Human papillomavirus in women - symptoms and treatment

If warts appear near the anus, this means that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is developing in the body. A dangerous infection, which in the active stage can lead to oncology, death. Diagnosis and treatment must be timely.

What is Human Papilloma Virus

HPV is a common genital infection that, through active cell division, causes the appearance of warts in the intimate area. The viral group of the papillomavirus family includes 5 genera, 27 species, more than 170 strains. HPV infects about 60% of the world's population. In most cases, the virus has been in the body in a latent form for years.

Incubation period

Replication lasts 3 months, when the virus does not manifest itself in any way. In some cases, the incubation period varies from 16 days to 12 months, depending on the immune status. During this period, the infection proliferates, affecting healthy tissue. Young women's immunity clears HPV by itself in 80-90% of cases. In the remaining 10-20%, infections increase, the disease becomes chronic.

infection route

Human papillomavirus infection in women enters the body in the following ways:

  • sexual. The main route of infection, where the infection enters the body through anal, vaginal contact.
  • Contact and household. Use of sick people's belongings, clothes, shoes, household items.
  • From mother to fetus. HPV is passed to the baby as it moves through the birth canal if the mother is infected.
  • Contact. Contact with the skin of an infected person.

Causes of HPV in women

Strong immunity destroys the virus in 90% of cases, and no treatment is required. In the rest of the patients, it became active, relapsed. The causes of HPV in women are:

  • viral disease;
  • early sexual activity;
  • HIV AIDS;
  • change sexual partners frequently;
  • immunosuppressive therapy;
  • unprotected sex;
  • long-term treatment;
  • giving birth, having frequent abortions;
  • diabetes;
  • drug addiction, alcoholism in women;
  • chronic diseases of the genitourinary field;
  • weak immunity after illness.

What is dangerous?

Papillomavirus in women causes malignant tumors of the cervix, labia, vulva, and anus. Breast cancer can develop. In order to exclude uterine dysplasia and the further development of cancer, it is necessary to timely determine the DNA virus and start treatment. HPV during pregnancy is fraught with infection of the fetus. If a woman falls ill while carrying a fetus, complex therapy is started at 7 months of age, when the child's organs are fully formed.

Oncogenic HPV types

Depending on the level of cancer risk, the following types of HPV are distinguished in women:

  • Non-oncogenic. HPV types 1, 2, 4, 5. Pathogenic changes in cells are excluded, cancer does not develop.
  • Low oncogenic. HPV types 3, 6, 11, 13, 32, 34, 40–44, 51, 61, 72, 73 do not cause oncology with persistent immunity. Under the influence of provoking factors, the development of malignant tumors is possible.
  • Moderate oncogenic. HPV types 52, 53, 56, 58 and 30, 35, 45. Under the influence of provoking factors, cancer develops.
  • Highly oncogenic. Hpv types 50, 59, 68, 64, 70 and 16, 18, 31, 33, 39. High probability of developing oncology.

HPV types 16 and 18

HPV type 16 is highly oncogenic. Microbes attack body cells, blocking antitumor defenses. In the genital area, gray spots with a rough surface appear on the anus. Over time, warts, papillomas, and condylomas form. They are localized not only on the genitals, but also on the neck, eyelids, thighs, and in the armpits.

HPV type 18 also integrates into cell DNA, reducing immune system activity, which creates favorable conditions for benign tumors susceptible to malignancy. Cervical cancer can develop. HPV type 18 also causes papillomas, genital warts, and warts.

Symptoms of infection

Signs of infection depend on the type of illness the person has. At first, HPV carriers do not experience any discomfort. This virus is in latent form (asymptomatic). Under the influence of provoking factors, the following signs of HPV appear:

  • pain in the external genitalia;
  • burning sensation, vaginal discharge;
  • skin neoplasms;
  • pain during intercourse.

Papillomas and Condyloma

Skin growths are the first sign of HPV. Genital warts appear when infected with viruses of 6, 11 types. The growths are flesh-colored, outwardly reminiscent of cauliflower. Such neoplasms are often prone to malignancy, localized in the anus, external genitalia, rarely near the oral cavity. The rashes are numerous, can merge into large foci. The main danger is the risk of injury in such a buildup on thin legs.

Papillomas are caused by the activity of HPV types 1, 2, 3, 4, 10. Localized on the lips, eyelids, chest, neck, armpits and mouth. Growths of dense consistency on the legs vary in color (pink, brown, pale). In women, vestibular papillomatosis may worsen. The disease cannot be cured. With strong immunity, such growths disappear without treatment, the risk of malignancy is minimal.

wart

In women, the following types of warts are distinguished in form:

  • Ordinary (vulgar). Localized on the face, head, fingers, hands. Plantar warts appear on the soles of the feet, caused by HPV types 1, 2.
  • Stringy. Nodules on the legs are located in the groin, under the armpits and mammary glands, on the genitals.
  • Flat (young). Localized in the armpits, neck, arms, face and chest. They appear in adolescence, disappear on their own as they mature. Caused by viruses type 3, 5.

Diagnostic

In order to speed up the recovery of girls and women, you need to properly examine and determine the type of virus. In case of dangerous conditions, a woman is registered in the department of venereal disease. Diagnostics is complex, including the following methods:

  • Instrumental examination by a gynecologist. The doctor detects a skin neoplasm, determines its size and localization.
  • Colposcopy. A colposcope is used to examine the vagina, cervix, and vulva. For research accuracy, use Lugol's solution, acetic acid.
  • Biopsy. Scraping of biomaterial from the cervix is performed to confirm or exclude oncology.
  • PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Determine the presence of human papillomavirus DNA.
  • ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). This is done to detect specific antibodies in the blood in response to the effects of the virus.

Pap test

This method is used in gynecology. To determine cancerous changes in the epithelium, an incision is made from the cervix. The material is taken from the cervical canal, the inner mucous membrane of the cervix and the vaginal fornix. It is stained, dried, and then examined under a microscope. The purpose of the test is to identify atypical and cancerous cells.

The results evaluation stages are as follows:

  • lack of microbial flora;
  • early stages of atypical cells;
  • abnormal core structure;
  • cells with an irregular nucleus, cytoplasm, chromosomes;
  • high concentrations of malignant cells.

PCR Diagnostics

To determine the characteristics of the DNA region of the papillomavirus, a vaginal swab was performed. With a positive result, the antigen concentration per 100 cells is as follows:

  • Lg to 3 - Low HPV concentration.
  • Lg 3-5 is a very large number of papillomaviruses.
  • Lg of 5 - high concentration of HPV.

Digene test

It is a hybrid capture method that detects regions of papillomavirus DNA. The screening test is characterized by high sensitivity (more than 96%), detecting HPV at an early stage and predisposition to oncology. The Digene test determines the concentration of the virus, often in combination with cytological studies. The Digene test requires no preparation and is used worldwide for fast results.

Papillomavirus treatment in women

Complex HPV therapy includes the following areas:

  • excision of growths on the skin;
  • take antiviral drugs;
  • immunostimulating treatment course.

Condyloma and papilloma, depending on their location on the body, are easily injured. In addition, neoplasms can grow. Such growths are best removed by surgery. Otherwise, the risk increases that the skin lesions will soon become cancerous.

Treatment

Taking medication is necessary to reduce the activity of the virus, to strengthen the immune system. The diagnosis is curable. List of drugs for the complex treatment of HPV:

  • Local cauterization. These are gels, ointments, solutions with organic acids, antiviral components in the composition. This way, you can remove tiny growths on the skin, stopping them from growing.
  • Anti Virus. The composition of the drug contains an antiviral component, when it enters the body, antibodies against infection are produced.
  • Immunomodulator. They inhibit the reproduction of papillomaviruses, stop the growth of skin growth, increase resistance to pathogenic flora, strengthen the immune system.

Surgery

To stop the growth of neoplasms on the skin with viral diseases, one of the proposed surgical techniques is performed:

  • Laser therapy. Laser growth cauterization. This method is allowed during pregnancy, is characterized by good tolerance, rapid rehabilitation.
  • Cryodestruction. The wart is frozen with liquid nitrogen, after which it goes away painlessly. After the procedure, scars are not left on the body.
  • Diathermocoagulation. Growths on the skin are removed with an electric scalpel, an electric current. After the procedure, scars and scars remain on the body.
  • Radio wave treatment. This method is painless, removes medium-sized growths, does not leave scars, and has a minimum of medical contraindications.
  • Surgical method. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia after a preliminary examination. Indications - extensive soft tissue lesions, suspicion of oncology. The disadvantage is the scar.

Traditional medicine

To eliminate papillomavirus manifestations in complex treatment schemes, alternative methods of treatment are used. It is impossible to cure HPV from the inside in this way, but it is quite possible to get rid of neoplasms on the skin without consequences. To get rid of genital warts, warts and papillomas, use the following health recipes:

  • Pull the stalks of fresh celandine, rinse, rub the growths on the skin. Perform the procedure 1 time / day until the wart dries and falls off by itself.
  • Lubricate the wart with castor oil 3-4 times/day. Perform the procedure until the buildup is gone.
  • Squeeze garlic juice, lubricate pathological lesions. Perform the procedure 2-3 times / day. Over time, the wart will disappear.
  • Cut the rowan berries in half. Apply it on the wart, fixing it with a plaster. Carry out the procedure before going to bed, positive dynamics are visible after 8 days. The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks.
  • Mix lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide in equal proportions. Stir, apply to external growth 2-3 times / day, until it falls off.
folk remedies for HPV in women

To quickly destroy the virus and strengthen the immune system, healing herbs and infusions instead of tea can be included in a complex treatment scheme. Folk remedies with immunostimulating properties are as follows:

  • Coniferous infusion. Pour 1 tbsp. l. chopped needle 1 cup boiling water. Simmer over medium heat for a quarter of an hour. Cool, strain, take the broth before eating (you can add honey).
  • Sugar onions. Cook in boiling water for 10 minutes. onion peel in a ratio of 1: 10. Insist on broth, strain. Take 1 tsp orally. 5-6 times / day before meals (can add honey).

Prophylaxis

It is difficult to choose the right drug and destroy the papillomavirus forever. In addition, antiviral therapy has a number of side effects. You need to take preventive measures in time. Medical recommendations are as follows:

  • Follow the rules of personal hygiene.
  • Do the HPV test 2 times / year.
  • Eliminate casual sex.
  • Use barrier contraception.
  • Strengthens the immune system (especially during periods of seasonal vitamin deficiency).
  • Monitor your medication intake.
  • Lead an active lifestyle, exercise.

Prevention of HPV in women includes vaccination. Stationary vaccination is able to protect against only 4 types of papilloma virus - 16 and 18, 6 and 11.