Papilloma on the labia is a rather complicated problem that causes self-dissatisfaction and a decrease in the quality of sexual life. They are difficult to hide, they can cause discomfort during intercourse, so papillomas must be removed. In addition, in some cases, growths on the genitals in women can be a dangerous risk of developing cancer.
Reasons for the formation of papillomas
Papilloma on the labia or genital warts is the result of infection with the human papillomavirus. In total, there are more than 100 types of this virus, which differ in the type of neoplasm and the degree of risk of developing oncology.
The virus enters the body mainly through sexual contact against the background of decreased immunity. At the same time, a man who has infected a woman may not have visible signs of the presence of the virus, since papillomas in men do not always appear on the skin.
A decrease in immunity occurs against the background of recently transferred infectious diseases, vitamin deficiency or chronic stress. Papillomas on the labia can be caused by a decrease in local immunity, as a result of various inflammatory and infectious diseases of the genital organs, including thrush and bacterial vaginosis. At the same time, for infection, it is enough to use other people's personal hygiene products, so that after a while unaesthetic growths appear on the labia.
So, despite the fact that the virus is transmitted from one person to another, the reasons for the appearance of papillomas on the labia in women are as follows:
- decreased immunity after ARVI, pneumonia, flu or tonsillitis;
- vaginal infections;
- non-compliance with personal hygiene;
- emphasize;
- unbalanced diet;
- the presence of foci of chronic infection in the body;
- free sex.
All of these factors lead to a decrease in immunity, both general and local. As a result, the body becomes vulnerable to various negative influences and cannot fight the human papillomavirus.
Quite often, the virus does not manifest itself, it is controlled by human immunity. This is true only if the person is completely healthy. Then the virus can be asymptomatic in the body for a long time. The formation of papillomas will occur against the background of decreased immunity. If this doesn't happen in the years to come, the body can cope with the virus on its own, but self-healing usually takes at least 18 months.
What do papillomas on the genitals look like?
How infection of the labia of a woman manifests itself depends on several factors:
- types of viruses;
- the concentration of the virus in the body;
- growth localization.
The formation of papillomas on the labia minora is caused by the influence of conditionally oncogenic or oncogenic viral strains (16, 18, 31, 32, 45 and other types). It is very easy to understand how a papilloma on the labia looks, knowing what a condyloma is. These are small papillae with jagged edges that rise above the surface of the mucous membrane. They usually do not differ in color, or are slightly lighter than the mucous membrane. Papillomavirus manifestations on the labia, provoking the development of genital warts, can spread to the perineum, vulva and vagina of women.
Condyloma always forms only on the mucous membrane. Papillomas on the inner labia in women do not appear, they form only in areas with a thin epidermis.
Papillomas are small balls on the feet that rise above the skin. They have a smooth border with the correct shape, may be slightly lighter or darker than the rest of the skin. When pressed, papillomas on the labia are painless, a homogeneous growth structure is felt under the fingers. This type of neoplasm appears in the groin folds and on the labia majora.
Almost all known methods are used to remove papillomas on the labia, since the risk of burns or deep damage to the epidermis is minimal. Treatment of papillomas on the labia minora is carried out comprehensively, because such growths are potentially dangerous.
Warts can form in the following areas:
- small labia;
- genitals;
- vagina;
- Cervix;
- anal opening;
- crotch;
- urethra.
Photos of papillomas on the labia are no different from pictures of growths on other parts of the body, whereas papillomas or condylomas on the vagina and vagina are difficult to see on their own.
The formation of papillomas on the labia during pregnancy is associated with decreased immunity. In this case, timely treatment of the consequences of HPV plays an important role, otherwise there is a risk of infection of the child while passing through the birth canal.
Why are papillomas dangerous?
Sexual contact and human papillomavirus on the labia in women are directly related. Firstly, after contact with the affected mucosa, there is a risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners. Secondly, with friction during intercourse, papillomas and condylomas can be damaged, which is accompanied by pain. There is a risk of infection with the papilloma, while it becomes inflamed and can begin to degenerate into cancer.
There are cases when, due to repeated injuries, a woman had a large papilloma on the labia majora. No woman is insured against such a risk. Large growths are very dangerous and must be removed first.
Papillomas on the mucous membranes of the labia minora and in the vagina can lead to the development of cervical cancer. This is due to the activity of the papillomavirus, which is manifested by excessive division of epithelial cells in the labia minora and other parts of the mucous membrane. In this case, damage to cervical cells develops in several stages. First, erosions form due to HPV on the labia, then turn into dysplasia, which is a precancerous condition. Lack of timely treatment of dysplasia leads to the development of cervical cancer.
It should be understood that any papilloma on the mucous membrane of the labia is a potential danger. Papillomas themselves can turn into cancer, and not only provoke cervical oncology. Signs of a malignant papilloma are an increase in the size of the growth, pain and itching, a discharge with an unpleasant odor from the growth body and blackening of the skin in the affected area. If you notice such symptoms, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible - an oncologist, gynecologist or dermatologist.
Papilloma treatment and removal
How to treat papillomas on the labia depends on their number and size. It is recommended not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor who will tell you in detail what to do to remove and prevent the reappearance of papillomas on the labia.
To remove papillomas on the labia must be consistent. First, the activity of the virus is suppressed, then the growth itself is removed and, if necessary, immunostimulating therapy is carried out. In order to accurately determine the treatment sequence, a PCR analysis must be passed, which shows the level of activity and concentration of the virus, and also allows you to determine its type.
If a woman is found to have a potentially dangerous strain of the virus, 16 or 18, complex therapy is required. In this case, each removed papilloma is sent for histological analysis and a complete examination of the cervix is performed for epithelial changes.
How to remove papillomas on the labia depends on its exact location. Skin neoplasms are removed by any available means - from surgical to traditional. This is because the skin of the labia majora is quite thick, so complications after removal are rare. It is fair to say that the formations on the labia majora in most cases do not pose a health hazard and do not provoke cancer.
Removal of genital warts on the mucous membranes is carried out either with the help of laser exposure or radio wave methods. Both methods are considered the most gentle, while not clogging the blood vessels that feed the growth, so the risk of bleeding is minimal. When removing a neoplasm from the cervix or vagina, a histological analysis is required to exclude the onset of a pathological process.
You should consult a doctor about how to remove papillomas on the labia. If the analysis shows a high concentration of the virus in the body, there is a risk of re-formation of genital warts, therefore, complex therapy is carried out, including three stages.
- After determining the type of virus, the woman is prescribed antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy. This is necessary to suppress the virus and minimize the risk of papilloma re-formation.
- After drug therapy, which takes an average of several weeks, the papilloma is removed using the method chosen and approved by the doctor. Laser removal or radio wave methods are recommended.
- Some time after removal of the growth, the analysis should be repeated. If the viral concentration is still high, a second drug therapy is prescribed.
Drugs used to treat papillomas are available in the form of tablets and ointments. Antiviral ointments with immunomodulatory properties are recommended for the treatment of papillomas on the skin. If growths appear on the mucous membrane, taking pills is indicated.
As a rule, after removal of papillomas and drug therapy, the body heals on its own after a few months or years. To avoid the re-formation of papillomas, a woman should follow the rules of hygiene, take care of her own immunity and avoid sexual intercourse without a condom.