Papillomavirus infection is widespread throughout the world. HPV infection occurs regardless of age and gender, but the course of the disease and its development in men and women have their own characteristics.
For the stronger sex, the papilloma virus can cause particular disturbances in the sex life and trigger related health problems.
The reasons
The human papillomavirus has such a microscopic structure that it can enter the body through the smallest microcracks on the skin and mucous membranes.
In this regard, there are several possible HPV infections, these are:
- Sexual transmission. Infection can be acquired not only through normal intimate contact, but also through oral contact. In homosexual men, HPV enters through anal contact through cracks in the skin and the rectum. Traumatizing the mucous membranes during sex increases the risk of infection.
- Familial 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 probability that it will be transmitted in baths, saunas, through personal towels. Cases of infection are described in beauty salons, where the rules for disinfecting cosmetic sets and other tools were neglected. The virus can be transmitted through instruments in dental or surgical rooms.
- From mother to child during childbirth.
Men who change sexual partners frequently are more likely to become VSD positive.
It is believed that the younger the girl, the more likely she is to have the papilloma virus in her body - most of the cases of infection detected occur at the age of up to 25 years. Virgins can also be infected with HPV, as oral and other forms of intercourse are often practiced before traditional sex.
Unfortunately, barrier contraception, that is, a 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 passes through the pores of the latex. Of course, a condom reduces the likelihood of infection, but it does not completely eliminate it.
It should also be remembered that the microorganism was found in a certain amount in the saliva and, therefore, it can be transmitted through kisses.
The risk of possible HPV infection increases in men with bad habits. The likelihood of infection increases with a weakening of the body's defenses, after prolonged treatment, while taking antibiotics.
Signs
Since 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 a weakening of the functioning of the immune defense.
Latent behavior of the infection takes from two weeks to a year, in some cases this interval is significantly prolonged.
As a result of the activation of the virus, some of it accumulates in a certain place on the skin or mucous membranes. The accumulation and development of papillomavirus changes the functions of the epithelial cells and this gives rise to a tumor-like process.
Papillomas can form on almost any part of our body, they are often noticed when they appear in the armpits, on the face, neck, and genitals. Sometimes the process of papillomas formation is accompanied by itching and burning.
Papillomavirus formations grow on the body in the form of plaques, warts, filiform bumps on the legs. The biggest risk is genital warts, in men they are located on the penis, can grow around the anus or inside the urethra.
At first, these growths often look like small pimples, in advanced cases they can merge with each other, creating growths that resemble cauliflower in shape.
By themselves, genital warts are unpleasant only because of a cosmetic defect. But if they are not removed and treated in general with papillomatous infection, there is a risk of degeneration of the changed epithelial cells into cancer cells.
Sometimes, during intercourse or careless movements, papillomas are injured, causing slight bleeding and pain. With the strengthening of the immune system, self-healing often occurs, that is, papillomas disappear or become smaller.
Effects
The consequences of infection with the papillomavirus for men are very unpleasant, and they 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 within the urethra. This results in its partial or total obstruction, 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 of a benign formation.
Rectal cancer is often found in men who practice non-traditional sexual relations. When engaging in oral sex, there is a risk of forming papillomas in the throat, which is manifested by various uncomfortable sensations.
A man infected with HPV also poses a certain risk to 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 one towel, bath accessories are used in the family.
Diagnostic methods
Establishing the diagnosis begins with an examination of the patient's external genitalia and entire body.
The doctor must necessarily collect an anamnesis, that is, to clarify when the formations appeared on the body, to what extent the patient relates to their growth, and to find out if there are certain complaintsthere.
To confirm the diagnosis, the patient must pass several tests, these are:
- Swab or scrape from the mucous layer inside the urethra.
- PCR test to determine the type of virus, its quantitative content. This analysis is done after taking a smear, prostate secretion or blood.
- Biopsy - a study of a sample of tissue taken during the removal of genital warts or from the site of a change in the mucous layer.
- Ureteroscopy helps to visually examine changes in the urethra.
Men who have homosexual contact are advised to examine swabs taken from the anal area.
Methods for the treatment of papillomavirus in men
The choice of methods to treat human papillomavirus in men depends on the type of virus found in the man.
If a pathogen with high oncogenic activity is found, then an effective antiviral treatment is prescribed, and in the future the tests must always be repeated.
Papillomas and condylomas are removed from the skin and mucous membranes in different ways. This can be a traditional 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 involves understanding in sexual relations and, if possible, sexual contacts only with trusted partners. The prevention methods include following basic rules in daily life, this is just using your own towel and underwear, following a healthy lifestyle.
Infection can be prevented by vaccination. A special vaccine against HPV has been developed, it is given three times at a certain interval. Vaccination results in the body developing immunity to certain types of the papilloma virus.