Human papillomavirus in women - symptoms and treatment

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

What is Human Papillomavirus

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

Incubation period

Replication lasts 3 months, when the virus does not appear 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 tissues. Young women's immunity eliminates HPV itself in 80-90% of cases. In the remaining 10-20%, the infection intensifies, the disease becomes chronic.

Routes of infection

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

  • Sexy. The main route of infection, in which the infection enters the body through anal, vaginal contact.
  • Contact and family. Use of things, clothes, shoes, household items of a sick person.
  • From mother to fetus. HPV is passed on to the baby as it travels 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 becomes active, relapses. The causes of HPV in women are:

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

What is dangerous

Papillomavirus in women causes malignant tumors of the cervix, labia, vulva and anus. Breast cancer can progress. To rule out uterine dysplasia and further development of cancer, it is necessary to timely identify the DNA virus and begin treatment. HPV during pregnancy is fraught with infection of the fetus. If a woman becomes ill while carrying a fetus, complex therapy begins at 7 months of age, when the baby's organs are fully formed.

Oncogenic types of HPV

Depending on the degree of cancer risk, women have the following types of HPV:

  • Not oncogenic. HPV types 1, 2, 4, 5. Pathogenic changes in cells are ruled out, 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 provocative factors, the development of a malignant tumor is possible.
  • Average oncogenes. HPV types 52, 53, 56, 58 and 30, 35, 45. Under the influence of provocative factors, cancer develops.
  • Extremely oncogenic. Hpv types 50, 59, 68, 64, 70 and 16, 18, 31, 33, 39. The possibility of developing oncology is high.

HPV types 16 and 18

HPV type 16 is highly oncogenic. The microbe invades the cells of the body, blocks the antitumor defense. In the area of the genitals, the anus, gray spots appear with a rough surface. Over time, warts, papillomas and warts form. They are located not only in the genitals, but also in the neck, eyelids, thighs and armpits.

HPV type 18 also integrates into cell DNA, reduces the activity of the immune system, which creates favorable conditions for benign tumors prone 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 strains contracted by the person. At first, the HPV carrier does not experience discomfort. The virus is latent (asymptomatic). Under the influence of provocative factors, the following signs of HPV appear:

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

Papillomas and warts

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

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 with dense consistency in the legs vary in color (pink, brown, pale). In women, vestibular papillomatosis may worsen. The disease can not be cured. With strong immunity, such growths disappear without treatment, the risk of malignancy is minimal.

wen

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

  • Common (vulgar). Localized on the face, head, fingers, hands. Plantar warts appear on the soles of the feet, caused by HPV types 1, 2.
  • Filamentoze. The joints of the legs are located in the groin, under the armpits and mammary glands, in the genitals.
  • Flat (youth). Localized in armpits, neck, arms, face and chest. They appear in adolescence, disappear on their own when they grow up. Caused by a type 3, 5 virus.

Diagnosing

To speed up the healing of girls and women, you need to be examined and accurately determine the type of virus. In case of dangerous conditions, a woman enrolls in a venereal disease department. Diagnosis is complex, it includes the following methods:

  • Instrumental examination by a gynecologist. The doctor detects skin neoplasms, determines their size and localization.
  • Colposcopy. A colposcope is used to examine the vagina, cervix and vulva. For study accuracy, use Lugol's acetic acid solution.
  • Biopsy. Disposal of biomaterial from the cervix is done to confirm or rule out oncology.
  • PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Determines 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 effect of the virus.

PAP test

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

The stages of evaluation of the results are as follows:

  • lack of microbial flora;
  • the initial stage of atypical cells;
  • abnormal structure of nuclei;
  • cells with an irregular nucleus, cytoplasm, chromosomes;
  • high concentration of malignant cells.

PCR diagnostics

To determine the regions of characteristic papillomavirus DNA, a scratch is made from the vagina. With a positive result, the antigen concentration per 100 cells is as follows:

  • Lg to 3 - HPV concentration is low.
  • Lg 3-5 is a large amount of papillomavirus.
  • Lg by 5 - high concentration of HPV.

Digi Test

This is a hybrid capture method that detects regions of papillomavirus DNA. Screening test is characterized by high sensitivity (more than 96%), detects HPV at an early stage and a tendency towards oncology. The Digene test determines the concentration of the virus, often combined with a cytological study. The Digene test requires no preparation and is used worldwide for fast results.

Treatment of papillomavirus in women

HPV complex therapy includes the following areas:

  • removal of growths on the skin;
  • taking antiviral drugs;
  • course of immunostimulatory treatment.

Warts and papillomas, depending on their location on the body, are easy to injure. In addition, neoplasms can grow. Such growths are best removed with surgery. Otherwise, the risk of skin lesions soon becoming carcinogenic increases.

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 caution. These are gels, ointments, solutions with organic acids, antiviral ingredients in the composition. This way, you can remove small growths on the skin, stop their growth.
  • Antiviral. The composition of the drug contains an antiviral ingredient, when it enters the body, antibodies are produced against the infection.
  • Immunomodulators. They inhibit the reproduction of papillomavirus, stop the growth of skin growths, increase resistance to pathogenic flora, strengthen the immune system.

surgery

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

  • Laser therapy. Cauterization of laser growths. The method is allowed during pregnancy, is characterized by good tolerance, rapid rehabilitation.
  • Cryodestruction. The warts are raised with liquid nitrogen, after which they disappear without pain. After the procedure, the scars do not remain on the body.
  • Diathermocoagulation. Growths on the skin are removed with an electric scalpel, electric current. After the procedure, scars and wounds remain on the body.
  • Radio wave treatment. The method is painless, removes medium growths, leaves no 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 wounds.

Folk remedies

To remove the manifestations of papillomavirus in the complex treatment scheme, methods of alternative medicine are used. It is impossible to cure HPV internally this way, but it is realistically possible to eliminate skin neoplasms without consequences. To remove genital warts, warts and papillomas, use the following health recipes:

  • Remove a fresh stalk of celandine, rinse, rub the growth on the skin. Perform the procedure 1 time / day until the wart dries and falls off on its own.
  • Lubricate the warts with castor oil 3-4 times a day. Perform the procedure until the accumulation disappears.
  • Squeeze the garlic juice, lubricate the pathology lesions. Perform the procedure 2-3 times a day. Over time, the wart will disappear.
  • Cut the berries in half. Apply to the wart, secure with plaster. Perform the procedure before going to bed, the positive dynamics is visible after 8 days. The course of treatment is 2-3 weeks.
  • Combine lemon juice, apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in equal proportions. Mix, apply on external growths 2-3 times a day, until they fall off.
Popular remedies for HPV in women

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

  • Hale infusion. Pour 1 tbsp. l. chopped needles needles 1 cup boiling water. Simmer over medium heat for a quarter of an hour. Cool, drain, take the liquid before eating (you can add honey).
  • Onions with sugar. Cook in boiling water for 10 minutes. onion peel in the ratio 1: 10. Insist broth, strain. Take 1 tablespoon by mouth. 5-6 times a day before meals (honey can be added).

Prophylaxis

It is difficult to choose the right medicine and destroy the papillomavirus forever. In addition, antiviral therapy has a number of side effects. You need to take timely care of preventive measures. The medical recommendations are as follows:

  • Follow the rules of personal hygiene.
  • Get tested for HPV twice a year.
  • Eliminate debauched sex.
  • Use barrier contraception.
  • Strengthen the immune system (especially during periods of seasonal vitamin deficiency).
  • Monitor medication intake.
  • Lead an active lifestyle, play sports.

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