Human papillomavirus in women-symptoms and treatment

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

What is human papillomavirus

HPV is a common genital infection that causes warts to appear in private areas through active cell division. The papillomavirus family virus group includes 5 genera, 27 species, and more than 170 strains. About 60% of the world's population is infected with HPV. In most cases, the virus has been latent in the body for many years.

Incubation period

Replication lasts for 3 months, at which time the virus will not manifest itself in any way. In some cases, the incubation period ranges from 16 days to 12 months, depending on the immune status. During this period, the infection will multiply and affect healthy tissues. In 80-90% of cases, the immunity of young women will eliminate HPV on their own. In the remaining 10-20%, infections intensify and the disease becomes chronic.

Path of infection

Female human papillomavirus infection enters the body through the following methods:

  • sex. The main way of infection, the infection enters the body through anal and vaginal contact.
  • Contact and family. Use the patient’s belongings, clothes, shoes, and household items.
  • From mother to fetus. If the mother is infected, HPV will be transmitted to the baby as the baby passes through the birth canal.
  • get in touch with. Touch the skin of an infected person.

Causes of HPV infection in women

The strong immunity can eliminate the virus in 90% of the cases without the need for treatment. In the remaining patients, it became active and relapsed. The causes of HPV infection in women are:

  • Viral disease
  • Early sexual activity;
  • HIV AIDS;
  • Change sex partners frequently;
  • Immunosuppressive therapy;
  • Unprotected sexual intercourse;
  • Long-term medication;
  • Childbirth, frequent miscarriage;
  • diabetes;
  • Drug addiction, female alcoholism;
  • Chronic diseases of the genitourinary system;
  • Immune system is weakened after illness.

What is dangerous

Female papillomavirus can cause malignant tumors of the cervix, labia, vulva and anus. Breast cancer may progress. In order to rule out the further development of uterine dysplasia and cancer, it is necessary to identify the DNA virus in time and start treatment. HPV during pregnancy is full of infections to the fetus. If a woman becomes ill during pregnancy, complex treatments will begin at 7 months of age, when the child's organs are fully formed.

Carcinogenic HPV types

According to the degree of cancer risk, women can distinguish the following types of HPV:

  • Non-carcinogenic. HPV types 1, 2, 4, and 5. Pathogenic changes in the cells are excluded, and cancer will not develop.
  • Low carcinogenicity. Hpv 3, 6, 11, 13, 32, 34, 40-44, 51, 61, 72, 73 will not cause tumors with sustained immunity. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the development of malignant tumors is possible.
  • Moderate carcinogenicity. HPV 52, 53, 56, 58 and 30, 35, 45 types. Under the influence of predisposing factors, cancer will develop.
  • Highly carcinogenic. Hpv types 50, 59, 68, 64, 70 and 16, 18, 31, 33, 39. The possibility of tumors is high.

HPV types 16 and 18

HPV 16 is highly carcinogenic. Microorganisms invade human cells and block anti-tumor defenses. In the genitals and anal area, gray spots with rough surfaces appear. Over time, warts, papillomas, and condyloma acuminata can form. They are not only located on the genitals, but also on the neck, eyelids, thighs and armpits.

Type 18 HPV also integrates into the DNA of cells and reduces the activity of the immune system, which creates favorable conditions for benign tumors that are prone to malignant lesions. May develop into cervical cancer. HPV type 18 can also cause papilloma, genital warts and warts.

Symptoms of infection

The signs of infection depend on the strain the person has infected. At first, HPV carriers will not feel uncomfortable. The virus is in a latent (asymptomatic) form. Under the influence of predisposing factors, the following HPV signs appear:

  • Pain in the external genitalia;
  • Burning sensation, vaginal discharge;
  • Skin tumors;
  • Pain during intercourse.

Papilloma and condyloma acuminatum

Skin growth is the first sign of HPV. Condyloma acuminata appears after infection with 6 or 11 viruses. The growth is flesh-colored, and the appearance is reminiscent of broccoli. Such tumors are usually prone to malignant tumors, located in the anus, external genitalia, and rarely close to the oral cavity. The rash is multiple and can merge into large lesions. The main danger is the risk of injury from such deposits on thin legs.

Papilloma is caused by the activity of HPV types 1, 2, 3, 4, and 10. Located on the lips, eyelids, chest, neck, armpits and mouth. The dense growths on the legs vary in color (pink, brown, light). In women, vestibular papillomatosis may worsen. There is no cure for this disease. With strong immunity, this growth will disappear without treatment, and the risk of malignant tumors is small.

wart

In women, the following types of warts differ in shape:

  • Ordinary (vulgar). Locally on the face, head, fingers, and hands. Plantar warts appear on the soles of the feet and are caused by HPV types 1 and 2.
  • Filamentous. The nodules on the legs are located in the groin, under the armpits and breasts, and on the genitals.
  • Flat (young). Located in the armpits, neck, arms, face and chest. They appear during adolescence and disappear on their own when they grow up. Caused by viruses type 3 and 5.

diagnosis

In order to speed up the recovery of girls and women, you need to have an examination and correctly determine the type of virus. In dangerous situations, women are registered with the STD department. Diagnosis is complex and includes the following methods:

  • Instrumental examination by a gynecologist. The doctor detects skin tumors to determine their size and location.
  • Colposcopy. The colposcopy is used to examine the vagina, cervix, and vulva. For the accuracy of the research, please use Lugol solution acetic acid.
  • Biopsy. Biological material is scraped from the cervix to confirm or rule out oncology.
  • PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Determine the presence of human papillomavirus DNA.
  • ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Tests are performed to detect specific antibodies in the blood that respond to the effects of the virus.

Pap smear

This method is used in gynecology. In order to determine the cancer of the epithelium, curettage is performed from the cervix. The material is taken from the cervical canal, the mucous membrane on the inner side of the cervix and the vaginal vault. It was stained, dried, and then examined under a microscope. The purpose of the test is to identify atypical cells and cancer cells.

The stages of the evaluation results are as follows:

  • Lack of microbial flora;
  • The initial stage of atypical cells;
  • Abnormal nuclear structure;
  • Cells with irregular nuclei, cytoplasm and chromosomes;
  • The concentration of malignant cells is high.

PCR diagnosis

In order to determine the characteristic DNA region of papillomavirus, scrape from the vagina. For a positive result, the antigen concentration per 100 cells is as follows:

  • Lg is as high as 3-HPV concentration is low.
  • Lg 3-5 is a large number of papillomaviruses.
  • Lg comes from 5-high concentration of HPV.

Genetic test

This is a hybrid capture method for detecting papillomavirus DNA regions. The screening test is characterized by high sensitivity (over 96%), can detect HPV at an early stage, and has an oncology tendency. The Digene test determines the concentration of the virus and is usually combined with cytological studies. The Digene test requires no preparation, and the results can be obtained quickly when used on a global scale.

Treatment of female papillomavirus

Complex HPV treatment includes the following aspects:

  • Removal of growths on the skin;
  • Taking antiviral drugs;
  • Immune stimulation treatment.

Condyloma acuminata and papilloma, depending on their location on the body, are easily injured. In addition, tumors can grow. This hyperplasia is best removed surgically. Otherwise, the risk of skin lesions becoming cancerous soon increases.

drug

It is necessary to take drugs to reduce the activity of the virus and strengthen the immune system. The diagnosis is curable. List of drugs used for complex HPV treatment:

  • Local cautery. These are the antiviral ingredients in gels, ointments, organic acid solutions, and compositions. In this way, you can remove small growths on the skin and stop their growth.
  • Antiviral substances. The drug component contains antiviral components, when it enters the human body, it will produce anti-infective antibodies.
  • Immunomodulator. They inhibit the reproduction of papillomavirus, prevent the growth of skin hyperplasia, increase resistance to pathogenic bacteria, and strengthen the immune system.

surgical

In order to prevent the growth of tumors on the skin due to viral diseases, one of the following surgical techniques is recommended:

  • Laser Treatment. Burn the growth with a laser. This method is allowed during pregnancy and is characterized by good tolerance and quick recovery.
  • Low temperature destruction. The warts are frozen with liquid nitrogen, after which they disappear painlessly. After the operation, the scar will not remain on the body.
  • Diffuse and solidify. With an electric scalpel, an electric current is used to remove growths on the skin. After the operation, scars and scars will remain on the body.
  • Radio wave therapy. This method is painless, can remove medium-sized vegetation, leaves no scars, and has the least medical contraindications.
  • Surgical methods. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia after the initial examination. Indications-Extensive soft tissue lesions, suspected tumors. The disadvantage is that there are scars.

Folk remedies

In order to eliminate the manifestations of papillomavirus in a complex treatment plan, alternative medicine methods are used. It is impossible to cure HPV from the inside in this way, but it is indeed possible to eliminate tumors on the skin without consequences. To remove genital warts, warts and papillomas, use the following healthy recipes:

  • Pull out a fresh celandine stem, rinse it, and rub the growths on the skin. Perform this procedure once a day until the wart dries and falls off on its own.
  • Lubricate the warts with castor oil 3-4 times a day. Perform this procedure until the accumulation disappears.
  • Squeeze the juice of garlic to lubricate the lesion. Perform this procedure 2-3 times a day. Over time, the warts will disappear.
  • Cut the rowan berries in half. Put it on the wart and fix it with a plaster. Perform this procedure before going to bed, and the positive dynamics are obvious after 8 days. The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks.
  • Mix lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in equal proportions. Stir and apply to external growth 2-3 times a day until they fall off.
Folk remedies for female HPV

In order to quickly eliminate the virus and strengthen the immune system, therapeutic decoctions and infusions can be added to the complex treatment plan instead of tea. Folk remedies with immune stimulating properties are as follows:

  • Conifer infusion. Pour 1 tablespoon. Lake chopped needles 1 cup of boiling water. Simmer for a quarter of an hour over medium heat. Cool, strain, and drink soup before meals (you can add honey).
  • Sugar onions. Boil in boiling water for 10 minutes. The ratio of onion skin is 1: 10. Stick to the broth and strain. Take 1 teaspoon orally. 5-6 times/day before meals (honey can be added).

prevention

It is difficult to choose the right medicine and destroy the papilloma virus forever. In addition, antiviral therapy has many side effects. You need to take preventive measures in time. The medical advice is as follows:

  • Observe personal hygiene rules.
  • Receive HPV testing twice a year.
  • Eliminate promiscuity.
  • Use barrier contraception.
  • Strengthen the immune system (especially during seasonal vitamin deficiencies).
  • Monitor your medication intake.
  • Live an active lifestyle and participate in sports.

Prevention of HPV in women includes vaccination. Fixed vaccination can only prevent 4 types of papillomavirus-16 and 18, 6 and 11.