Today, we see that diseases transmitted through sexual intercourse are increasing rapidly. Some of the factors that increase the rate of increase are the decreasing age of starting sexual intercourse, the continuation of the relationship with more than one partner, as well as the fact that young people do not know how to take preventive measures for sexually transmitted diseases or neglect to take precautions with the thought that nothing will happen to me.
The disease caused by Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) or Sigil Virus has gained a special importance among sexually transmitted diseases since it is also very common in our country. The most common mode of transmission of HPV is sexual contact. Although condoms can prevent many sexually transmitted diseases, HPV is not effective either. Since the virus can be found in all parts of the genital organs, condoms cannot prevent the transmission of the virus. More than 90 types of Human Papilloma Virus have been identified so far. Among them, types 6 and 11 cause the appearance of papillomas (wart-like bumps) in the genital area in women and men, while types 1-3 and 5 cause warts on the hands and feet of children.
In contrast to these types, which are not very harmful, HPV types 16-18-31-33 and 35 do not form such raised warts. However, they cause cellular changes, which we call dysplasia, especially in the vagina and cervix in women. Cervical dysplasias can be defined as premalignant or precancerous cell changes (with a high risk of turning into malignancy). These dysplasias are divided into 3 classes as mild, moderate and severe in practice.
Mild dysplasias, which are generally the most common type of dysplasia, may not be considered precancerous in a way. Because more than 70% of them can return to normal without treatment, especially with the increase of body resistance. The rest may progress to moderate or severe dysplasia. Moderate and severe dysplasias have a high risk of turning into cancer over time. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary to treat them.
Undoubtedly, the most common cause of cervical dysplasia is HPV. Nicotine in cigarettes is another cause that can lead to cervical dysplasia with its chemical effect on cervical cells. It has been shown that nicotine accumulates in the genital secretions of men who smoke. During sexual intercourse, these chemicals can reach the woman’s cervix and cause dysplasia. For this reason, women with cervical dysplasia, whether they have HPV or not, smoking themselves, as well as being with a smoking partner, increases the risk of cancer. On the other hand, the increase in body resistance as a result of a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits, antioxidants and vitamins reduce this risk.
Obvious warts are seen in only 1% of people with Human Papilloma virus. For this reason, the diagnosis with the macroscopic image is insufficient to determine the cases. Mostly, the diagnosis is made by detecting HPV-induced cellular changes in Smear Vaginal (examination from the discharge from the cervix). Diagnosis can be made directly with colposcopy and biopsy under colposcopy. However, when the first diagnosis is made, it should be taken into account that the virus may have been acquired years before the diagnosis. The benefit of HPV – DNA or RNA tests and Virus type determination in prevention or treatment is controversial.
There is no effective radical treatment for HPV infection. It has been shown that HPV persists even after Genis Laser applications. Therefore, if there is no cervical dysplasia in asymptomatic cases, no treatment is required. It won’t help. The main purpose of treatment is to remove warts.
There is no need for examination of the sex partner and screening tests for HPV. Most likely he also has a subclinical infection. If dysplasia is present with HPV, treatment is aimed at eliminating the lesion. The patient’s age, fertility, characteristics of the lesion are effective in the selection of the medical or surgical method to be applied. Considering the negative effects on the fetus, drugs used in medical treatment should not be used in pregnant women.
If there is no dysplasia, there is no need for treatment even if HPV is detected.
Patients with suppressed immune systems do not respond well to treatment. In these patients, the risk of recurrence of the disease and transformation into cervical cancer is high.
Although it is known that some HPV types can be transmitted to the baby, the transmission route is not fully understood. The protection of birth by cesarean section is controversial.
As can be seen, the problem is a serious problem that threatens the youth. Unfortunately, even today, a definite and radical solution has not been reached. The only known precaution is to avoid sexual intercourse with random people and especially not to be with more than one partner.
