Human papillomavirus in women - symptoms and treatment

If warts appear near the anus, this means the human papillomavirus (HPV) is growing in the body. Dangerous infection, which in the active stage can cause oncology, death. Diagnosis and treatment must be timely.

What is Human Papillomavirus

HPV is a common genital infection that, through active cell division, causes the appearance of warts in the intimate area. The group of viruses from 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 for 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 state of immunity. During this period, the infection multiplies, affecting healthy tissue. Young women’s immunity eliminates HPV on its own in 80-90% of cases. In the remaining 10-20%, the infection increases, the disease becomes chronic.

The route of infection

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 contact, is the vagina.
• Contacts and household. Consumption of goods, clothing, shoes, household items of the sick.
• From mother to fetus. HPV is spread to babies as it travels through the birth canal if the mother is infected.
• Contacts. 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 needed. In the rest of the patients, it becomes active, relapsing. The causes of HPV in women are:

• viral diseases;
• early sexual activity;
• HIV AIDS;
• frequent sexual partner changes;
• immunosuppressive therapy;
• unprotected intercourse;
• long -term medication;
• childbirth, frequent abortions;
• diabetes;
• drug addiction, alcoholism in women;
• chronic diseases of the genitourinary sphere;
• weakened immunity after illness.

What a danger

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

Types of oncogenic HPV

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

• Not 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.
• Simple oncogenic. HPV types 52, 53, 56, 58 and 30, 35, 45. Under the influence of provoking factors, cancer develops.
• Very oncogenic. Types of Hpv 50, 59, 68, 64, 70 and 16, 18, 31, 33, 39. The likelihood of developing oncology is high.

HPV 16 and 18 types

HPV type 16 is highly oncogenic. Microbes attack body cells, inhibiting antitumor defenses. In the genital area, anus, gray spots with a rough surface appear. 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 the activity of the immune system, which creates favorable conditions for benign tumors prone to malignancy. Cervical cancer may develop. HPV type 18 also causes papillomas, genital warts, and warts.

Symptoms of infection

The signs of infection depend on the strain the person is infected with. Initially, HPV carriers experience no discomfort. The virus is in a latent (asymptomatic) form. Under the influence of provoking factors, the following signs of HPV appear:

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

Papillomas and condylomas

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

Papillomas are caused by HPV activity type 1, 2, 3, 4, 10. Localized on the lips, eyelids, chest, neck, armpits and mouth. The growth of dense consistency on the legs varies in color (pink, brown, pale). In women, vestibular papillomatosis may worsen. This disease is incurable. With strong immunity, such growth disappears without treatment, the risk of malignancy is minimal.

Warts

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

• Ordinary (abusive). Localized on the face, head, fingers, hands. Plantar warts appear on the soles of the feet, caused by HPV types 1, 2.
• filamentous. Nodules on the legs are located in the groin, under the armpits and mammary glands, on the genitals.
• Flat (ageless). Localized in the armpits, neck, arms, face and chest. They appear in adolescence, disappear on their own when they are adults. Caused by virus types 3, 5.

Diagnostics

To speed up the recovery of girls and women, you need to be examined and determine the type of virus correctly. In case of a dangerous situation, a woman is registered in the venereal disease department. Diagnostics are complex, including the following methods:

• Instrumental examination by a gynecologist. Doctors detect skin neoplasms, determine their size and localization.
• Colposcopy. A colposcope is used to examine the vagina, cervix and vulva. For study 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). It is performed 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, abrasions are performed from the cervix. The material is taken from the cervical canal, the mucous membranes of the inside of the cervix and the vaginal forniks. It is stained, dried, and then examined under a microscope. The purpose of the test is to identify atypical and cancerous cells.

The stages of decision evaluation are as follows:

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

diagnostic PCR

To determine the characteristics of the papillomavirus DNA area, abrasion was performed from the vagina. With positive results, the antigen concentration per 100 cells is as follows:

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

Digene exam

This is a hybrid capture method that detects areas of papillomavirus DNA. Screening tests are characterized by high sensitivity (more than 96%), detecting HPV at an early stage and predisposition to oncology. Digene tests determine viral concentrations, often combined with cytological studies. The Digene test requires no preparation and is used worldwide for fast results.

Treatment of papillomavirus in women

Complex HPV therapy covers the following areas:

• isolation of tumors on the skin;
• taking antiviral medications;
• course of immunostimulatory treatment.

Condylomas and papillomas, depending on their location on the body, are easily injured. In addition, neoplasms can develop. Such tumors are best removed surgically. Otherwise, the risk increases that the skin lesion will become cancerous soon.

Medicine

Medication is needed to reduce viral activity, to strengthen the immune system. The diagnosis can be cured. List of drugs for the complex treatment of HPV:

• Local cauterizer. These are gels, ointments, solutions with organic acids, antiviral components in the composition. This way, you can remove small growths on the skin, stopping its growth.
• Antivirus. The composition of the drug contains an antiviral component, when it enters the body, antibodies against the infection are produced.
• Immunomodulator. They inhibit the reproduction of papillomavirus, 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. Cauterization of tumors with laser. This method is allowed during pregnancy, is characterized by good tolerance, rapid recovery.
• Cryodestruction. The warts are frozen with liquid nitrogen, after which they disappear without pain. After the procedure, the scars do not remain on the body.
• Diathermocoagulation. Tumors 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, eliminates medium-sized growths, leaves no scars, and has at least some medical contraindications.
• Surgical methods. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia after an initial examination. Indications - extensive soft tissue lesions, oncological suspicions. The downside is the scars.

Restoration of the people

To eliminate the manifestations of papillomavirus in complex treatment schemes, alternative medical methods are used. It is not possible to cure HPV from within in this way, but it is very possible to remove 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 growth on the skin. Perform the procedure 1 time / day until the warts dry and fall off by themselves.
• Smear the warts with castor oil 3-4 times a day. Perform the procedure until the formation is gone.
• Squeeze garlic juice, lubricate pathological lesions. Perform the procedure 2-3 times a day. Over time, the warts will disappear.
• Cut the rowan fruit in half. Apply on warts, secure with plaster. Perform the procedure before bedtime, positive dynamics can be seen 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 on the outer growth 2-3 times / day, until they fall off.

To quickly destroy the virus and strengthen the immune system, healing decoctions and infusions instead of tea can be included in a complex treatment scheme. Rehabilitation of people with immunostimulatory properties is as follows:

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

Prophylaxis

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

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

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