the virus detected in the man.
If a pathogen with a high oncogenic effect is identified, then an effective antiviral treatment is prescribed, and in the future it is necessary to constantly repeat the tests.
Papillomas and warts are removed from the skin and mucous membranes in various ways. This can be either a conventional scalpel cut or more modern methods - laser treatment, electrocoagulation, radio wave method.
After the removal of papillomas, it is necessary to increase the body's resistance to infections, which will reduce the risk of infection with another type of HPV.
Prevention
Prevention of human papillomavirus infection is understanding in sexual relations and, if possible, sexual contacts only with trusted partners. Prevention methods include following elementary rules in everyday life, this is using only your own towel and underwear, following a healthy lifestyle.
Infection can be prevented by vaccination. A special vaccine has been developed against HPV, it is administered three times at a certain interval. Vaccination leads to the fact that the body develops immunity to certain strains of the papilloma virus.