HPV transmission
HPV transmission can be made by:
- Unprotected sex of any kind: vaginal sex, anal, oral, simply by rubbing the genitals, skin on skin, with no copulation;
- Skin on skin Contact: direct contact with the infected skin can cause infection, one partner may handle an area of the other's body and infect it, or vice versa! You do not have to have skin lesions to transmit HPV virus! Even if you use a condom, by skin contact in the pubic area HPV transmission can occur!
- HPV transmission by common using of personal things: towel, bed linen and underwear, summer swimwear (from friends or in some stores where the rules are not strict, etc.).
-Medical transmission of HPV: improperly sterilized common instruments: gynecologic examination of the vagina and cervix with forceps valve or harvesting secretions with other instruments, so it is advisable to carry out any tests or interventions in certified medical offices.
In women, HPV presents increased cancer risk (such as types 16, 18, 31 and 45), causes changes in cervical cells that can be seen on the Pap test.
Modified minor cervical cells are called atypical squamous cells. If the HPV test detects HPV types increased cancer risk, colposcopy and biopsy is recommended.
Before the test is prohibited vaginal douching, tampon use or medication with vaginal administration for at least 48 hours.
Programming the test is not to be made during menstruation because blood cells can interfere with test results. The best time to test is 8-12 days from last menstrual period.
Bladder should be emptied just before the test. The patient must sign an agreement on the test. Before the test, patients need doctor explanations regarding the test, its risks, and possible outcomes of performing the technique. In general, HPV test results are available in 1-2 weeks.
Test results are:
NORMAL - HPV is not present.
ABNORMAL - HPV is present.
If the type of HPV is one with increased cancer risk, your doctor will recommend further colposcopy and / or cervical biopsy.
What factors may decrease the accuracy of HPV test?
Factors that may interfere with test results and accuracy of the results include:
- Vaginal washes, use internal tampons and vaginal creams in the last 48 hours before performing the test
- Insufficient evidence of cervical cells
- Menstruation
- Treatment with digoxin or tetracycline.
HPV is transmitted during sex, and condoms do not completely protect women against infection. This is because the transmission depends on penetration of HPV itself, and this can occur simply by direct skin contact in the genital region.
