Treatment of papilloma in women. Human papillomavirus in women - symptoms, treatment, prevention of cervical cancer. Papilloma virus during pregnancy, what to do

Human papillomavirus infection is a pathophysiological lesion that develops in the human body and provokes the appearance of both genital warts and warts in intimate areas.

Certain strains of the virus can cause more severe changes - the appearance of tumors.

Medical designation (according to ICD-10): numerical definition as an infection - B 97.7 and as the initiator of the occurrence of viral warts - B 07.

In English terminology, HPV is referred to as HPV.

We will tell you what it is - human papillomavirus in women (HPV, papillomavirus), what the infection looks like in the photo, what are the causes, symptoms and signs, what is the treatment.

Causes and routes of infection

Where does the human papillomavirus come from in women, who can be a carrier of HPV and what is it?

The main way a woman becomes infected is through unprotected sex., which, as a method of infection, ensures the transmission of strains leading to the appearance of genital warts.

However, transmission routes are not limited to sexual contact. How is HPV (human papillomavirus) transmitted in women? Risk factors:

• violation of personal hygiene (using other people's towels, razors, scissors);
• intrauterine development in the body of a mother affected by HPV;
• visiting saunas, gyms and showers with improper sanitary treatment;
• using poorly disinfected instruments;
• wearing someone else's clothes.

The risk group includes women taking contraceptive medications or who have had sexually transmitted diseases.

The danger lies in the simultaneous transmission of sexually transmitted infections - gonorrhea, syphilis - together with HPV, therefore Unprotected sex may result in complex infection of the body.

The use of cesarean section also increases the risk of virus entry through epithelial tissue.

Under equal infection conditions Women who have a weakened immune system are more likely to be infected with HPV(chronic decline in immunity, acute respiratory infections, flu, stress, chronic fatigue).

Watch the video about the causes and symptoms:

Types and types of HPV: classification, list of strains of high oncogenicity

Modern technologies have made it possible to identify more than 100 types of human HPV, which differ significantly in the degree of danger.

The presence of highly oncogenic human papillomavirus (oncogenic HPV) increases the risk of developing cancer in women, especially the cervix.

Certain varieties of HPV can remain in the human body throughout life, but do not provoke the appearance of dangerous conditions - these are strains of the non-oncogenic group.

Completely non-oncogenic HPV types. 1, 2, 4, 5 are strains that do not lead to pathogenic changes in tissues and dermis.

Low danger strains. Types 40–44, together with 3, 11, 13, 32, 34, 51,61, 72, 73 and 6, with good immunity, do not provoke degenerative changes, but with prolonged exposure to negative factors they sometimes lead to the appearance of malignant tumors.

HPV medium risk - 52, 53, 56, 58 and 30, 35, 45.

HPV strains of high oncogenic risk in women. , mammary glands, cervix - these are the consequences of the influence of the most dangerous strains.

Full list: 50, 59, 68, 64, 70 and 16, 18, 31, 33, 39. These types of HPV are the most dangerous for women, they can even change the DNA of cells that begin to malfunction.

There is also direct dependence on the location of the growths on the body and the type of infection: HPV type 7 leads to the appearance of warts on the butchers, HPV 1, 2, 4 - on the sole of the foot, HPV 13 and 32 - on the mucous membranes of the mouth, HPV 30, 11, 6 - on the pulmonary tract.

Pointed neoplasms are formed when exposed to HPV types 11 and 6, 54 and 42.

Development algorithm: symptoms and signs, photos

HPV infection occurs without the appearance of sharp signs of infection, as happens with venereal diseases.

A sluggish process, not associated with manifestations of relapses, develops slowly until it manifests itself completely or is destroyed by the body.

Incubation period of HPV in women. The asymptomatic development of HPV lasts about three months, during which the infection multiplies (virus replication occurs) and affects healthy tissue.

Sometimes the latent stage lasts only 16 days or reaches a long period - up to 12 months.

In 80–90% of cases, the immunity of young women under 25 years of age copes with the pathology, eliminating the infection (natural elimination). In the remaining 10–20%, the virus becomes more active and enters the chronic stage.

Activity stage. Signs of infection can be detected even with the naked eye - skin tumors appear and grow rapidly.

A decline in immunity can lead to decreased energy and relapses of chronic diseases.

Signs of HPV and differences from other neoplasms. After activation of the virus, vaginal lesions are often diagnosed, characterized by bacterial vaginosis and itching in the intimate area.

The main differences: papillomas are characterized by their ability to change color, although moles are not characterized by shade transformation.

How HPV (human papillomavirus) manifests itself in women: there is a burning sensation at the site of the papilloma, and a colorless liquid may flow out of it, causing inflammation.

Neoplasms due to HPV infection:

• exophytic condylomas. They include large genital warts and small ones, which are compared in appearance to “cauliflower”;
• flat warts. Localized on the mucous membrane of the cervix and vagina;
• vestibular papillomatosis. It appears in the area of ​​the vestibule of the vagina, on which small but large numbers of papilloma-like growths grow.

Papillomas should also be distinguished from moles by their structure, which usually do not contain blood vessels in their structure, but consist of melanocytes.

However, exact confirmation of the identity of the formation on the skin is provided by a medical study - a biopsy.

This manifestation of HPV, such as a sudden and intense formation of skin growths on the body, indicates a decline in immunity and the progression of HPV in women.

Symptoms and signs of the presence of human papillomavirus on the body and face in the photo:

Who to contact and how to identify papillomavirus

How to detect HPV in women? If you are concerned about condylomas in the intimate area - consult a gynecologist, if on other parts of the body - see a dermatologist.

In the absence of visible manifestations of the disease, you can visit a therapist who will refer you for tests to determine the types of HPV (after studying the results, adequate treatment is prescribed).

To remove tumors, you need visit a surgeon.

Strains are identified by several methods, among them - PCR (a swab is taken from the woman’s urethra) and blood test.

If changes in the cervix are suspected, material for examination is taken from this area, and diagnosed using the Papanicolaou method.

A cystological smear from a scraping of the skin or mucous membrane is uninformative, since it detects only large clusters of pathogens, while PCR detects even single viruses.

The most advanced - Digene test, which has the greatest sensitivity to detecting different strains. It allows you to most effectively diagnose viral DNA fragments in the cells and tissues of the body.

Danger, consequences

Why is human papillomavirus dangerous in women? Lack of treatment leads to disfigurement of the skin, on which unaesthetic changes form, and the presence of oncogenic varieties provokes the occurrence of cancer.

With HPV, dysplasia can also be observed - a precancerous condition that transforms the nuclei of epithelial cells. If detected early, it can be treated conservatively; if detected late, it can only be treated surgically.

The most dangerous combination is considered identified combination of 16 and 18 HPV strains leading to rapid cell mutations. In these patients, prompt treatment is indicated to minimize potential harm.

Treatment tactics, prognosis

HPV cannot be completely removed from the body if infection has already occurred. The ultimate goal is to boost immunity and increase the production of antibodies to the identified strains.

In this way, the suppression of the virus will be carried out by the body independently.

If there are warts or genital warts, they can be eliminated only mechanically - by laser burning, scalpel or cryodestruction.

Antiviral drugs. The drugs in this group include an antiviral agent that allows the body to give a clear signal to begin producing antibodies to the infection.

Known drugs: Lykopid, Groprinosin, Isoprinosine (taken from 7 to 30 days depending on the type of pathogen).

dietary supplement. Medicines of the dietary supplement group: Indinol, Indole-3-Carbinol, Promisan, Wobenzym - are used in the presence of a virus of low oncogenicity or strains of a non-oncogenic group.

Antibiotics. They are used only when HPV is combined with sexually transmitted infections for a period of no more than 30 days.

Immunomodulators. Interferon, Immunal, Cycloferon, Viferon are able to suppress the reproduction of the virus and stop the growth of skin tumors.

Herbs. Phytoproducts are among the auxiliary methods of boosting immunity.

To activate the body's defenses, you need to take echinacea, ginseng root, eleutherococcus or Rhodiola rosea (in the form of tinctures or herbal decoctions). Prescribed mainly in the spring and autumn periods.

Vitamins. Infection leads to vitamin deficiency syndrome, so the presence of vitamin complexes - Vitrum, Complivit or Pikovit - in the diet of an HPV patient is mandatory. Accepted for at least a month.

Given the widespread damage to the vagina by condylomas, doctors simultaneously prescribe ointments to women suffering from human papillomavirus infection.

Example - 5% Aldara cream, Epigen intimate spray. The latter option is used to spray the affected areas four times per day.

The prognosis for treatment is favorable if the patient follows all the doctor’s recommendations, but he will have to pay attention to his health for the rest of his life.

Prevention measures

Maintaining immunity - a fundamentally important way to prevent infection.

The second most important condition includes limiting contact with infected people, third - maintaining hygiene when visiting the pool, bathhouse, and other public places.

Other effective ways to prevent infection:

• use barrier methods of contraception when having sex with casual partners;
• refuse to use other people's things and hygiene products;
• play sports, avoid a sedentary lifestyle;
• Periodically visit a therapist and get tested for HPV.

Another well-known method of prevention is vaccination., but vaccination helps protect against only four species (16 and 18, 6 and 11).

The most famous vaccine is the German Gardasil, which is supplemented by a separate variant called Gardasil 9, which also includes additional types of HPV (52 and 58, 33 and 45, 31).

Cervarix (UK) is used only to affect strains of types 16 and 18.

Human papillomavirus in women - treatment and prevention:

Now you know where it comes from, how the papillomavirus manifests itself in women, which of them are dangerous, and how to identify them.

HPV carries certain health risks, however, by choosing the proper therapy, the damage from the virus can be minimized.

Particular attention is necessary if high oncogenic virus types are identified. A virus that is in a latent form and does not lead to degenerative changes is not subject to serious treatment.

In nature, there are many infections that are sexually transmitted, one of these is the papilloma virus. The danger of the virus lies in the fact that it can provoke many ailments, for example, skin diseases and oncology. The HPV group includes not one active virus, but about 70, which have distinctive characteristics in their DNA composition. In addition to unprotected sexual contact, a woman can become infected with HPV when secretions of a virus carrier come into contact with her skin, as well as through the perinatal route. Unfortunately, it is impossible to eliminate the virus, but there is effective therapy that helps block the symptoms.

Almost 50% of all women who are sexually active are infected with papillomavirus. After penetration into the body, this infection manifests itself in the form of genital warts or warts. However, HPV poses the greatest danger to female sexual health, provoking the appearance of atypical cells in the cervix. As a result, a precancerous condition may develop, which ultimately leads to oncology. Therefore, experts recommend that you undergo a detailed examination by a gynecologist once every six months, because the course of HPV in women in most cases passes without the manifestation of pronounced symptoms.

During a gynecological examination, the doctor can detect all the signs of papillomavirus, but to confirm an accurate diagnosis, an additional study is required - PCR analysis. Thanks to this test, you can not only diagnose HPV, but also accurately confirm the type of infection.

Attention! The HPV group includes a large number of papillomaviruses, which can have different effects on the female body, either being asymptomatic or causing a precancerous condition.

After the diagnosis is confirmed, the virus carrier is sent for colposcopy. This procedure is a mandatory examination, which allows you to examine the uterus at multiple magnification. Through this study, the hidden pathology of the organ is determined. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe cytology and biopsy (tissue sample collection for microscopic examination is required) to exclude oncology.

Main manifestations of HPV

It is important! The main type of treatment to remove the alarming symptoms of papillomavirus in women is surgical. Additionally, to block the manifestations of HPV, immunostimulants are prescribed (most often the virus has external symptoms in people with weakened immunity), and the use of antiviral drugs.

Symptoms

The main manifestation of symptoms will depend on what type of papillomavirus is present in the female body.

1. After sexual intercourse, a woman may experience slight bleeding from the vagina that occurs during the intermenstrual period.
2. The appearance of pain, which is felt in the back, lower extremities and pelvis.
3. Chronic fatigue.
4. Periodic weight loss.
5. Poor appetite.
6. Vaginal discharge characterized by an unpleasant odor.
7. Discomfortable feeling in the vaginal area.
8. Swelling of the lower extremities.

If the virus is in a more advanced form, then serious consequences arise, which lead to degeneration into oncology.

Cervical oncology and papillomavirus are directly related. The main danger lies in the chronic course of the disease, which leads to the degeneration of a precancerous condition into an oncological disease.

If a woman is diagnosed with papillomavirus infection, but at the same time has a high level of protective functions of the immune system, then the development of cancer will occur only after twenty years (this is why it is important to maintain the level of immunity). When a woman’s immunity is not strong enough or is weakened by other viruses, for example, HIV, then oncology develops over several years (from 5 to 10).

Risk factors:

• onset of early sexual activity;
• sexual life without barrier contraception with different partners;
• regular smoking;
• destruction of the immune system due to viral infections (HIV infection).

How big is the problem?

According to medical statistics, it has been established that cervical cancer is the fourth most common disease in the world. Mortality in this case is about 7.5% of all types of oncology.

Therefore, in developed countries there is a program that allows identifying pathology at an early stage and blocking it in a timely manner - this is screening. Thanks to this testing, confirmation of a precancerous condition is carried out in those women who feel absolutely healthy.

Note! Screening helps detect cancer at an early stage, when treatment is highly effective.

How to prevent HPV?

In order to avoid becoming a victim of papillomavirus, vaccination is necessary. The main provocateurs of the precancerous condition are types 16 and 18 of the virus; it is against them that today there is effective vaccination. In addition, after administration of the vaccine, cross-protection occurs against other less common types, for example, 11 and 6.

Reference! HPV 11 and HPV 6 are characterized by the appearance of anogenital warts on the skin (especially in the genital area).

Vaccination is effective only if the drug was administered before infection with papillomavirus. Therefore, it is preferable to vaccinate in adolescence, when the first sexual intercourse has not occurred. It is worth noting that vaccination cannot save you from the consequences of the virus - a precancerous condition.

You can learn more about HPV in women from the video.

Video - Human papillomavirus in women

The papilloma virus is quite common. In most cases, the infection does not manifest itself in any way. Moreover, even if infection occurs, within 1 year 70% of women will be cured, and within 2 years 90% of women will be cured.
You can find out that you are infected with this virus by taking smears from a gynecologist, or by observing papillomas, condylomas or other unpleasant things in the genital area or around the anus. Or by purposefully taking a DNA virus test.

• 19% of women aged 50 to 59 were infected with the HPV virus
• 27% of women aged 20 to 24 were infected with the HPV virus
• 45% of women aged 14 to 19 were infected with the HPV virus

Types of human papillomavirus.

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is divided into types; about 200 are known so far. Strictly speaking, not all viruses are equally dangerous.
Of this set, those that cause papillomas in women are not as dangerous as those that do not manifest themselves for many years, but then cause cancer. Hence the division into high- and low-risk types of papillomavirus, according to the degree of risk of cancer. Viruses that most often cause cancer (cervix, labia in women, etc.) are considered high risk.

Low-risk HPV spoils the beauty of women.

Low-risk viruses of types 6, 11, 40, 42, 43, 44, 53, 54, 61, 72, 73, 81 rarely cause cancer, but they often cause papillomas, warts and condylomas, which are unpleasant for women. Most often in the genital areas and in the anus, but during oral sex the oral cavity and larynx and even the esophagus can be affected. Most often (up to 90%) such formations are caused by types 6 and 11 of the virus. Although Buschke-Levenshtein tumor is also caused by types 6 and 11, although it becomes malignant.

Huge fused condylomas in the labia area are called Buschke-Levenshtein tumor. The papillomavirus in women (low risk) is the main cause.

The papilloma virus in women causes the appearance of various unpleasant formations in intimate areas, including the anus.

High-risk HPV causes cancer in women.

About 80% of women will contract high-risk papillomavirus during their lifetime, these include types 16, 18, 31, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 58. Most will be cured. But in 5-10% of women, the infection remains for many years; gradually, under its influence, the epithelial cells of the cervix, labia, vagina or anus change. From year to year, these cells become more and more malignant. Within 5-10 years, all this can lead to cervical cancer if the process is not recognized and stopped in time.
Various stages of changes in the cervical epithelium in women on the path to cancer: First, grade 1 dysplasia appears, then grade 2, then grade 3 (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia CIN1,2,3), which ultimately leads to cervical cancer.

• If cervical cancer appears, then in 99% of cases it is caused by the papilloma virus in women of types 16, 18, 31, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 58. Types 16 and 18 account for 70% of cervical cancer cases.
• Anal cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus in 96% of cases. Women who practice anal sex are more susceptible. Type 16 accounts for 75% of cases, followed by types 18, 52, 33, and 51.
• In 43% of cases of cancer of the labia (vulva), it is caused by the human papillomavirus, mainly among young women. Type 16 accounts for 29.3% of cases.
• Vaginal cancer occurs in 70% due to the human papillomavirus. Type 16 accounts for 55.4% of cases.

Cervical dysplasia, stained white with acetic acid. The appearance is caused by the papilloma virus in women. Over time it turns into cancer.

Cervical cancer, which occurs in women under the influence of the human papilloma virus. In the photo it is still small in size, nothing to worry about.

Papillomavirus in women. Diagnostics. How to recognize?

Any woman can independently determine the presence of a low-risk virus (primarily 6 or 11 types) if she finds papillomas, warts or condylomas in the vulva (labia), vagina, anus or nearby: on the stomach or thighs. They warts and condylomas can be thread-like, dark or flesh-colored, flat or rough, and cauliflower-like. They may also cause tingling, itching, and discomfort. Warts can even be observed in the mouth and throat if a woman has had oral contact with an infected person. Papillomas appear several weeks or months after sexual contact with an infected partner.
Sometimes papillomas in women are discovered by a gynecologist during an examination. The presence of such formations indicates a weakness of the immune system in the fight against HPV; it is also recommended to take a smear test for high-risk HPV.
However, in most infected women the infection does not manifest itself in any way.
As for high-risk HPV of the cervix: outwardly, during a gynecological examination, even severe dysplasia may be invisible, or be combined with leukoplakia, erythroplakia, or adenomatosis.

Pap test for papillomavirus in women.

But the most important test for the papilloma virus in women is a Papanicolaou smear (Pap test). Strictly speaking, the papilloma virus itself is not detected by this smear. A Papanicolaou smear (Pap test) is a typical cytological test and detects shifts in cells towards cancer, the cause of which is the human papillomavirus. The appearance of atypical cells with an abnormal structure means a high risk of developing cancer or its presence.
In Russia, within the framework of the compulsory medical insurance system (free of charge), it is recommended to conduct a Pap test once every 3 years from 21 to 65 years. If once a smear shows dysplasia, you can continue testing until you are 85 years old. Also, according to compulsory medical insurance in Russia, analysis for human papillomavirus in women, at least types 16 and 18, can be carried out once every 5 years from 30 to 65 years, or not at all. In developed countries, the first Papanicolaou smear (Pap test) is done 3 years after the start of sexual activity, or at the age of 21 years. Most often, the test is combined with PCR for high-risk types of human papillomavirus. The study is repeated for 3 years in a row, and only then, if everything is normal, they begin to repeat it once every 2-3 years until the age of 65.
It is best to take smears from three areas: from the canal, the surface of the cervix, and from the vaginal vault.

Evaluation of the Pap test result.

In correct smears, all cells look approximately the same, are the same size and are distributed relatively evenly, they divide rarely and correctly - such a smear will be called negative. It means that a woman is unlikely to develop cervical cancer within the next few years.
In irregular smears, the cells look random, of different sizes, they have large nuclei that have an irregular shape, the cells can be arranged in groups, divide incorrectly, etc. Such a smear will be called positive and is assessed in terms of the likelihood of cancer. Grade 5 means cancer with a very high probability. Sometimes they can give an unclear result (inflammatory) class 2 or not informative - if the woman’s smears are taken poorly.
If the result of the Pap smear is not informative, a repeat smear should be done no later than 4 months later.

Preparing a woman for a Pap test.

Getting an unclear, inflammatory Pap test result, or even dysplasia, does not necessarily mean a woman has cancer or is prone to it. Sometimes the test can be spoiled by various microbes (infections, sexually transmitted or otherwise), fungi, inflammation or hormonal disorders.
To reduce the likelihood of a class 2 smear or an uninformative smear without proper reason (not related to viruses) or unclear. A woman needs to prepare for the study in advance. For 2 days, refrain from sex, insertion of suppositories, medications, tampons into the genital tract. And instead of a bath, take a shower. The previous gynecological examination should also be at least 2 days before.

Additional tests for HPV and cancer in women.

If the cytologist’s report shows a positive smear, PCR is performed on the DNA of high-risk papillomavirus types. They also conduct additional studies: colposcopy, staining suspicious areas with iodine solution (Schiller test) or acetic acid solution. Colposcopy is performed with a special instrument - a colposcope, which gives a significant enlargement of the woman’s cervix. In case of serious suspicion of cancer, a biopsy of the suspicious area is performed (a piece is taken for examination under a microscope - histology), or conization of the cervix is ​​possible. Conization of the cervix is ​​also a medical procedure that eliminates severe dysplasia in women. That is, the last steps before cancer.
Women whose smear and HPV test results are normal should not worry; the risk of developing cervical cancer over the next few years is extremely low.
After complete removal of the uterus and cervix due to benign diseases (fibroids, endometriosis, complicated ovarian cysts), Papanicolaou smears (Pap test) are no longer required.

Treatment of papilloma virus in women.

The doctor selects the treatment for you, and all sorts of articles on the Internet are, of course, not his order. He himself has a mustache.
Actually, no cure has been invented for the papilloma virus.
If the results of the Pap test smear are normal, even if the papilloma virus is detected in women, treatment is usually not prescribed (at the discretion of the doctor), and is limited to more frequent observation. If the desire to be cured is strong enough, the doctor may recommend approximately.
Also, medical experience and ingenuity tell us to use various versions of interferon alpha in the form of suppositories vaginally and rectally for papillomas in the groin or anus, as well as for initial deviations in the Pap test from the cervix, which were caused by the papilloma virus in women . Kipferon, for example, can be administered 2 suppositories of 500,000 IU 2 times a day for 10 days. Genferon is administered 1 suppository in 1 million IU 2 times a day for 10 days. Giaferon 1 suppository of 500,000 IU 2 times a day vaginally for up to 20-30 days. Viferon suppositories can also be used vaginally, and in the same dosages, despite the fact that the packaging says rectal suppositories. In addition, the treatment of papillomas in intimate places can be supplemented with Viferon in the form of a gel or ointment 3-4 times a day, Infagel in the form of a gel or human recombinant alpha Interferon in the form of an ointment also, 3-4 times a day.
In the case of the presence of very large fused papillomas (condylomas), you can limit yourself to only introducing a solution of interferon powder under the papillomas. Alpha interferon in powder form under various trade names, including the Russian-made Reaferon-EC, can be administered with a syringe under large papillomas and condylomas, dissolved in 1 milliliter of water for injection. In this case, from 1 to 3 million units are administered once a day for 10 days in a row.
Treatment with interferon is permissible only if the papilloma virus in women has not caused dysplasia (in the absence of CIN), subject to observation and with the permission of the doctor.
If abnormalities are detected in the smear, but the papilloma virus is not detected in women, and histology does not confirm cancer or dysplasia, then treatment is carried out for concomitant sexually transmitted infections, hormonal abnormalities in women, and pathological formations in the cervix and vagina.
If CIN 1 dysplasia is detected, electrosurgical removal of changes, radiosurgery (surgitron), cryodestruction or laser evaporation are performed. In the case of severe dysplasia CIN 2, 3, conization is carried out in several ways: again with a laser, scalpel, loop electrocoagulation or surgitron (radio wave method), sometimes even in combination with curettage of the uterine cavity and cervical canal in women.
Papillomas and condylomas must be removed. After all, they appear due to the low-risk human papillomavirus, which can also cause cancer over time. About removal options.
In the case of condylomas, treatment with podophyllin, imiquimod, radioknife or cryodestruction is possible to avoid deep scarring.
In intimate areas, Aldara will be very helpful for the treatment of papillomas in women, and inflammation is a natural reaction, do not be afraid of it, there are no scars after treatment. You need to be more careful with condylin, especially for women, as scarring is possible. Well, all sorts of super-cleaners are not at all acceptable unless you are over 90 years old, otherwise the scars will be simply disfiguring. Buschke-Levenshtein tumor is most often treated surgically with the formation of sutures; it is better to do cryodestruction or remove it with a radio knife; the scars will be more tender.

How can a woman avoid becoming infected with the papilloma virus?

Prevention is possible, although 80% of women will catch an evil type of virus, or even several, during their lifetime. Globally, 11% of women die from cervical cancer.

Prevention of HPV infection:

1. Avoiding a large number of sexual contacts (oral, anal and vaginal) with different partners, maintaining a monogamous relationship. High-risk papillomavirus is mainly transmitted through sexual contact.
2. Selecting partners with the least number of sexual contacts in the past. You can never know for sure whether a partner is infected, even if he does not have a single papilloma. Even one partner who has previously had many partners can transmit the virus.
3. Onset of sexual activity at a later age. Since early age is more conducive to transmission of the virus due to immature immunity.
4. Using latex condoms and lubricants containing carrageenan reduces the likelihood of transmitting the papilloma virus to a woman, but this is not always the case. Viruses can be transmitted from skin not covered by a condom.
5. Vaccination.

Vaccination will stop the papilloma virus in women.

There are only two vaccines: Gardasil and Cervarix. In Russia, vaccination is not included in the mandatory standards. Basically, only private medical institutions can offer vaccination against the papilloma virus in women. In addition, in some places, a debate that is traditional for Russia, full of prejudices, is flaring up around vaccines. In the spirit of whether these vaccines are just another biological weapon designed to sterilize Russians. In the United States, girls are vaccinated from the age of 11 and boys from the age of 12. The latest age at which vaccination will be sufficiently effective is considered to be 26 years for men and women. A vaccine alone will not cure an infection if a person is already infected with some type of virus. But it can protect an HPV-positive woman from other types of papillomavirus, and thus help.

Cervarix against papillomavirus in women.

Cervarix is ​​produced by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (Belgium), protects against HPV types 16, 18, partially from 31 and 45. In addition, it has special substances that enhance immunity for a longer period. Has proven effectiveness against cervical and anal cancer. Considering the presence of these types in cancer of other locations (see link), it will be very useful. If a woman’s goal is protection only from cervical cancer, not from papillomas, it is better to use it. Cervarix is ​​injected only into the deltoid muscle (upper third of the shoulder), a total of 3 times. The second dose is administered 1 month after the first, the third dose is administered 5 months after the second.

Gardasil against papillomavirus in women.

Gardasil is manufactured by Merck Sharp (in the Netherlands or USA). If protection not only from cervical cancer, but also from condylomas and papillomas is important, a woman should take advantage of it. Protects against human papillomavirus types 6, 11, 16 and 18. Gardasil is injected into the muscle, into the upper third of the shoulder or thigh, 0.5 ml 3 times. The second dose is 2 months after the first, the third is 4 months after the second.

In contact with

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a highly human-specific infection from the Papovaviridea family, which has the ability to infect and transform epithelial cells. More than a hundred types of HPV have been identified, of which 35 infect the human urogenital tract, causing damage to the integumentary epithelium of the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs.

Every sixth person is a carrier of the papillomavirus - this is indicated in WHO data. The infection caused by the papilloma virus is warts (condylomas) and belongs to the group of virus-infectious diseases that are characterized by the appearance of papillomatous formations on the skin and mucous membrane. HPV is characterized by its chronic form with constant relapses.

Causes

Why does the human papillomavirus develop, and what is it? The causative agent is a virus that affects the upper layer of the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs. Transmission of these viruses is possible only from person to person; infection occurs through contact with the skin or mucous membranes of a sick person.

Human papillomavirus infection can occur:

1. During sexual intercourse. According to the International Medical Association, papillomavirus is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases, accounting for more than 60% of cases.
2. At birth. Infection can be transmitted at birth from mother to newborn baby, which subsequently leads to infection with papillomavirus or laryngeal papillomatosis.
3. With autoinoculation. Self-infection can occur if basic hygiene rules are not followed: hair removal or shaving.
4. By everyday means. The human papillomavirus is highly survivable and can survive for a long time in the warm, humid environment of public places, such as toilets, baths, gyms, and swimming pools. Infection occurs through various skin lesions directly through contact, use of personal hygiene items or in public places.

Different types of HPV cause or are involved in the development of:

• (62%);
• pre-invasive and invasive cervical cancer (38%);
• , urinary tract (51%);
• 10% of clinically healthy women are carriers of HPV;
• In 85% of patients with typical genital warts of the external genitalia, examination reveals additional foci of HPV infection of the vagina and cervix in severe and mild forms.

These data allow us to consider patients with human papillomavirus infections of the genital tract as a group at high risk of developing cervical intraepithelial carcinoma.

Classification

The following classification applies:

1. HPV, the manifestation of which are various types of warts (HPV 1-5):
2. Plantar warts (the appearance resembles a callus), these are HPV types 1-4;
3. Flat warts are HPV types 3, 10, 28, 49;
4. Common warts are HPV type 27.
5. HPV types that affect the vulva, vagina, genitals, cervix and respiratory tract are HPV types 6, 11, 13, 16, 18, 31, 33, 35.
6. HPV, the lesion of which in the form of rashes is associated with the condition of a precancerous disease (HPV of high oncogenic risk), is HPV 39 and other types.

As you can see, these benign neoplasms can form on any part of the body:

• face;
• under the breast;
• in the armpits;
• on the genitals;
• on the mucous membranes of internal organs, oral and nasal cavities.

Incubation period

The incubation period is long: from half a month to several years. Human papillomavirus infection is characterized by a hidden (latent) course. A person can become infected with several types of papillomaviruses at the same time. Under the influence of various factors, the virus is activated, its increased reproduction, and the disease enters the stage of clinical manifestations.

In most cases (up to 90%), self-healing occurs within 6-12 months, in other cases there is a long-term chronic relapsing course with possible malignancy of the process (depending on the type of virus).

Symptoms of human papillomavirus

The human immune system is strong enough to overcome the virus at an early stage of its development. And in most cases the disease does not develop. However, over time, months, years, or even decades, people may experience some symptoms of HPV infection.

There are several groups of diseases most often caused by HPV:

1. Warts are round, tougher growths than the body with a diameter of 2 mm to 1 cm. The boundaries of warts are very clearly defined, and irregularly shaped warts are found. They are rough to the touch and can be of different colors. Most often they form in places where the skin is most damaged: on the hands, knees or elbows.
2. Plantar warts. They develop when infected with viruses of types 1 and 2 in those places where shoes rub or press on the feet. The skin at the site of the wart becomes thicker, and the warts do not have clear boundaries.
3. Condylomas acuminata– peculiar warts that appear, as a rule, on the mucous membranes and skin of the genital organs: the head of the penis and the skin of the foreskin in men, the skin of the labia in women. They can also appear in the bladder, urethra, cervix, vagina, skin around the anus, and in the mouth. Externally, these genital warts look like small convex formations, their edges are uneven (they look like cauliflower). This disease is caused by human papillomavirus types 6 and 11.
4. Bowenoid papulosis. Small, flat wart plaques (somewhat similar to flat warts) appear around the genitals. It develops more often in men who constantly change sexual partners. Called by types – 16, 18, 31, 33, 42, 48, 51, 54.

Any viral infection that is constantly present in the human body (and HPV is one of these) is activated only when immunity decreases.

Human papillomavirus: photo

To find out what the human papillomavirus looks like in various manifestations, we have prepared a selection with photos.

Symptoms of human papillomavirus in women

The infection can occur in a latent form, or can cause the development of genital papillomas. Genital warts are observed mainly in women aged 15 to 30 years.

The main danger of developing a disease caused by types 16 and 18 is the development of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer reduces life expectancy by an average of 26 years. From the point of view of cancer development, only the virus that remains in the body for more than a year becomes dangerous.

Unfortunately, these diseases in women are often asymptomatic until the final stages, at which the effectiveness of treatment is significantly reduced.

Symptoms of human papillomavirus in men

For men, the human papillomavirus is less dangerous than for women. Most often they are passive carriers. The likelihood of developing cancer is much lower.

HPV in men can cause genital warts to appear on the foreskin, glans penis or frenulum. Such formations must be urgently removed, because they interfere not only with personal hygiene, but also with sexual activity.

Prevention

We list the main directions for the prevention of human papillomavirus infection:

• personal hygiene measures in public places;
• a healthy lifestyle that maintains immunity at a high level;
• correct work and rest schedule;
• moderate physical training;
• taking vitamins, fruits, juices;
• only one sexual partner (ideally);
• using a condom during sexual intercourse.

Currently, there are vaccinations against human papillomavirus: Gardasil and Cervarix. The Gardasil vaccine is effective against HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18 (protects against cervical cancer and genital warts), and the Cervarix vaccine is effective against HPV types 16 and 18 (protects against cervical cancer, but not against genital warts).

Treatment of human papillomavirus

Currently, there is not a single antiviral drug that would cause the disappearance of the human papillomavirus from the body.

Various interferons (reaferon, cycloferon and others) and interferonogens (poludan, prodigiosan and others) can reduce existing condylomas, but do not reduce the frequency of formation of new ones. Therefore, the main method of treating human papillomavirus remains the removal of condylomas by chemical or surgical methods.

Here are the main methods for removing papilloma tissue:

1. Radiosurgical. The radio wave electrode cuts off the tumor and coagulates the vessels. An antiseptic bandage is then required.
2. Laser. Contactless and bloodless method. At the site of the removed papilloma, a crust remains, under which healing proceeds. Disadvantages - risk of relapse, high cost, need to polish remaining scars.
3. Electrocoagulation. In terms of efficiency, results and prices, the method is similar to the two previous methods.
4. Surgical. This is an operation under local anesthesia.

Before starting treatment, be sure to ask your doctor:

1. What treatments are available at the clinic where you are being treated?
2. How much does each type of treatment cost and what are the possible complications?
3. Will the surgery be painful?

It must be emphasized that removal of papillomas should not be considered a complete cure for human papillomavirus infection, since in this case the person does not cease to be a virus carrier, that is, papillary polyps may appear again within several years. That is why, for the purpose of prevention, doctors recommend improving the health of the entire body as a whole.

Cryocoagulation

Cryocoagulation (cauterization with liquid nitrogen) is a quick and effective method of treating genital warts. The procedure may be slightly painful and unpleasant, but this is rarely very bothersome to patients.

Cryocoagulation of condylomas is carried out in several sessions over several weeks. Complete elimination of condylomas is observed in 75-80% of patients who have undergone all procedures.

You should not try to diagnose and treat human papillomavirus yourself.

1. First, you need to choose the right method.
2. Secondly, there is always a risk of confusing genital warts with a malignant tumor.

It’s better not to take risks and entrust your health to professionals - this will ensure you a long and happy sex life. Sexual life during the period of treatment for papillomavirus is stopped until complete recovery. It is necessary to examine and, if necessary, treat the partner.

Papilloma virus in women is an infectious disease caused by a virus from the papillomavirus family (Papillomaviridae). The disease leads to pathological changes in the skin cells and mucous membranes of a woman, which manifests itself in the form of warts and papillomas.

The most common type of transmission is sexual contact with an infected person, so this disease belongs to the group of sexually transmitted diseases.

Human papillomavirus causes human papillomavirus in women; there are more than 600 types of it. Less than 10% of them can affect the anogenital tract of women and manifest themselves as condyloma acuminata. This disease in some cases leads to cervical cancer; in 70% of cases it is provoked by two types of HPV - 16 and 18.

The World Health Organization provides statistics according to which about 60% of the total population of the Earth are carriers of this virus.

Facts about the virus:

• HPV occupies a leading position among all infections spread through sexual contact.
• The period of highest infectivity is the beginning of an active sexual life.
• Almost all types of HPV do not cause any harm to a woman’s health.
• In the vast majority of cases, the infection goes away on its own within 2 years.

EXPOSURE

Human papillomavirus in women is most often diagnosed in those representatives of the fairer sex who lead a promiscuous sex life and often change male partners. However, for infection and development of the disease, active sexual life alone is not enough.

Factors:

• Weakened immunity.
• The presence of other serious infectious diseases in the female body.
• Excessive use of medications.
• Uncontrolled use of oral contraception.
• Alcohol and smoking abuse.

SYMPTOMATICS

In a woman, papillomas appear within a period of 3 weeks to 8 months after infection. The duration of the disease manifestation is directly related to the type of virus, as well as the general condition of the body. The incubation period for the manifestation of viruses of these types that provoke the progression of cervical cancer is often up to 20 years.

Papillomavirus in females leads to the appearance of neoplasms on areas of the skin, as well as on the mucous membranes, which can have several variations. These variations are the main symptoms of this disease.

Clinical manifestations of papillomas:

• Vulgar. HPV manifests itself in the form of a bump with a hard-to-touch coating and a diameter of 1 cm or more. Most often, tumors are found on the back of the hands.
• Filiform. They appear in the form of small cones of a yellowish tint, which gradually grow and become denser. Older women are most susceptible to this type of papillomas.
• Plantar. A callus-like growth appears on the sole of the foot. The difference from calluses is that the growth does not contain liquid inside and looks like a shiny bump.
• Flat. The appearance of this type of papillomas is preceded by redness and severe itching of the skin at the site of the tumor. In appearance, papilloma is flat and round in shape, and often does not differ in shade from the color of the skin.
• Pointed. Neoplasms are found on the female genitals, oral mucosa and around the anus.

Specific symptoms of the disease in women also include bloody vaginal discharge after sexual intercourse, disrupted menstrual cycle, and slight itching in the genital area.

HPV DIAGNOSIS

An appropriate specialist (venereologist, gynecologist, infectious disease specialist, immunologist) will tell you how to treat human papillomavirus in women after carrying out diagnostic procedures. Due to the high prevalence of the virus, preventive examinations are recommended for all women over 30 years of age.

Diagnosis in the treatment of HPV begins with a general clinical examination and determination of the type of papillomas on the body. Considering that the disease is often asymptomatic, a whole system of studies has been developed to determine the presence of HPV in a woman’s body.

Research methods:

• Polymerase chain reaction. This test helps identify the type of virus in the body. The disadvantage of this study is that it does not determine the number of virus particles.
• Hybrid capture method. A more effective study that helps not only accurately determine the type of virus, but also its quantitative composition (viral load).
• Colposcopy. Examination of the cervix with specialized equipment to identify pathologies.
• Cytological examination. Helps determine the presence of a virus with a high risk of cancer.
• Cervical biopsy.
• Histological examination.

Women under 30 years of age should undergo preventive examinations every three years. If the result is positive for a type of virus with a high oncogenic risk, the examination should be carried out annually.

Older women, if there are no types of virus with a high oncogenic risk in their body, are examined every five years. In the presence of such viruses, a colposcopy procedure and a PCR test are recommended. In some cases, the treating specialist will order a cervical biopsy to more effectively treat women with human papillomavirus.

Upon reaching age 65 years, further testing ceases, provided that the last two cytological tests were negative for high-risk HPV.

TREATMENT

Treatment of papillomavirus in women involves two main approaches: antiviral therapy and surgical removal of papillomas. It should be remembered that folk remedies are extremely dangerous, since patients often confuse HPV with other diseases and in the process of self-medication aggravate their condition.

Antiviral therapy involves treatment with a wide range of antiviral drugs, as well as taking immunomodulators. The correct drug is selected in consultation with a doctor, depending on the test results and the type of virus in the body.

Surgical intervention involves the removal of a tumor on a woman’s body by a specialist surgeon under local anesthesia. Surgery is not the most effective treatment method, as this procedure can lead to the formation of scars and scars on the body.

Modern methods of treating papillomas:

• Laser therapy. During this procedure, tumors are removed without subsequent scarring of the skin.
• Electrocoagulation. Papillomas are removed under the influence of an electric current supplied using a special needle.
• Cryotherapy. This procedure of exposure to very low temperatures has become widely used to treat human papillomavirus in women. The peculiarity of the procedure is that it is completely painless.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Both the symptoms and treatment of the papilloma virus in women at the present stage of medical development do not cause difficulties for treating specialists. However, to prevent the disease, experts recommend following simple preventive measures that will help avoid this unpleasant disease.

Preventive measures:

• only protected sex with a particularly active sexual life, which is characterized by a constant change of men;
• antiviral vaccination;
• supporting immunity at a fairly high level;
• limiting the consumption of alcohol and nicotine.

PROGNOSIS FOR RECOVERY

Human papillomavirus in women is a disease that most often goes away on its own in a short time. The main complication of this disease is the risk of developing cervical cancer. Therefore, constant preventive examinations and compliance with all preventive measures are a prerequisite for women at risk.

The disease is often asymptomatic and does not cause any difficulties in everyday life. Treatment of the disease is possible without interruption from the work process.

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