{"id":9186,"date":"2024-11-26T13:09:47","date_gmt":"2024-11-26T11:09:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/?p=9186"},"modified":"2026-06-18T14:43:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-18T11:43:52","slug":"human-papillomavirus-vpl-how-it-is-transmitted-what-it-causes-and-how-it-is-cured","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/human-papillomavirus-vpl-how-it-is-transmitted-what-it-causes-and-how-it-is-cured\/","title":{"rendered":"Human papillomavirus (HPV): how it is transmitted, what it causes and how to protect yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"88\" data-end=\"124\"><strong data-start=\"91\" data-end=\"124\">What is human papillomavirus?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"126\" data-end=\"388\">Human papillomavirus (HPV) is <strong data-start=\"187\" data-end=\"253\">one of the most common sexually transmitted infections<\/strong>, and at the same time one of the key risk factors for the development <strong data-start=\"312\" data-end=\"387\">cervical cancer, anogenital warts and some other oncopathologies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"390\" data-end=\"508\">There are over <strong data-start=\"402\" data-end=\"419\">150 types of HPV<\/strong>, of which approximately 40 affect the mucous membranes of the genital organs. They are conventionally divided into:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"510\" data-end=\"695\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"510\" data-end=\"591\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"512\" data-end=\"591\"><strong data-start=\"512\" data-end=\"555\">low-oncogenic types (e.g. 6, 11)<\/strong> \u2014 cause warts, condylomas<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"592\" data-end=\"695\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"594\" data-end=\"695\"><strong data-start=\"594\" data-end=\"650\">highly oncogenic types (e.g. 16, 18, 31, 33, 45)<\/strong> \u2014 associated with cancer<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"697\" data-end=\"937\">According to WHO, <strong data-start=\"713\" data-end=\"763\">over 80% people are infected with HPV during their lifetime<\/strong>, most are asymptomatic. But some infected with the virus <strong data-start=\"823\" data-end=\"895\">remains in the body, becomes active or becomes chronic<\/strong>, causing pathological changes in cells.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"939\" data-end=\"964\"><strong data-start=\"942\" data-end=\"964\">How is HPV transmitted?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"966\" data-end=\"1296\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"966\" data-end=\"1045\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"968\" data-end=\"1045\"><strong data-start=\"968\" data-end=\"985\">Sexual path<\/strong> \u2014 most common: vaginal, oral, anal contact<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1046\" data-end=\"1161\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1048\" data-end=\"1161\"><strong data-start=\"1048\" data-end=\"1076\">Contact-household route<\/strong> \u2014 due to microtraumas to the skin, especially in conditions of high humidity (saunas, swimming pools)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1162\" data-end=\"1226\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1164\" data-end=\"1226\"><strong data-start=\"1164\" data-end=\"1185\">Vertical path<\/strong> \u2014 from mother to child during childbirth<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1227\" data-end=\"1296\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1229\" data-end=\"1296\"><strong data-start=\"1229\" data-end=\"1265\">Through personal hygiene items<\/strong> \u2014 rare, but possible infection<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1298\" data-end=\"1494\">Immunologist Larisa Vishneva notes: <em data-start=\"1332\" data-end=\"1494\">\u00ab&quot;The virus does not enter the bloodstream \u2014 it is localized in the cells of the skin or mucous membrane. But this is what allows it to be a long-lasting and inconspicuous parasite in the tissues.&quot;\u00bb<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"1496\" data-end=\"1527\"><strong data-start=\"1499\" data-end=\"1527\">Symptoms of HPV infection<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1529\" data-end=\"1654\">In most cases, HPV <strong data-start=\"1554\" data-end=\"1579\">does not cause symptoms<\/strong> and is only detected during examination or screening. However, possible manifestations:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1656\" data-end=\"1972\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1656\" data-end=\"1696\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1658\" data-end=\"1696\"><strong data-start=\"1658\" data-end=\"1694\">genital warts (condyloma)<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1697\" data-end=\"1740\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1699\" data-end=\"1740\"><strong data-start=\"1699\" data-end=\"1729\">flat warts, papillomas<\/strong> on the skin<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1741\" data-end=\"1823\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"1823\"><strong data-start=\"1743\" data-end=\"1768\">cervical dysplasia<\/strong> (detected only during cytological examination)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1824\" data-end=\"1900\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1826\" data-end=\"1900\"><strong data-start=\"1826\" data-end=\"1854\">tumor-like formations<\/strong> in the area of the larynx, pharynx, anal canal<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1901\" data-end=\"1972\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1903\" data-end=\"1972\"><strong data-start=\"1903\" data-end=\"1946\">feeling discomfort during sexual intercourse<\/strong> (if warts are present)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9188\" src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/themes\/woodmart\/images\/lazy.svg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pap-1.jpg\" alt=\"HPV vaccination of a girl\" width=\"1024\" height=\"630\" srcset=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pap-1.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pap-1-150x92.jpg 150w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pap-1-600x369.jpg 600w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pap-1-300x185.jpg 300w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pap-1-768x473.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"1974\" data-end=\"1996\"><strong data-start=\"1977\" data-end=\"1996\">HPV diagnostics<\/strong><\/h2>\n<div class=\"pointer-events-none relative left-[50%]! flex w-[100cqw] translate-x-[-50%] justify-center *:pointer-events-auto\">\n<div class=\"tableContainer horzScrollShadows\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full\" data-start=\"1998\" data-end=\"2641\">\n<thead data-start=\"1998\" data-end=\"2088\">\n<tr data-start=\"1998\" data-end=\"2088\">\n<th data-start=\"1998\" data-end=\"2033\"><strong data-start=\"2000\" data-end=\"2009\">Method<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2033\" data-end=\"2088\"><strong data-start=\"2035\" data-end=\"2050\">Appointment<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"2180\" data-end=\"2641\">\n<tr data-start=\"2180\" data-end=\"2276\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2180\" data-end=\"2215\">PCR-<a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/hpv-analysis-for-human-papillomavirus-complete-guide-to-preparation-methods-and-interpretation-of-results\/\"   title=\"HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Test: A Complete Guide to Preparation, Methods, and Interpretation of Results\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"159\">HPV test<\/a><\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)] min-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)\/3)]\" data-start=\"2215\" data-end=\"2276\">Detection of viral DNA, typing (high\/low oncogenic)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2277\" data-end=\"2368\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2277\" data-end=\"2313\">Cytological examination (PAP test)<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2313\" data-end=\"2368\">Detection of cervical cell changes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2369\" data-end=\"2459\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2369\" data-end=\"2404\">Colposcopy<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2404\" data-end=\"2459\">Visualization of changes in the cervix<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2460\" data-end=\"2550\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2460\" data-end=\"2495\">Biopsy<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2495\" data-end=\"2550\">If dysplasia or cancer is suspected<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2551\" data-end=\"2641\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2551\" data-end=\"2586\">E6\/E7 mRNA test<\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)] min-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)\/3)]\" data-start=\"2586\" data-end=\"2641\">Additional detection of HPV oncogene activity<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2643\" data-end=\"2859\">Gynecologist Natalia Shevchenko notes: <em data-start=\"2680\" data-end=\"2859\">\u00ab&quot;The mere fact of the presence of the virus in the analysis is not a verdict. What is important is the oncogenic type and whether there are already cellular changes. In most cases, the body itself &quot;extinguishes&quot; the infection in 6\u201324 months.&quot;\u201c<\/em><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"2861\" data-end=\"2898\"><strong data-start=\"2864\" data-end=\"2898\">HPV and the risk of developing cancer<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2900\" data-end=\"3103\">Highly oncogenic HPV types have the ability to <strong data-start=\"2941\" data-end=\"2974\">to integrate into the cell&#039;s genome<\/strong>, disrupting the mechanisms of apoptosis (natural cell death) and stimulating their uncontrolled division. This is the main mechanism of development:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3105\" data-end=\"3227\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3105\" data-end=\"3129\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3107\" data-end=\"3129\"><strong data-start=\"3107\" data-end=\"3127\">cervical cancer<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3130\" data-end=\"3182\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3132\" data-end=\"3182\"><strong data-start=\"3132\" data-end=\"3180\">cancer of the vulva, vagina, penis, anal canal<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3183\" data-end=\"3227\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3185\" data-end=\"3227\"><strong data-start=\"3185\" data-end=\"3204\">oropharyngeal cancer<\/strong> (especially in men)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"3229\" data-end=\"3249\"><strong data-start=\"3232\" data-end=\"3249\">HPV treatment<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3251\" data-end=\"3345\">The virus itself <strong data-start=\"3261\" data-end=\"3290\">not excreted from the body<\/strong>, but its manifestations and the changes it causes are treated:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3783\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3347\" data-end=\"3424\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3349\" data-end=\"3424\"><strong data-start=\"3349\" data-end=\"3372\">wart removal<\/strong>: laser, cryodestruction, radio wave method<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3425\" data-end=\"3536\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3427\" data-end=\"3536\"><strong data-start=\"3427\" data-end=\"3472\">antiviral drugs (topical\/systemic)<\/strong> \u2014 do not have 100% efficacy, but may reduce activity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3537\" data-end=\"3614\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3539\" data-end=\"3614\"><strong data-start=\"3539\" data-end=\"3558\">immunomodulators<\/strong> \u2014 used to stimulate local immunity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3615\" data-end=\"3701\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3617\" data-end=\"3701\"><strong data-start=\"3617\" data-end=\"3640\">dysplasia treatment<\/strong>: surgical, conization, observation (depending on stage)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3702\" data-end=\"3783\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3704\" data-end=\"3783\"><strong data-start=\"3704\" data-end=\"3729\">regular monitoring<\/strong> \u2014 a key factor in preventing progression to cancer<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"3785\" data-end=\"3808\"><strong data-start=\"3788\" data-end=\"3808\">HPV prevention<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"3810\" data-end=\"4162\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3810\" data-end=\"3865\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3812\" data-end=\"3865\"><strong data-start=\"3812\" data-end=\"3826\">vaccination<\/strong> \u2014 the most effective method of prevention<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3866\" data-end=\"3969\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3868\" data-end=\"3969\"><strong data-start=\"3868\" data-end=\"3900\">barrier methods of contraception<\/strong> (condoms do not guarantee complete protection, but they reduce the risk)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3970\" data-end=\"4007\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3972\" data-end=\"4007\"><strong data-start=\"3972\" data-end=\"4005\">hygiene and monogamous relationships<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4008\" data-end=\"4088\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4088\"><strong data-start=\"4010\" data-end=\"4042\">giving up bad habits<\/strong> (smoking reduces local immunity of mucous membranes)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4089\" data-end=\"4162\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4091\" data-end=\"4162\"><strong data-start=\"4091\" data-end=\"4114\">regular screening<\/strong> \u2014 PAP test every year after the start of sexual activity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"4164\" data-end=\"4191\"><strong data-start=\"4167\" data-end=\"4191\">HPV vaccination<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4193\" data-end=\"4210\">Available vaccines:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4212\" data-end=\"4373\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4212\" data-end=\"4251\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4214\" data-end=\"4251\"><strong data-start=\"4214\" data-end=\"4227\">Cervarix<\/strong> \u2014 against types 16 and 18<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4252\" data-end=\"4296\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4254\" data-end=\"4296\"><strong data-start=\"4254\" data-end=\"4266\">Gardasil<\/strong> \u2014 against types 6, 11, 16, 18<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4297\" data-end=\"4373\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4299\" data-end=\"4373\"><strong data-start=\"4299\" data-end=\"4313\">Gardasil-9<\/strong> \u2014 extended spectrum: types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4375\" data-end=\"4389\">Recommended:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"4391\" data-end=\"4582\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4391\" data-end=\"4444\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4393\" data-end=\"4444\"><strong data-start=\"4393\" data-end=\"4413\">for children 9\u201314 years old<\/strong> \u2014 before the start of sexual activity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4445\" data-end=\"4506\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4447\" data-end=\"4506\"><strong data-start=\"4447\" data-end=\"4469\">women under 26 years old<\/strong> \u2014 even if there is already contact with HPV<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"4507\" data-end=\"4582\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4509\" data-end=\"4582\"><strong data-start=\"4509\" data-end=\"4522\">to men<\/strong> \u2014 for the prevention of warts, rectal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The human papillomavirus is <strong data-start=\"5349\" data-end=\"5405\">not a sentence, but a diagnosis that can and should be worked with<\/strong>. Timely diagnosis, vaccination, and self-care are the best allies in maintaining health.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is human papillomavirus? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common infections that<\/p>","protected":false},"author":97,"featured_media":9187,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[235,236],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9186","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-zhinoche-zdorov-ya","category-choloviche-zdorov-ya"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9186","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/97"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9186"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9186\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13491,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9186\/revisions\/13491"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9187"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9186"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9186"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9186"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}