HPV in women: how does it manifest itself and what to do if it is detected? Folk remedies against papillomas and warts. Specific prevention of PVI infection

Papillomo viral infection very dangerous for humans. It is especially difficult for women to bear it. Medical research proves the fact that the human papillomavirus (HPV) leads to many irreversible consequences, such as cervical cancer.

What it is

Papilloma is a benign tumor that is a small piece connective tissue. This piece consists of small vessels and is covered with epithelium. From squamous epithelium, growths arise in the woman’s genitals and in her oral cavity. HPV occurs much more often in women than in men. In 80% of cases it leads to the development of cervical cancer.

Penetrating into female body The DNA virus provokes multiple cell divisions. This process manifests itself on the appearance; growths in the form of papillomas appear on the body and mucous membranes.

Cause

The main causes of HPV infection include:

  • the onset of early or promiscuous sexual activity;
  • unprotected sexual intercourse with a carrier of the infection;
  • using other people's personal belongings (towels, dishes and other household items on which the virus from a sick person may remain);
  • frequent abortions, miscarriages, in which the mucous membrane can be injured and the virus can easily penetrate;
  • visiting public places (saunas, swimming pools), where infection can multiply under the influence of heat and moisture;
  • chronic diseases of the genital organs, for example, cervical erosion;
  • placental or birth route of transmission of the virus (from an infected mother to the fetus);
  • sexually transmitted diseases (ureaplasmosis, chlamydia, candidiasis, gonorrhea);
  • surgical or cosmetic surgery using poorly sterilized instruments;
  • frequent use of oral contraception, which interferes with hormonal background body and provokes the spread of the virus throughout it.

The most common way of acquiring HPV is through sexual intercourse. Intimate relationships with an infected partner can lead to disastrous consequences, even during oral or anal sex.

Symptoms

The disease can manifest itself in a latent, erased or obvious form. With the covered form, neither the woman herself nor even the doctor during examination can identify signs of HPV. When the presence of infection is erased, signs may appear or may be absent altogether.

In case of an obvious form of the disease, the patient herself goes to the clinic for certain complaints and growths on the body. Thus, symptoms in women become noticeable already at an advanced stage of the disease.

First, she discovers single or multiple formations on the body, after which she may feel unbearable itching and burning in these places.

A woman can detect signs of uncharacteristic growths on the eyelids, neck, armpits, and under the breasts. Very often the virus manifests itself on the mucous membranes of the nose, stomach and mouth. But the most common lesion is the genitals.

Papillomas on the walls of the vagina can only be detected during a gynecological examination. Signs of these formations can be painful sensations during sexual intercourse, sometimes accompanied by bruising.

When the virus penetrates and develops, a woman may experience:

  • inflammation of the cervical mucosa;
  • uterine dysplasia;
  • cervical cancer.

During the active development of HPV, a woman may experience enlarged lymph nodes, fever, chills, deterioration in general health, and pain when the growths are damaged.

Diagnostics

HPV tests are part of cervical cancer screening. Every woman over 35 years of age should be tested for HPV every 3 to 5 years.

The virus is detected by two main diagnostic methods:

  1. PCR for human papillomavirus. An existing infection is detected or it is refuted. If a virus is present, its type and progressive nature are determined. This test is performed using genital swabs or blood donations.
  2. Hybrid capture method. A scraping is made from the cervix and the quantitative concentration of the virus is determined.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe a smear cytology test. If there is a high oncogenic risk of developing the disease, the doctor will prescribe examinations such as:

  • Colposcopy. Examination of the cervix with a special apparatus similar in functioning to a magnifying glass.
  • Biopsy. Examination of small pieces of tissue from the uterus for the presence of the HPV virus.

Types of papillomas

There are more than 100 types of papillomas:

  • round or oval;
  • ordinary (simple);
  • acrochords;
  • papillomatosis of the larynx, trachea and oral cavity.
  • genital warts.

It is the pointed type of papillomas that is most often found on the mucous membrane of the genital organs and oral cavity of a woman.

HPV types (strains) are divided according to the types of cancer risk:

  • 1,3,5,2 - do not cause cancer;
  • 11,6,42,44,43 - low oncogenic risk;
  • 31,16,18,33,45,68,52,51,59,39 — high risk oncology.

Treatment methods

Treatment is carried out using several methods depending on the size of the formations and their location:

  1. Cryodestruction. Liquid nitrogen has a freezing effect on the infected epithelium.
  2. Radio wave coagulation. Benign growths are cut off using a radio wave scalpel.
  3. Diathermocoagulation. The tumor is excised with an electric discharge and an electric scalpel.
  4. Laser exposure. Suitable for all women and is the only acceptable method for pregnant women.
  5. Surgical intervention. Conducted under local anesthesia. Indications for this procedure include extensive lesions or the transition of a neoplasm to a malignant form.

The danger of the papilloma virus is that after 10 - 15 years benign education degenerates into malignant. Often, papillomas can appear on a woman’s body throughout her life and not cause any trouble other than an aesthetic problem. And relapses can begin to develop several months or years after treatment, even successful. Much depends on the body's strong immune system.

The human papillomavirus is a very special microorganism. Research by scientists has shown that absolutely all people are infected with this disease with early childhood. Selected species This pathogen provokes the appearance of warts, hyperkeratosis, moles or papillomas. The cause of the appearance in humans is also special type this virus is transmitted during sexual contact.

What is the danger of HPV symptoms? Is it possible to prevent the development of such a disease? More useful information about the disease you will find on the pages of this article.

What it is?

Today, there are more than 100 different types of human papillomaviruses. Due to the fact that these microorganisms are so diverse, medical scientists did not come up with a separate name for each of them. Pathogens of this disease they just gave me a separate one serial number, so there are 1st, 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 35th, 44th types of human papillomavirus, and so on. Any type of such infection can cause its own Clinical signs, characteristic of a particular disease.

Some representatives of this group of microorganisms are very dangerous, as they can transform into malignant neoplasm. Types 15-20 of pathogens have oncogenic properties, of which the 16th and 18th are considered the most threatening (they cause the development of cervical cancer in women). But there are strains of papillomaviruses that are recognized as not dangerous to human health - these are the 6th and 11th types of infection. Many members of this family have similar symptomatic manifestations, so they are often combined into entire groups. Treatment of a separate group of HPV is carried out by a specialist of the appropriate profile - oncologist, virologist, dermatologist, immunologist, urologist, pathologist or gynecologist.

The peculiarity of each pathogen is its unique DNA structure. After an infection enters the human skin, the microbe quickly affects the basal layer of the epithelium. Can speed up the infection process various damages mucous membrane and skin - microcracks, scratches, abrasions, wounds. Symptoms of the human papillomavirus do not appear immediately, since it can live in the body for a very long time, while infectious agents reproduce inactively and the patient does not show any signs of pathology ( chronic form carriage). Subsequently, under the influence of various environmental factors, microorganisms begin to multiply intensively, which causes the appearance of corresponding symptoms.

Interesting! The reason for the global spread of this infection among people is undercurrent illness. Many patients do not know that they have contracted this pathology and become a carrier of HPV. Since on initial stage The papillomavirus disease does not manifest itself in any way; the patient gradually infects all people with whom he was in close contact.

Routes of transmission of the virus

The cause of the disease is infection with the human papillomavirus, which occurs after the pathogen enters the surface of the epidermis of the skin or mucous membrane. The development of this pathology is greatly influenced by a decrease in the reactivity of the immune system. The activation of the pathogen can be triggered by chronic stress, systematic alcohol consumption, recent acute respiratory viral infections and influenza, smoking, diseases digestive tract. Transmission of human papillomavirus occurs as follows:

  • during sexual contact (genital, oral, manual-genital);
  • during childbirth (from mother to child);
  • through household items ( hygiene products, surgical instruments).

In most situations, the cause of the papilloma virus is direct contact - a sexual method of infection. This happens because this microorganism is quite unstable in environment. But HPV infection can also occur through contact and everyday life– in case of non-compliance with sanitary requirements in public and recreational institutions (sauna, beauty salon, beach, swimming pool). The likelihood of infection increases sharply with frequent interaction with the carrier's skin - during massage or other similar procedures.

Symptoms of the disease

The gradual proliferation of the pathogen on the surface of the epidermis subsequently causes hyperpalasia - excessive formation of new cells. The pathology progresses especially quickly when the body’s defenses decrease. Influenced various reasons the human papillomavirus is activated, which leads to its proliferation structural elements and the occurrence in the patient external manifestations illness. It is the appearance of the first HPV warts that often becomes a signal for the patient to urgently visit a doctor.

How does the papilloma virus manifest itself? Most characteristic symptoms This disease includes the following disorders:


According to scientists, the most insidious and dangerous microorganisms are those classified as BOP (pathogen strains with high oncogenic risk indicators). But the presence of such HPV in the body does not guarantee that this patient will soon develop signs of a malignant disease. For the degeneration of papillomavirus into oncological pathology, certain conditions are required. In this case, the very fact of identifying a viral infection provides the patient with the opportunity to prevent cell dysplasia and cancer development with the help of timely therapy.

Diagnostic measures

In order to detect papillomavirus in patients in modern medicine apply special methods testing. One such test is polymerase chain reaction– with the help of this study, the doctor can determine viral DNA in any biological material. This technique also makes it possible to fairly accurately determine the type of microorganism that caused the development of pathology. The only drawback of PCR is the high probability of obtaining false-positive test results.

The most accurate and productive diagnostic method for this moment is a quantitative Digene test. Thanks to it, a specialist can not only identify the presence of papillomatosis, but also determine quantitative indicators of the disease. It is the concentration of the pathogen that is considered a direct indicator of the possible malignancy of neoplasms. Testing also helps in assessing the results of therapy. It is almost impossible to completely eliminate human papillomaviruses from the body, but correct treatment This disease significantly reduces the activity of infection.

Signs of HPV in women are easy to detect during a gynecological examination. Therefore, to prevent the occurrence of this disease, all representatives of the fair sex are advised to systematically visit a specialist and undergo the necessary examinations in a timely manner. When examining the genitals and uterine cervix, the gynecologist takes a smear for the Digene test, and also takes a scraping for oncology cytological examination. The latter allows you to determine the qualitative state of the mucosal cells, confirm or refute the possibility of the development of malignant changes.

If detected during gynecological examination, they are required to undergo a colposcopy procedure. This method diagnostics is an examination of the vagina and cervix using a special apparatus. It allows you to examine the surface of the mucosa at multiple magnification to eliminate the risk of cancerous tumors. Sometimes, to make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to perform a biopsy - a histological analysis of tissue taken from the surface of the cervix.

Important! Infection with papillomatosis in most situations does not pose a serious threat to the health or life of the patient. More often they are the culprit of psychological discomfort, which is caused by the unpleasant, unaesthetic appearance of HPV growths or warts. But there are exceptions to the rules in any case. Therefore, if you notice any pathological formation on your skin or mucous membrane, be sure to consult a doctor about this!

Who is at risk?

An interesting fact is that Various types HPV can manifest itself differently, causing a person to develop benign or malignant tumors. Also, human papilloma is a virus that can affect the skin and mucous membranes, or may not detect itself at all until the immunity of the carrier of the infection decreases.

According to world statistics, the likelihood of developing this disease increases several times in the following categories of citizens:

  • women who are pregnant;
  • patients who often suffer from various ailments;
  • persons with non-traditional orientation;
  • male or female representatives who suffered from sexually transmitted diseases;
  • people who are overly active sex life;
  • persons with immune system disorders;
  • sexual partners of people who are found to be carriers of HPV or active form this disease;
  • women suffering from various cervical diseases.

All representatives of these categories must undergo examination to detect papillomatosis. It is also recommended to get tested for those people who are adherents of free sexual relations, have many sexual partners or change them frequently. Even one unprotected act can cause infection, so experts advise you to follow preventive measures for this disease.

Attention! Symptoms of the papilloma virus often occur in girls and boys who began to be sexually active too early - at 15-18 years of age. At this age, immune and reproductive system are not yet fully formed, so they cannot resist such serious sexually transmitted infections as papillomatosis.

Pathology therapy

Is it possible for a person? General medicine There is no solution yet that can rid sick people of all types of the causative agent of this infection. HPV can infect various areas of the epidermis, so it should be treated only in individually, depending on the affected area and the type of microorganisms that caused the development of the disease.

The effectiveness of the therapy is 30-90%, although no one technique will completely eliminate the infection from the body. Almost all methods of treating this disease have a fairly high risk of relapse, while the frequency of recurrence of the pathology does not depend on the selected therapeutic tactics. If you don’t solve this problem at all, condylomas may disappear on their own and never appear again. This variant of the course of the papillomavirus is the most favorable, but with the same probability the disease can remain in the body in an inactive (labile) form, or progress further.

Whether to treat the human papillomavirus or not, everyone decides for themselves. Doctors believe that therapy for this disease is mandatory, so they advise taking certain medications and using prescriptions alternative medicine or vaccinate. Treatment of pathology is carried out using the following drugs and methods:

  • ointments with immunomodulatory and antiviral effects - Viferon, Panavir, Vartek, Aldara;
  • cauterizing drugs - Solcoderm, Celandine;
  • destructive methods - electrocoagulation, cryodestruction, laser therapy.

Using any of these regimens, you cannot be completely sure that the therapy method that perfectly helped one patient will also effectively eliminate HPV in a second patient. Now successfully practiced HPV treatment immunological method, which includes the use of medications that have antiproliferative, immunostimulating and antiviral properties (Immunal, Viferon, Imupred). A combination therapy regimen is considered the most effective method, although even this does not provide a 100% guarantee of complete recovery. But proper treatment and compliance with preventive rules can save the patient from the unpleasant symptomatic manifestations of the disease.

Good to know! Regardless of how HPV manifests itself, our immunity itself can eliminate harmful pathogens from the body! The destruction of viral cells in this case can take several years. The protective scheme will only work in those patients who do not suffer from clinical manifestations of the disease and have a normal functioning immune system.

Preventive measures

An excellent state of immunity is one of the most effective methods warnings of various viral pathologies, including HPV. Having encountered this pathogen once, the defense system human body remembers it and becomes immune to this type of microorganisms. Therefore, vulgar warts extremely rarely appear in adults who have already suffered papillomatosis at a younger age.

This rule is the main principle of vaccinating people against various infections. To prevent the occurrence of an infection such as the papilloma virus, you can get a special vaccination. It will help vaccinate the patient against the most common types of pathogens - 6, 11, 16 and 18. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of laryngeal papillomatosis, genital warts, cancerous tumors and cervical erosions in patients. The effect of the HPV vaccine has not yet been fully studied, since this method of prevention has only been actively used for the past 8 years. But it has long been proven that vaccination helps to form immune protection against the most oncogenic strains of infection. That is why in more developed countries all children over the age of 11-12 are vaccinated against papillomavirus.

To prevent infection with this microorganism, it is recommended to follow the following rules:

  • normalize rest and sleep patterns;
  • eat enough vegetables and fruits;
  • adhere to hygiene rules at home and in public institutions;
  • do physical education;
  • be sure to protect yourself during casual sexual contact;
  • lead an active and healthy lifestyle;
  • have only one, trusted sexual partner;
  • support your immunity during the cold season by taking vitamins and immunomodulating agents.

Having all the available knowledge about papillomavirus, you can prevent infection with this microorganism. Treating such a disease is much more difficult than preventing it in a timely manner! It is especially important to remember this fact for female representatives - after all, if the pathology is not treated for a long time, the formations can develop into oncology! Therefore, every effort should be made to prevent infection with the papilloma virus, and compliance with the preventive measures described above will help you with this. Be healthy!

The causes and risk factors for HPV infection in women (virus) are very diverse. Few people know what symptoms are observed when diagnosed with HPV in women and what needs to be done when they are detected, what methods of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of HPV exist.

Human papillomavirus: pathogenesis and etiology

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection. Anyone can become infected with the virus, regardless of gender and age. It is dangerous for women because some strains cause cervical cancer. To date, about 600 strains or types of the virus have been discovered, roughly divided into 3 varieties:

  1. Non-oncogenic.
  2. Oncogenic with a low risk of developing cancer.
  3. Oncogenic with a high risk of cancer.

When a virus enters the body, it may not manifest itself in any way, and most often the body fights the infection on its own. But sometimes it is found in the form of warts - genital warts. The most common cause of HPV is a disruption of the immune system. The papilloma virus can only be transmitted from a person who has condylomas. You can become infected with HPV:

  1. Most often during unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, oral, anal).
  2. At birth, if the woman had condylomas.
  3. In case of household contact with an HPV carrier, in public places, for example, in a swimming pool, nail salon, public toilet (the virus enters the body much more easily in the presence of abrasions or open wounds).
  4. During shaving, hair removal (self-infection occurs).

The papilloma virus in a pregnant woman will not harm the development of the fetus; the child may not become infected with the virus if the mother has no symptoms; If transmission of the virus does occur, the infection may disappear on its own after some time. But if there are condylomas, the child can become infected by passing through birth canal. In the future, an infected child may develop polyps of the upper respiratory tract.

Clinical manifestations of HPV in women

The incubation period of human papillomavirus infection can range from several weeks to several years. A number of signs indicate that a woman has papillomavirus of the following nature. More often with HPV in women, the symptoms are as follows:

  1. The appearance on the genitals (outside, on the walls of the vagina and cervix) of genital warts, 2-10 mm in size, painless, flesh-colored or Pink colour, with an uneven or smooth surface. They can be located on other parts of the body, occasionally in the oral cavity.
  2. Papillomas located in the vagina can be injured during sexual intercourse, which causes pain, itching and bleeding.
  3. During pregnancy, the number of warts may increase or disappear completely. There may also be an increase in the amount of vaginal discharge.
  4. Growths in the vagina and cervix can complicate the birth process and cause heavy bleeding.

Having discovered symptoms of HPV, a woman should definitely contact a gynecologist, undergo the necessary examinations and receive the required treatment.

Cancer risk with HPV

Cervical cancer develops when you have HPV types 16 or 18. It can take more than 15 years from infection to cancer development. The risk of developing cancer is increased under the following conditions:

  • hormonal disorders;
  • diseases of the endocrine system;
  • smoking;
  • STDs (sexually transmitted diseases);
  • inflammatory diseases of the genital organs;
  • decreased cellular immunity.

What signs may indicate malignant degeneration of cervical cells?

  1. Bleeding from the vagina that is not related to menstruation, bleeding after menopause, as well as blood after sexual intercourse, gynecological examination, douching.
  2. Menstrual irregularities.
  3. Pain in the lower abdomen, as well as pain during sex.
  4. Rapid weight loss.
  5. Deterioration general condition, prolonged increase in body temperature, weakness.

Diagnostic methods

If an infection is suspected HPV for a woman The following diagnostic procedures must be performed:

  1. Examination by a gynecologist.
  2. Laboratory research vaginal discharge PCR method to determine the type of virus.
  3. vaginal discharge, which will show whether there are changes in the cells of the cervix (to exclude cancer).
  4. If changes in the cells are detected, a colposcopy (examination of the vagina and cervix using a colposcope) is prescribed with a biopsy (taking a small tissue sample for subsequent histological examination).
  5. Analysis for other infections, including sexually transmitted ones.

Treatment of pathology

Condylomas may disappear on their own after 2-6 months, but the virus may still be present in the body. To date, no medicine has been developed to destroy. Several methods of treating human papillomavirus have been developed: symptomatic treatment, which consists in removing condylomas; several methods for removing warts - their choice depends on the number of tumors, the general condition of the patient, the presence allergic reactions, risk possible complications after a particular procedure. When choosing any of the methods, re-formation of growths is possible.

Methods for removing genital warts:

  1. Cryocoagulation - cauterization of condylomas liquid nitrogen. Course of treatment: 1 session per week, for 2-3 weeks. The procedure is a little painful. This method is not used to remove condylomas in the vagina and cervix.
  2. Cauterization with keratolytics - trichloroacetic and dichloroacetic acid. Course of treatment: 1 session per week for 2-3 weeks.
  3. Electrocoagulation - removal using high frequency electric current. Before this procedure, local anesthesia is administered.
  4. Laser removal - effective technique, which is also used for the removal of vaginal condylomas or neoplasms located in the urethra. The procedure is a little painful. Often prescribed to remove re-grown formations.
  5. Surgical - removal of condylomas by cutting with a surgical scalpel or scissors. Before the procedure, local anesthesia is administered. This treatment method is not effective enough compared to more modern ones.

After removal of condylomas, it is recommended to keep the damaged areas of the skin clean and dry, and not to injure them.

If any side effects After the procedure, you should immediately consult a doctor. During the period of treatment of symptoms of infection, it is necessary to stop sexual intercourse.

If, along with HPV, other infections are detected in a woman, then their treatment is also necessary. When HPV is detected in women during pregnancy, treatment is carried out only in extreme cases and mainly by cauterization with liquid nitrogen. If a woman in labor has a large number of condylomas, a caesarean section may be recommended.

It is contraindicated to try to remove condylomas yourself, as this can lead to bleeding or infection in the wound. It is not recommended to resort to various folk remedies, as this entails various complications.

Prevention of papillomavirus

If HPV is detected and condylomas appear in a woman, she needs to be examined regularly, every 6 months, by a gynecologist, since there is a risk of developing cervical cancer. It is necessary to use condoms when having sexual intercourse with unfamiliar partners. This will help avoid infection not only with HPV, but also with other sexually transmitted infections.

Vaccination is used to prevent certain strains of HPV. For this purpose they are used medications Cervarix, Gardasil.

What it is?

Human papillomavirus (HPV, Human papillomavirus) is now detected in at least a third of women. It is a DNA virus that causes uncontrolled cell division. Infection can lead to the appearance of unaesthetic growths on the skin - papillomas, warts and condylomas.

Typically, people become infected with the virus at a young age, at the peak of their sexual activity, and subsequently reap the fruits of their not always thoughtful actions. After all, infection of women with human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 is fraught with the development of cancer. But don’t panic, HPV type 18 in women is not a death sentence, treatment exists, how to live and what to do with the virus will be discussed in detail below, since not everything is clear and there is no universal “pill” yet.

In addition, in recent years, a number of studies have been conducted, the results of which suggest that an increase in the incidence of papillomatosis of the larynx and respiratory system in children may be associated with their infection with HPV during birth naturally from an infected mother.

HPV 16, 18 in women, what is it? are a type of human papillomavirus, abbreviated as HPV. There are quite a lot of types of virus and for convenience they are simply numbered, because not all of them are dangerous to humans. Types 16 and 18 are among the most dangerous; see the special section below for more details.

Causes of HPV in women

The causes of papillomatosis are quite commonplace. The main routes of transmission of HPV are through household contact and sexual contact. Although it is also possible to become infected while undergoing various medical tests if antiseptic rules have not been followed.

So, pick up dangerous virus it is possible, even without leading a promiscuous sex life, but only by visiting a public place, since it can penetrate the body even through tiny cracks in the skin, which are invisible to the naked eye, but are present in everyone.

Fortunately, in most cases, the immune system immediately copes with viruses that have entered the body, so the disease most often develops in people with weakened immune systems.

Even if HPV infection occurs, signs of this do not appear immediately. As long as a woman is healthy and her immune system is functioning normally, she may not even be aware of the presence of an infection. The causes of human papillomavirus symptoms in women are as follows:

  • hypothermia;
  • transfer various diseases, mainly of a viral nature, for example, ARVI;
  • hormonal disorders, including pregnancy;
  • installation of an intrauterine device;
  • abortion;
  • immunosuppressive (suppressing immunity) therapy, etc.

As a rule, the first signs of pathology appear 3–4 months after infection. HPV infection is manifested by the appearance of so-called papillomas.

Most often they are located in areas of the body with thin, sensitive skin, for example, on the face, eyes, mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, in armpits, neck, perineum, genitals, less often on the back. These neoplasms usually appear as outgrowths on a small stalk initially small size, but with further weakening of the immune system and non-intervention, they begin to grow and spread, and over time can merge into large conglomerates.

Papillomas can be either single or multiple, and also have different sizes. Often the color of the neoplasms does not differ from the tone healthy skin, although the formation of outgrowths of darker or lighter shades is possible.

If papillomas are located in the genital area and have a sharp shape, they are called. As a rule, condylomas are present not only on the skin of the perineum, but also on:

  • the inner walls of the vagina;
  • urethral pharynx;
  • vulva;
  • perianal area;
  • cervix.

If the disease affects the genitals and urethra, signs of the papilloma virus may also occur, such as:

  • pain when urinating;
  • discomfort during sexual intercourse;
  • minor bleeding during or after sexual intercourse.

In addition to genital warts, the following can also form:

  • papillary varieties;
  • giant Buschke-Levenshtein condyloma;
  • intraepithelial;
  • flat.

Diagnosis of papilloma virus in women

Modern scientists have been able to identify 27 species from 5 genera and more than 170 types of HPV, but only some of them are capable of causing diseases of the urogenital tract.

The types of virus differ according to the degree of oncogenic risk. So, they distinguish (by type):

  1. Low risk - HPV 3, 6, 11, 13, 32, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 51, 61, 72, 73;
  2. Average risk – HPV 30, 35, 45, 52, 53, 56, 58;
  3. High risk – HPV 16, 18, 31, 33, 39, 50, 59, 64, 68, 70.

On early stages It is not easy to visually diagnose papillomatosis, since the neoplasms are only small roughnesses with point dilatation of blood vessels. The characteristic capillary network on them is formed much later.

If women have traces of human papillomavirus infection on the cervix, colposcopy is performed. The essence of the method is to study tissues using a special apparatus capable of providing multiple magnification. IN diagnostic purposes The gynecologist can perform painless tests with ethanoic acid and Lugol's solution.

One of the main methods for diagnosing human papillomavirus in women is cytological examination of smears. The presence of HPV is indicated by the presence of specific cells – koilocytes – in the sample taken. Also, this analysis allows you to detect just beginning cervical cancer, when there are no visual changes in tissue yet.

The most progressive method for detecting HPV is the Digene test. It is based on complex biochemical reactions, making the test highly sensitive. A scraping can be used as a material for research. epithelial cells or a sample obtained from a biopsy.

Other methods, for example, PCR, are rarely used, mainly only for asymptomatic pathology and to determine the type of virus.

Since HPV infection occurs mainly through sexual intercourse, women who have been diagnosed with it are advised to undergo full examination and get tested for other STDs.

If any neoplasms are detected, you must immediately consult a doctor to find out their nature and origin. Women who are diagnosed with HPV, especially types 16 or 18, must also undergo treatment to prevent the development of cancer.

Although it should immediately be noted that it is not yet possible to completely cure the papilloma virus. Therefore, the main goals of therapy are to remove papillomas and strengthen the immune system - to drive the virus into a “dormant” state, to stop the development in the body and the emergence of new papillomas.

With the implementation of the second task, everything is relatively clear. In order to strengthen the immune system during the treatment of HPV, patients are mainly prescribed vitamins and immunostimulants. Most often this is due to the fact that it is easier for people to take ready-made pills than to strengthen their immunity in other ways. The full recommended list looks like this:

  • vitamins;
  • immunostimulants;
  • healthy eating;
  • active image life;
  • regular walking;
  • hardening, etc.

At the same time, women are recommended to take antiviral drugs to suppress the activity of HPV. As for the removal of existing tumors, this can be done using various methods, depending on the capabilities of the patient, the clinic and diagnostic indications.

Methods for removing papillomas

1. Laser therapy. This method is one of the most effective and safe. The papilloma is removed under local anesthesia in 1 procedure without bleeding, since small vessels are immediately “sealed”. At correct implementation after manipulation, a crust remains at the site of growth of the formation, after which falls off there are practically no traces on the skin. Can be used to treat human papillomavirus in pregnant women.

2. Radio wave therapy. The method appeared in the arsenal of dermatologists much later than others and is considered one of the safest and most promising. Its essence is to cut off tumors with a special radio wave knife. After manipulation, no visible marks remain on the skin.

3. Surgical intervention. The method is considered the most accessible, but its use is fraught with the formation of scars on the skin. Papilloma is removed manually by a surgeon using a scalpel after first anesthetizing the area around it. Nevertheless, it is preferable to choose surgical intervention or radio wave therapy if there is suspicion of malignancy (formation cancer cells) neoplasms, since when they are used, pathological tissues are not destroyed and can be directed to histological examination.

4. Electrocoagulation. The method involves the removal of tumors due to the thermal effect of electric current under local anesthesia. After the procedure, a crust remains at the site of the papilloma, and after it falls off, a slight scar may remain on the skin.

5. Removal by chemical means. This method is one of the oldest. It is based on the destruction of neoplasm tissue by aggressive compounds. They are applied to growth for a certain time several times. The frequency of use and duration of application depend on which drug is chosen and the size of the papilloma. As a rule, podophyllin, 5-fluorouracil, podophyllotoxin, trichloroacetic acid, and Solcoderm are used.

6. Cryotherapy. The essence of the method is to destroy new growths with liquid nitrogen, and if almost all other methods require local anesthesia, then this one is absolutely painless. But some papillomas may require more than 1 procedure to remove.

Thus, how to treat human papillomavirus in women depends on the size and number of tumors, the state of the patient’s immunity, the presence of certain diseases or pregnancy.

At the same time, some types of neoplasms can disappear on their own, so you should start choosing a method for removing papillomas only after consulting a doctor. But you shouldn’t particularly hope for spontaneous recovery, since this is only possible with perfect condition immune system, something that only a few can boast of today.

Papilloma virus during pregnancy, what to do?

Treatment of HPV in pregnant women deserves special attention, since if they have or have developed condylomas on the genitals during pregnancy, there is a high risk of infection Child's HPV during childbirth.

In such cases, it is usually recommended after 28 weeks to take drugs that strengthen the immune system and suppress viral activity, and try to remove the tumors with a laser or cryodestruction. Also, in order to prevent infection of the fetus during childbirth, pregnant women may be recommended to deliver by cesarean section.

Since it is not yet possible to completely cure HPV, if immunity decreases, a relapse of the disease may occur and the symptoms of human papillomavirus in women will reappear. To prevent this from happening, women are advised to lead an active lifestyle, eat right, avoid stress, regularly visit a gynecologist and get tested for HPV levels in the blood.

Treatment of HPV with folk remedies

Many people try to cope with skin growths that have arisen on their own using folk remedies. This may be unsafe, since papillomas are concentrated a large number of viral particles, so if removed incorrectly there is a high risk of more neoplasms. In addition, damage to papillomas can provoke uncontrolled cell proliferation and cause the development of cancer.

Among all the folk remedies for the treatment of papilloma virus in women, we recommend using only those that strengthen the immune system and fight the disease from the inside. This:

  • In equal proportions, take valerian root, lemon balm and oregano herbs, hop cones, coriander fruits, linden flowers, mix and grind. 30 g of the resulting mixture is poured into a thermos in the morning with 0.5 liters of hot water. After 4 hours, the drug is taken in small sips; it must be drunk completely throughout the day. The course of treatment is 10 days, repeated after a week.
  • Take rose hips, plantain leaves, nettle leaves, dandelion root and lemon balm in equal proportions, mix and grind. 80 g of the resulting mixture is poured into a saucepan and poured 1 liter of boiling water. Boil the broth over low heat for 15 minutes. After 4 hours it is ready to eat. The product is taken warm, 1 glass before meals 4 times a day. The course of treatment is 7 days, repeated after 10 days.

A popular remedy, celandine, should be used with great care, and it is better to abandon it altogether in favor of hardware methods for removing papillomas, because if it accidentally comes into contact with healthy areas of the skin, severe burns can occur.

Human papillomavirus in women types 16 and 18

The greatest danger to the health and life of women is HPV types 16 and 18. In addition to the fact that they cause the formation of condylomas on the genitals, they can provoke dysplasia and cervical cancer. Namely, it causes the death of hundreds of thousands of women.

At the same time, human papillomavirus type 31 in women also often causes the development of dysplasia, and if left untreated, cervical cancer, although it is one of the viruses with average oncogenic activity. Therefore, if any HPV type You should definitely consult a gynecologist and undergo the prescribed course of treatment.

But there is no need to panic when HPV is detected. Its presence in the body, even the notorious types 16 and 18, is not a guarantee of the rapid development of cancer. It can take 10 or 20 years from the moment of infection to the onset of oncology, and timely treatment full treatment and control over HPV levels further reduces this risk to a minimum.

Since doctors understand how dangerous the human papillomavirus is in women of these types, a vaccine has been invented to protect against them. But to this day there is debate about its effectiveness.

Thus, HPV is a fairly dangerous virus that can cause cancer. But with timely intervention, its activity can be suppressed and the occurrence of such sad consequences can be prevented.

The World Health Organization studied HPV, which is the short name for the human papillomavirus, and found that more than 60% of people on Earth are infected with it. Moreover, some of them are only carriers, while in others it manifests itself in the form of papillomatosis of the skin and mucous membranes, but in some cases the human papillomavirus causes cell degeneration and cancer.

Such a high prevalence and oncogenicity of this virus has aroused particular interest among doctors and scientists in it. The development of a vaccine against the human papillomavirus has been underway for a long time. It is not possible to completely destroy HPV, although there are already ways to detect it, and even a vaccine. Difficulties in combating the virus arise due to the nature of its spread and the lack of medications, for a complete cure. What is the human papillomavirus, how to avoid getting infected with it, the symptoms of the disease, what the treatment consists of, the peculiarities of its course in women and men, as well as preventive measures - we will consider such questions below.

How is human papillomavirus transmitted?

Many people are interested in how you can become infected with the human papillomavirus? Surprisingly, you can become infected in different ways, which contributes to the spread of the virus around the globe. The virus is transmitted from one person to another through contact and household contact, that is, it is impossible to avoid infection due to the fact that a person cannot live outside of society and not use household items.

The worst thing is that even a newborn baby can get this virus from the mother during childbirth, when it passes through the birth canal. In many cases, this is detected already in the first years of life, when the baby develops papillomas in the mouth and on the skin.

How is the human papillomavirus transmitted and spread? Most often you can become infected in following cases.

Of course, there are HPVs that affect certain organs and tissues, but their high prevalence in the population often causes illness. But what about those 40% of the population in whom the virus is not detected? The fact is that the virus cannot always survive in a strong body; there are factors that contribute to its survival.

Causes of infection

In what cases a person becomes infected with HPV or becomes its carrier is easy to determine. Our immune system fights any foreign elements that enter the skin or body.

When a small amount of the virus enters healthy body, with good immunity, then immune cells destroy it and infection does not occur. But if a person is weakened, he has metabolic disorders.

People become infected with the virus if they have:

Why is the human papillomavirus dangerous if it is so difficult to avoid infection with it?

Types of strains and diseases they cause

Several strains of HPV have been identified, each of them adapted to live in certain human cells. Many strains, for example, 2, 4, 26, 29, 57 cause the development common warts on the skin. Others are capable of causing the development of genital warts (6, 42, 11, 54), but at the same time, strains 6 and 11 can be detected in respiratory tract or for cancer of the lungs, neck, head.

The ability of a virus to increase the likelihood of developing a tumor by changing the cells of the human body is called oncogenicity. Therefore, among human papilloma viruses, there are strains that do not have this ability, and when infected, a person develops warts, papillomas on the skin and mucous membranes. They can also be dangerous, but are fairly easily treated with surgery. Once removed, they rarely recur and are therefore classified as benign neoplasms.

The human papillomavirus of a particularly high oncogenic type most often affects the reproductive organs of women. The strains that cause it are human papillomavirus types 16 and 18. Cancer-causing strains can also include 31, 39, 35, 33 and many other strains. Therefore, they are the ones who are trying to identify them in women when testing for HPV.

The presence of such strains in a woman’s body can lead to serious oncological diseases, such as cervical cancer or squamous cell carcinoma.

Symptoms of the disease

Signs of diseases caused by the human papillomavirus vary. It depends on the strain the person is infected with. When infected with a strain that causes the development of papillomas and warts, they appear on the skin and mucous membranes, but this is not the only sign. How else does the human papillomavirus manifest itself? One of the most striking manifestations of HPV is genital warts. These are mastoid formations of pink color, most often they are lighter than the mucous membrane, but sometimes they have more bright color. Gathering in a group of several pieces, they look like a rooster's comb or a cauliflower inflorescence. Their detection indicates that the patient has HPV, which needs to be treated.

Symptoms of human papillomavirus in men may differ from those found in women. Of course this is due different structure their reproductive organs. The mucous membrane of the vagina and cervix is ​​more favorable for the virus. It is there that genital warts arise, and they can degenerate and become malignant. Their appearance, as well as changes in the skin and oral mucosa, are clear symptoms of the human papillomavirus.

Signs of human papillomavirus infection in women

The human papillomavirus in women affects the mucous membrane of the reproductive organs and the cervix. Sometimes polyps, the development of which is also associated with HPV, can also form in the uterine cavity, which can cause bleeding and infertility in young women. But an even greater danger is the ability of the virus to affect mucosal cells and change them.

Some are high oncogenic types human papillomavirus in women are capable of changing mucosal cells on the cervix, which causes dysplasia and aplasia. This is uncontrolled reproduction, which in more than half of cases leads to the development malignant tumor. Most often, cancer of the cervix is ​​caused by human papilloma viruses type 16 or 18.

Viruses 6 and 11 are also often detected, which contribute to the formation of genital and flat condylomas - they are considered a precancerous disease, as they often precede dysplasia. Treatment consists of their mandatory removal, followed by histological examination of the tissue under a microscope.

The human papillomavirus is also dangerous during pregnancy. Although the virus does not penetrate the amniotic fluid and thus cannot infect the child, there is a high probability of infection if a woman has genital warts in her vagina. Then the child can become infected during childbirth, which leads to the development of papillomatosis of the oral cavity and pharynx.

Treatment against the papilloma virus is not carried out during pregnancy, since medications can have an adverse effect on the fetus. Only in the third trimester can certain antiviral drugs be prescribed. Therefore, if you are planning to become pregnant, you need to undergo an examination in advance and be tested for various infections so that this does not harm your baby.

Human papillomavirus infection in men

Human papillomavirus is also common in men, but due to differences in the structure of the genital organs, it usually affects the skin around the anus and the rectal mucosa.

It is in these areas that the development of genital warts is observed, and they often lead to squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum.

Methods for detecting human papillomavirus

The high oncogenicity of some HPV strains requires their timely detection. For this purpose, several tests have been developed that can detect the virus if its concentration in tissues is increased and can cause their degeneration. There is, of course, a test for cytological examination of cells (PAP test), which is included in a number of preventive measures when examining women, but a cytological examination can show already changed cells, and this analysis is not specific for HPV.

Laboratory analysis for human papillomavirus is called an HPV test. It differs from the PAP test in that it is performed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). It allows you to isolate and study the DNA of viruses of a certain type and their concentration in the collected material.

How are women usually tested for human papillomavirus? Usually, this is done by scraping from the cervix, less often from the urethra or cervical canal. This test is very specific and allows you to identify not only the type of virus, but also its concentration in tissues. Test shown:

  • when genital warts are detected in the genital and anal areas;
  • if the PAP test reveals cell degeneration (dysplasia);
  • during a preventive examination.

Detection of the virus during an HPV test does not always indicate cancer. So, in the absence of dysplasia, the woman remains under observation and the test is repeated after 6 months. Repeated detection of HPV, especially its highly oncogenic strains 16 and 18, indicates the risk of developing an oncological tumor in the cervix and the need for treatment. Antiviral and immunomodulating drugs are used for treatment. The examination must be repeated, since the high concentration of these strains suggests that the patient is at risk.

Positive HPV test with second degree cervical dysplasia, requires surgical intervention, namely the removal of the uterus, an operation called extirpation. Not only the affected uterine tissue is removed, but in some cases it is necessary to remove the fallopian tubes, ovaries. This is necessary if there is a suspicion of tumor metastasis. Computer, magnetic resonance imaging, PET-CT helps to identify early metastasis.

Treatment of human papillomavirus

When human papillomavirus is detected in women, treatment is most often surgical. Pointed papillomas are removed by excision; sometimes cauterization is used with a laser, electrocoagulator, or cryotherapy. A histological examination of the tissue must be done to exclude degeneration into a cancerous tumor. Therefore, the method of cryotherapy, with genital warts is not always indicated, since cells are damaged more during such removal, which can lead to erroneous analysis.

For flat condylomas, which are more often found on the cervix or vaginal mucosa, a biopsy is done. That is, they take a piece of tissue for analysis, and if there is no dysplasia, then they cut out the condyloma along with a section of adjacent tissue. When cell degeneration is detected, a more radical operation is required, and in some cases extirpation.

How else can human papillomavirus be treated? When there is no cell dysplasia, antiviral drugs are prescribed. Before prescribing, you need to determine the type of virus, since the prescription regimens and medications that are used for them are different for different types virus. There is no point in taking antiviral medications without a doctor's prescription, since many of them are ineffective against some types of HPV. At the same time you need to use nonspecific treatment, which is aimed at increasing overall immunity.

Can human papillomavirus be cured? Unfortunately, it is impossible to completely get rid of it. Once infected, a person remains a carrier for life. You can only reduce its activity, and for this you need to promptly remove papillomas and condylomas, take antiviral drugs prescribed by the doctor, and, most importantly, help the body overcome the virus itself. Healthy image life - these are not easy words, a person who monitors his health, eats right, plays sports, thereby increasing his immunity. A good immune system can prevent infection and prevent the virus from developing quietly in the body, causing disease.

Will traditional treatment help?

If the human papillomavirus is detected in a woman, then treatment with folk remedies cannot be carried out!

Folk remedies They cope well with skin papillomas or warts, so many try to cure condylomas in the same way. This is dangerous and in some cases causes reverse effect, increasing uterine dysplasia. Removal must be carried out in medical clinics, in order to be sure to conduct a histological examination of the material for dysplasia.

Among the folk remedies, those that help increase overall immunity may be useful. Many of them can also be used in children to avoid contracting the virus at home.

Specific and nonspecific prevention

As for methods of nonspecific prevention, these are, of course, maintaining hygiene, rules of conduct in public places, increasing general immunity and the need to avoid promiscuous sexual intercourse.

Methods of specific prevention are vaccines, the development of which has been carried out for more than 30 years. Currently, there is a vaccine called Gardasil, which is used to vaccinate children and young girls before they become sexually active. The vaccine can be used starting from 9 years of age. In adults, the result of vaccination has no effect, since the vaccine does not work when infection has already occurred. The Gardasil vaccine is aimed at the 4 most common strains of the human papillomavirus, namely 16, 18 and 6, 11. And if you are already infected with any of these types of virus, then vaccination will help you avoid infection with the others.

The human papillomavirus, especially some of its highly oncogenic types, often leads to the development of a malignant tumor, so you need to promptly consult a doctor if you suspect infection and undergo regular preventive examinations. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate, as there are many observations where cell dysplasia increased during self-medication, which significantly changed the prognosis of the disease and could lead to metastasis.