Human papillomavirus (HPV) provokes the formation of papillomas, warts, condyloma and is a triggering factor for the development of cervical and laryngopharyngeal cancer. Less commonly, it can affect the oral mucosa, esophagus, conjunctiva of the eye. According to the World Health Organization, the incidence of these infections has increased 10-fold over the past 10 years. In our country, the prevalence of HPV infection, according to regional studies, varies from 29% to 45%. The medical community is especially alert due to the fact that about a third of all isolated viral genotypes provoke the development of oncological pathologies.
Classification of the course of papillomavirus infection
Entering the body of a woman, HPV can show different activities, which depend on the state of her immunity. Depending on how the pathogen behaves, there are several variants of human papillomavirus infection:
- latent flow. Viruses remain in the body, but do not cause pathological changes in cells. No symptoms - the presence of microorganisms can only be determined using molecular biology research methods.
- HPV-related inflammation As a rule, we are talking about cervicitis or vulvovaginitis against the background of HPV, which leads the patient to the gynecologist. In consultation, he can find out: how to treat HPV in women. It should be understood that the virus does not cause inflammation on its own, but creates conditions for the activation of the inflammatory process.
- Condylomas located in the anogenital region and on the mucous membranes of the genital tract are a form of the course of PVI (papillomavirus infection), in which it becomes necessary to use modern surgical techniques to remove the formation. After surgical removal, laser destruction, cryodestruction or radio wave coagulation, complex treatment is required to prevent complications and recurrence.
- Cervical dysplasia. May be asymptomatic or cause discharge. The severe form of the disease is precancerous - to avoid this situation, a correct understanding of how HPV is treated in women is more important than ever.
Classification helps doctors to choose the most effective treatment tactics. Pathogenic strains are also divided into groups depending on their oncological disease-causing ability: HPV with high, medium and low oncogenic risk. Among the 40 variants of the virus transmitted by sexual contact, 14 were classified as high and moderate oncogenic risk: -16, -18, -31, -33, -35, -39, -45, -51, -52, - Type 56, - 58, -59, -66 and -68.
How is the human papilloma virus transmitted?
Among the female population, HPV infection reaches 70%. However, the presence of a pathogen in the body does not mean a disease. If a person has a healthy immune system, then HPV infection, in most cases, is temporary - disappears on its own within 2 years. If this does not happen, the question of how to treat human papillomavirus in women becomes relevant.
The main route of transmission of the virus is contact:
- sexual;
- vertical (from mother to fetus during childbirth);
- household (when using a single towel, razor, underwear).
Young people aged 13-30 years are most susceptible to infection with the virus. At first sexual contact, the risk of infection is about 60%. Viruses can also enter the body without direct sexual contact. It is girls who are most at risk of getting HPV, and then with the consequences. This is due to the peculiarities of the structure of their genital organs.
Human papillomavirus in women: causes
Among the female population, HPV infection reaches 70%. However, the presence of a pathogen in the body does not mean a disease. If a person has a healthy immune system, then HPV infection, in most cases, is temporary - disappears on its own within 2 years. If this does not happen, the question of how to treat human papillomavirus in women becomes relevant.
- concomitant pathology of the reproductive system;
- endocrine disorders;
- immune deficiency and beriberi;
- frequent acute infectious diseases - SARS, other viral and bacterial infections;
- early sexual intercourse;
- abortion;
- smoking and drinking alcohol;
- chronic psycho-emotional stress that weakens the immune system;
- excessive physical and emotional stress, irregular daily routines;
- postpartum period - due to stress and hormonal changes;
- long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs and oral contraceptives.
Frequent change of sexual partners also increases the risk of infection with new types of viruses and activation of existing infections. If immunity is reduced, the virus is integrated into the cellular genome, leading to a high probability of cancer - a way to cure HPV in women at this stage of medical science has not yet been discovered. Therefore, it is very important to keep the activity of the virus under control and stimulate the immune defenses properly.
The first signs of HPV in women and additional symptoms
The most obvious sign of the presence of HPV in a woman's body is the appearance of papillomas on the mucous membranes of the genital organs and skin of the anogenital region. They do not cause pain and, as a rule, go unnoticed for a long time. However, the activity of the virus can provoke the appearance of other unpleasant symptoms, for which a woman should immediately contact a gynecologist:
- pathological discharge from the vagina, accompanied by itching and burning;
- frequent recurrence of vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis;
- foul-smelling discharge.
On examination, the doctor sees benign formations on the skin, changes in the cervical epithelium, signs of inflammation. Cancer can appear only at a later stage of chronic papilloma virus infection.
Is there a cure for the human papilloma virus?
To understand how HPV is currently being treated in women, it is necessary to understand what approaches exist in the treatment of human papillomavirus infection. Currently, the therapy of HPV infection is reduced to the following activities:
- prevention of the development of HPV infection;
- elimination of clinical manifestations;
- systemic and local antiviral immune stimulation.
There is no drug that causes the complete disappearance of the virus from the body. However, research in this area is ongoing - the focus of doctors is focused on the need for combined treatment of the various manifestations of HPV. Research in the field of genetic engineering is promising. Scientists are considering the possibility of "rewriting" the virus' code to self-destruct instead of spreading. Reducing viral copies restores local immunity and eliminates chronic inflammation.
Information for physicians on the topic "How to treat HPV in women" is currently detailed in current clinical guidelines.
When do you need to see a doctor?
Women should undergo preventive examinations by a gynecologist at least once a year. Also, the need to visit a doctor arises when bothersome symptoms appear:
- neoplasms in the genital area;
- warts in other areas of the skin and mucous membranes;
- pain in the lower abdomen;
- unusual discharge or unpleasant odor from the vagina;
- itching, swelling, redness of the genitals.
In situations where accidental sexual intercourse has occurred, it is advisable to visit a gynecologist. He or she will perform an exam, take gynecological swabs and scrapings to detect HPV.
If papillomas occur in other parts of the body, consultation with a dermatologist is necessary. When papillomas or condyloma grow in the anus, proctological intervention may be required. This will help determine the tactics of treatment and what drugs for papillomas should be prescribed to the patient in a particular case for purchase at the pharmacy.
General scheme of therapy
The main weapon in the fight against HPV is the stable immunity of the person himself. The American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention draws attention to the fact that in 90% of cases of contact with the virus, clinical manifestations do not develop due to self-suppression of the virus by natural immunity.
Treatment for HPV infection should be comprehensive and aimed at:
- co-morbidity therapy;
- elimination of external manifestations of the disease - medically and, if necessary, surgically;
- viral load reduction;
- stimulation of the body's own defenses.
Chronic psycho-emotional stress, a bad environment, and co-morbidities reduce a woman's immune system's ability to cope with the virus itself. There are drugs that, having direct antiviral and immunomodulatory effects, help the body's strength and cause a decrease in viral load. These modern medicines include sprays with active glycyrrhizic acid, which are obtained from licorice root. This helps stop the virus from replicating earlier and reduces the number of copies of the HPV genetic material in the body. The device has a special intravaginal nozzle for delivery of the drug to the cervix and its uniform distribution along the vaginal wall. Antiviral and immunomodulatory therapy in the latent course of papillomavirus infection can prevent the appearance of unpleasant symptoms and the transition of the infection to a more aggressive form. If the virus provokes changes in the genital area and cervical epithelium, the spray helps:
- relieve inflammation;
- relieve itching;
- restore mucosal integrity;
- enhance local immunity.
The use of the product is also indicated in the preparatory period to eliminate benign formations caused by HPV, to reduce viral activity and prevent recurrence. These drugs help regenerate the skin and prevent the attachment of secondary infections.
Papilloma and wart removal
Benign formations caused by HPV can be removed, which can be done by the following methods:
- cryodestruction - exposure to the neoplasm with cold;
- electrocoagulation - treatment with high-frequency currents;
- laser removal - layer-by-layer exposure of the laser beam until a scab appears;
- chemical destruction - treatment with a special chemical solution that is applied to the wart and destroys it;
- surgical removal - given the high risk of recurrence after this type of destruction, it is prescribed selectively - if it is not possible to use other methods.
Among the new developments in the treatment of HPV is the CRISPR/Cas9 system, which almost completely cuts DNA and embeds its fragments, thereby inactivating further spread of the virus.
Prevention
For primary prevention, it is recommended to use barrier contraception (condoms), which, although not absolute protection against HPV, will reduce the level of exposure to the virus. You must be selective in choosing a sexual partner. If accidental connection does occur, special sprays can be used to protect against HPV infection, herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus infection.
To date, HPV vaccination is the most effective. It protects against the most common and malignant types of human papillomavirus. In many countries, HPV vaccination is included in the mandatory immunization calendar. The most effective time for vaccination is in childhood and adolescence. Previously, it was believed that after 20 years of vaccination it made no sense. However, recent studies have shown that HPV vaccination is appropriate and effective until the age of 45-47 years.
If a viral infection does occur, the task of secondary prevention is to maintain the patient's health, particularly the condition of his or her immune system. Women should regularly visit a gynecologist to detect viral diseases at an early stage.